Is marble flooring a good idea?
What's the story
Marble is the first choice of people looking for beautiful and elegant options for their floors. The advent of synthetic styles and the availability of several other stones have not been able to lessen the shine of marble. However, marble comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages. So before you go shopping, take a look at some of them.
Benefits
Marble flooring offers distinct colors, patterns, and better polish
Not a single piece of marble looks exactly the same as the other and this feature makes the material expensive. While there is a similarity in colors in a set of slabs, there will be a difference in pattern. Marble is polished to get an extremely smooth and shiny appearance. The polishing also provides a layer of protection.
Other benefits
Marble flooring is eco-friendly and translucent
Marble flooring has a translucent property and helps the light bounce back. This gives it a natural glow, making it a favorite with people who are into aesthetics. This illuminating feature can be noticed in all kinds of marbles, even the darker ones. Marble is also a natural material that can be recycled and does not harm the environment in any manner.
Cost
High buying cost and relatively expensive maintenance
Marble flooring is expensive and requires regular maintenance. Each slab will cost you a lot more than other stones, with the installation an equally costly affair. It also requires maintenance, otherwise, the wear and tear will begin really quickly. Such floors are often covered with a sealant that prevents scratches and other damage. This process needs to be repeated every year or so.
Drawbacks
The soft surface means easier damage
Marble is prone to quick damage. It can sustain scratches from furniture and anything hard that touches the surface. With the material being marginally alkaline, marble can react with acidic materials and create an evident stain. So if you have kids, you are looking at even more damage. Re-installation is another cumbersome process as scooping out the floor is a tough process.
Other disadvantages
It can be unpleasant in colder climates
This kind of flooring is relatively colder and can be uncomfortable in freezing temperatures. It is also not suitable in the kitchen because of its hardness which can make any sensitive item that falls on the floor shatter immediately. Marble stones are soft which makes them prone to cracks. Some environmentalists also argue about the carbon emissions caused by the mining of marble.