Marble is a type of natural stone that
historically has been popular in most flooring applications, and no
other natural stone enhances a home or offices' formal, elegant and
soft look that marble creates.
Historically, marble was commonly installed in
hallways, ballrooms, dining areas and foyers, although it can be
effectively applied in almost any room. The lighter marble floor types
are most effective for flooring, although colored tiles also can make
an excellent design statement, as with patterned or mosaic styles.
Marble Tiles Add A Rustic Feel to Homes And Buildings
In bigger houses homes and offices, marble floor
tiles add to a stately feel. Marble steps also add a famously regal
element. Marble tiles installed in a fireplace are an excellent way to
add formality to an architectural element that is often considered
rustic.
For those who crave more extravagant designs,
there are even exquisitely-carved marble hearths and mantles and entire
fireplace surrounds. The end resulting of fire and sculptured stone
surely would make an elegantly bold statement.
The Use Of Tumbled Marble Tiles Has Grown Lately
The recent popularity of "tumbled marble"has
significantly increased, as these rustic-looking tiles have a rough
finish, and often have little pits full of crystal, and an uneven edge
which is usually rounded at the corners. These types are available in
many sizes and are popular for backsplashes, showers, and flooring. The
hand-carved design provides an effective method of counteracting the
formal air which marble typically brings to different types of rooms.
Marble Has A Penchant For Staining When Used Outdoors
For outdoor use, marble usually does not fare as
well as granite. Because it can easily be stained and dissolved by
water, which may wreck the integrity of a fine polish, polished marble
usually has a limited outdoor lifespan.
However, as with the Parthenon and a host of other
ancient Roman and Greek buildings and structures, which are still
standing two thousand years later, marble still is definitely a durable
material. The bright, creamy appearance of marble often changes, when
weathered, into an aged, rustic look. For many homeowners, this can add
a stately charm to a home's exterior, and outdoor marble is a popular
choice for that reason.
Materials That Could Damage Marble Floors
For those who install these types of tiles at
home, it would be wise to take note that some types of liquid or food
which contain acid and spilled on marble floors could etch, or leave a
dull mark on marble surface.
Among these are carbonated beverages, lemon juice,
orange juice, cranberry juice, apple juice, tomato, wine, etc. The dull
stain may either be as large as a coin or could spread over several
tiles. Another major contributor of stains and etch marks are cleaning
agents, or detergents which contain acid.
Examples of these are tile cleaners, vinegar, Ajax
and others. Since, marble tiles are porous and can easily be discolored
by spills from food, sitting pots, metal furniture legs, oil, ink,
water damage, extra care should be observed when carrying liquids or
food with high acid contents. In addition to chemicals that contain
acid, there are also other mixtures that have high alkaline or bleach
content, which may be damaging to marble floors, and make it lose its
luster and elegance.
Tap water could also have a negative effect on
these tiles. As we know, tap water could contain high chlorine, salt,
magnesium and potassium levels. When water is regularly utilized to
clean marble floors, it could ruin certain these by causing pitting,
spelling and yellowing. It is vital for individuals to protect the
floor by using a premium sealer.
(cn-stonenet.com)
