Marble Flooring Pros And Cons

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Marble flooring is everywhere these days. It’s popular for home décor, and it can be found in hotels, restaurants, and even public spaces such as libraries. But what are the pros and cons of marble floors? Is it worth investing in this pricey material?

In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of marble floors, so you can decide whether or not they are right for your home. Keep reading to learn more.

Image Credit: http://mccoymart.com

Pros of marble flooring.

Let’s have a look at some of the pros of marble flooring:

  • Durable – Marble is a durable material, so it can stand up to heavy traffic areas, such as hallways or public spaces. However, marble does not hold up well under abrasive conditions, so you should avoid using overly harsh chemicals on your marble floors.
  • Attractive – The patterns and veining in marble are appealing to the eye. The different colors within the stone give it depth and richness that other flooring materials simply don’t have.
  • Versatile – You can find marble in all sorts of neutral colors, making it easy to blend with almost any decorating scheme. With so many options available, you will certainly find something appropriate for your home.
  • Price – Marble floors can be costly, but they typically last a long time. Although the initial cost may seem high, you likely won’t need to replace your marble floor for quite some time. And when it comes to re-doing your floors, marble is cheaper than hardwood and other natural stones such as travertine or slate.

Cons of marble flooring:

Several cons come with using marble flooring:

  • Cost – As we mentioned above, the upfront price to install marble flooring can be moderately high; however, depending on how much traffic your home sees and how long you plan to hold onto the material, you might find that marble outlasts hardwood or other floors. So, in the long run, you may not find marble to be any more costly than other types of flooring materials.
  • Maintenance – Marble is a porous material that stains easily and shows every tiny little imperfection. You will need to clean your marble floors regularly to help prevent pitting and staining. The cleaning process can also be time-consuming because of how porous the stone is.
  • Scratching – As mentioned above, marble is quite durable; however, it does scratch fairly easily–even with gentle wear on high traffic areas during normal use. If you have children, pets, or careless visitors in your home who are prone to bumping into furniture or door frames, you may end up with noticeable scratches on your marble floors.
  • Heat Retention – Marble has excellent heat retention, which means that it will become extremely hot when exposed to sunlight. If you plan to install marble in a room where the sun shines directly through windows (such as an entryway), make sure to use non-heat-producing light bulbs or go for frosted glass windows. You can also use floor lamps at night instead of overhead lights.

Let’s now have a look at some of the above features (and a few others) in more detail.

Marble flooring is durable and timeless

One of the biggest pros of marble floors is that they are both durable and timeless. Marble itself is a natural stone, which means it’s more durable than any other flooring material out there. This makes it perfect for high-traffic areas such as your foyer or entryway. Also, marble floors tend to fit in with all kinds of home décor styles – traditional, contemporary, modern… you name it. And since they can be found in just about every color imaginable, chances are that at least one type will go well with your current interior design scheme.

There are different types of marble

Another pro worth mentioning is that not all marbles are made equal. There are many different types on the market to choose from – for example, Carrara marble is popular in bathrooms because it’s resistant to stains. Verde antique marble has a rich green color that offers contrast and depth. And black marsala marble boasts subtle tones that are perfect for creating unique looks.

It can be expensive to install a marble floor

Marble is an expensive material, so the installation costs may be high depending on where you live and where you plan on putting your new floors. This makes it hard for people who rent their homes since they won’t be able to recoup their investment if they decide to pack up and leave soon after the installation.

Marble floors require regular maintenance and care to maintain their beauty and value over time. There are some other cons to consider as well, such as the fact that marble floors require regular maintenance. You must keep them clean of dirt and grime, or they will quickly lose their luster. Also, marble is porous, so it’s easy for liquids to get absorbed into it if you don’t take steps to protect your investment. Luckily though, there are some simple ways you can prevent this from happening.

Another issue is that since marble floors are made of stone, they will expand when exposed to humidity. This means that they may need to be refinished every few years.

Cleaning your marble floor

Cleaning marble floors is fairly straightforward. You can use a standard floor cleaner or cleanser, and make sure you don’t let the cleaning product sit on your floors for too long. This could damage the finish of your marble surface.

Also, clean up any spills quickly to prevent them from getting absorbed into your flooring and causing permanent damage. If you happen to drop some food or drink on your floor, make sure to blot it up with a clean cloth or paper towel – never use any cleaning products on the spill before you’ve removed all of the liquid.

Also, remember that marble floors are very porous, so they will absorb scents. If you plan on using candles in your home (or if someone else does), make sure not to place them too close to your marble surfaces, as this could damage your floors over time.

Tips for maintaining marble floors

Here are some tips for taking care of your new marble floors:

  • Never use a steam cleaner on your marble floor.
  • If you have pets, try to limit the amount of time they spend on your floors – not only to help prevent messes from happening, but also so that there’s less chance of any damage being done.
  • Always keep an eye out for signs of scratches or nicks in your marble flooring. If necessary, have these repaired immediately by a professional before it gets worse.

Also, sealing a marble floor is very important. It will protect your floor from stains, dirt, and any other pollutants you have in your home. If you are not sure how to seal a marble floor, contact a company that specializes in this type of work.

Marble floors aren’t for everyone but if they fit your lifestyle and ideal decor scheme, then they could be the perfect addition to your home. While marble floors come with some pros and cons, they are still an attractive option that many people choose. You’ll just need to weigh the pros and cons carefully, then decide if marble is the right choice for your home.

Marble Flooring Pros And Cons – FAQ

Which type of flooring is the most difficult to maintain?

Marble or travertine. These stones are porous and stains seep into the stone pores easily, making them very hard to remove. They require waxing and sealing to keep the stone in the best condition.

Which type of stone is most durable?

Granite, travertine, and sandstone are extremely hard and will maintain their appearance for a long time. Slate is somewhat durable but not as much as these other three stones. Marble can be too porous, which makes it more susceptible to scratches and stains (although marble requires less maintenance than travertine or granite).

Which type of flooring is the least expensive?

Vinyl flooring is one of the most affordable options on the market. This type of product has evolved so much over the years it may be difficult to tell what’s made from vinyl and what’s not.

Which type of flooring is most expensive?

Marble and travertine are the most expensive options on the market. These stones require a great deal of maintenance to keep them looking their best so they may not be worth the trouble for some homes.

Which type of flooring is most eco-friendly?

Bamboo and cork are sustainable, naturally replenishable resources. Vinyl flooring can be recycled but it requires a great deal of energy to do so, which may make it a less-than-ideal option for the eco-conscious consumer.

Which type of stone is installed most quickly?

Vinyl tile is incredibly easy to install and can often be done in a day. Solid hardwood floors also require little time because there’s no installation involved; these products simply rest on top of your subfloor.

Marble Flooring: Pros & Cons, Design Ideas and Cost
Image Credit: http://sefastone.com

Which type of flooring is the most luxurious?

Marble, slate, and travertine are extremely luxurious stones. These products have a rich history and they’re very attractive. Granite is another stone that offers allure as well as durability, so it’s also a great choice for luxury homes. Almost any type of luxury finish could be used on one of these stones to create an extremely attractive product.

Final thoughts on marble flooring pros and cons

In conclusion, marble creates a very elegant appearance. The pros certainly outweigh any cons that are associated with the product. Marble floors are often used in high traffic areas but due to their durability, they can also be used in high-end homes as well. Many people will not use marble flooring in bathrooms or kitchens due to the porous nature of this stone.

By keeping in mind all of the above pros and cons, a person can make a well-informed decision on if marble flooring is right for them.

The post Marble Flooring Pros And Cons appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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