Marble has been used as a flooring material in buildings since the ancient time. However, with the introduction of new artificial flooring materials in the market the usage of marble tiles has reduced. The article will help you to assess marble as the right material for your flooring.
Introduction
The extensive use of marble in flooring residential and commercial buildings is not a new trend. Marble, because of if numerous benefits, has been used in construction since the ancient days. It is one material that has not lost it charm, and through its elegant and luxurious traits, still continues to entice people around the world. However, with the advancement in technology, there have been many flooring options that have come up in the market which offer equivalent or even better qualities. So is marble still a suitable choice? Let’s find out.
Though there are many materials for flooring other than marble, the functionality quotient of marble is much higher than the rest of them. Also, in today’s smart world, people are looking for something that not only has aesthetic values but also has equal reliability and functionality. Marble flooring is extensively used in tiling bathrooms, kitchen walls and even for a few outdoor applications. However, the most extensive use of marble has been for flooring.
Benefits
The main reason for marble being the first choice with many people is its ability to blend elegance and style along with long lasting durability. Moreover, marble is the very easy to install and is available in various pattern, designs and colors, a prime need for the modern homes. Many experts believe that marble when used as a flooring material not only increases the elegance of the building but also increases the overall value drastically.
For home flooring, marble tiles are the best choice. The most important thing about marble flooring is that it’s catchy, elegant and extremely beautiful. Moreover, its glossy and smooth surface makes it even more eye-catching and attractive. Marble is also famous for cool and comfortable qualities, especially in summers. This is because marble is a poor conductor of heat and would thus not lose or gain heat easily. Moreover, the shinny surface of marble has a tendency to reflect light which actually helps in heating the atmosphere of the room. Unlike other flooring, marble doesn’t lose both heat and cold, making it ideal for rooms using artificial heating or cooling systems.
Another benefit of marble flooring is that it is easy to clean, both with vacuum and sweeping. The smooth surface also prevents the bacteria and other disease causing germs from holding on to the surface. The surface is also resistant to scratches or cracks. Also, as more and more people move towards “green living”, the usage of marble will increase. This is because marble is a naturally available material.
One unique feature of marble tiles is that no two marble tiles are alike. This means that each flooring done with marble is a unique work, not similar to any flooring in the world. Marble is also cheaper that most of the synthetic or artificial flooring materials, making it a more favorable choice among people.
Drawbacks
In spite of all the above benefits, marble has a few drawbacks. Marble, though easy to clean, has a tendency of developing stains. Spillage of any dark colored liquid such as red wine deteriorates the quality of marble tiles. It is for this reason that marble is not suitable for kitchens flooring or walls. Marble tiles used in bathroom can also be a nuisance because of its slippery surface, which becomes more dangerous with soap or normal water over them. Moreover, marble has a capacity of consuming acidic compounds. Thus using acid for cleaning bathroom tiles will lead to generation of ugly stains. Apart from that, tea and coffee, accumulated dirt and water, and any kind of oil and greasy substances cause stains and rough patches on marble flooring. Thus, if marble flooring is done it is important to maintain it on a regular basis to avoid loss of the much needed elegance and beauty.
Therefore, selecting marble for flooring would solely depend on the type of application. Marble is a blend of both favorable and non favorable qualities, which only with the right application and maintenance would allow the marble to shine and exhibit its grace and elegance.