No other material says “luxury” quite like marble flooring for condos. It provides a beautiful aesthetic appearance and can instantly turn any condo into an open, spacious, and striking space. The way marble is made allows it to withstand intense heat and pressure without developing any defects or stains. Today, marble is widely used as flooring and countertops in condos.
TYPES OF MARBLE
Is marble a good choice for condos? Many designs and patterns of marble flooring are available. In general, they are classified into three categories based on their appearance.
- Carara is white marble and the most popular flooring option. It has been around for decades and widely used in Europe but now is gaining popularity in North America. Carrara tiles vary in shades of white and the surface may feature light gray veining.
- Calacatta is another marble type very similar to Carrara. It is generally pure white and has darker gray veins running through it, which results in greater contrast.
- Breccia is black marble and very elegant. Breccia offers a more welcoming and warmer feeling compared to Calacatta and Carrara, but it will not help lighten smaller spaces. It is also available in other darker shades of deep brown, gold, and red. The darkish gray veins tend to look like decorative swirls.
Depending on what the owner wants, marble flooring for condos may have a matte or high gloss finish. Most condo owners prefer a high gloss appearance which gives the flooring a radiant and elegant look. The polished marble, with its reflective glossy finish, can last decades if well maintained.
SIZE
Is marble flooring a good choice for condos? For most condo floorings, marble tiles measuring 2 x 2 feet are most popular. The smaller size can also make installation a little easier. Large marble slabs are available, but they are very heavy to carry, and the chances of breakage are high if they drop. As well, larger slabs require special cutting tools, which prolong the installation and increase the cost. The thickness of marble slabs varies from ½ an inch to ¾ of an inch.
QUALITY
The quality of marble tiles also varies, and it is important to review the quality before the final purchase. Factors that can attest to the quality include the following:
- Lower-end marble tiles with a mesh are usually mounted on a backing of fiberglass resin. These tiles are less durable and more likely to break or scratch. These mesh-backed tiles are usually recommended in areas of low traffic.
- Sometimes the low-quality tiles may have filled areas. It is important, therefore, to look at the tile for small holes that may have been filled in with a resin. Over time, these areas of resin may loosen, leaving a gap that may require further patching.
- Another tell-tale sign of a poor-quality marble tile is the presence of fissures. These fissures make the tiles very susceptible to breakage especially when heavy furniture is placed on them. If a fissure is present on the back of the tile, you preferably want to avoid those tiles.
Is marble flooring a good choice for condos? As with any surface, there are some pros and cons to marble. Let’s dig in!
STRENGTHS OF MARBLE
Marble is truly beautiful, timeless, and has a complex and absorbing visual texture. It’s hard to go wrong choosing marble flooring. There’s virtually no area that doesn’t look better with marble. Unlike many other flooring materials, marble is frequently installed in moist or wet environments, like bathrooms or kitchens, where water drips and splashes can easily be wiped away without causing any damage.
Now for the concerns about marble and how to address them.
Is Marble Flooring Resistant to Scratching?
First, concerns about scratching and chipping. Marble is a softer stone, and it can scratch. Marble flooring looks best when polished, and scratches show more easily on polished material.
This can be easily addressed by remembering to use mats and area rugs. Marble doesn’t just scratch the first time something gritty gets pressed into it. It takes consistent wear. Therefore, use mats that people can wipe their shoes on, and remember to clean the marble lightly. The goal isn’t to polish it every time out; it’s just to get that sand and grit off the surface, so it doesn’t get ground in.
Is Marble Flooring Resistant to Staining?
The one downside to marble is that it is susceptible to staining, especially from alkaline and acidic substances. In addition, prolonged contact with pet urine can also stain the marble. Therefore, spills of any kind should be wiped up quickly. It is not the liquid that matters but the duration of contact.
If a liquid stays on the marble for days at a time, it can stain the marble. The solution here is simply to make sure things are cleaned. Again, this isn’t about scrubbing; it’s just about wiping a spill up instead of letting it sit there for days on end.
Is Marble Slippery?
Another potential issue with polished marble is that it can become slippery, especially when wet. Therefore, if you have anyone in your home with gait problems, seniors, or young children, you might want to consider avoiding glossy, highly polished marble tiles, as the risk of slipping can be high, especially when the tile is wet. To decrease the risk of slippages, you may want to reduce the polish, place multiple non-slip rugs on the flooring, and apply a non-slip surface cover on the tile. Overall, honed marble flooring is less susceptible to slips compared to polished marble floors.
Is Marble Flooring Resistant to Etching?
Another problem encountered with marble flooring is an etching, which involves corrosion. You can test the acid sensitivity of a tile sample with a simple lemon juice test. Etching is the most easily solved problem here. Marble polishing paste removes it simply and easily (and also works for scratches). While marble is susceptible to etching, it isn’t that big of a problem to fix.
Any of these issues can become problems if there’s a lack of cleaning or maintenance – but that’s true with any type of flooring. Most concerns about marble flooring are good to be aware of but generally overblown. It’s a strong choice for luxury condo interior design.
Not a DIY Project
Installation of marble flooring for condos is not a Do-It-Yourself project. In general, unless you have the skills of a contractor, installing a marble floor is not a DIY project. First, one must know how to lay the marble tiles and cut them. Special cutting tools are needed to shape and cut the tiles. The subfloor should also be perfect and flat without any bumps or dips.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Once marble flooring has been installed, you need to have a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule. All spills must be quickly cleaned up. The flooring has to be swept frequently to remove dirt and sand particles, which can cause scratches on the flooring. All food and liquid spills need to be cleaned promptly to prevent staining. Avoid leaving standing water on marble; otherwise, it will dull the surface.
At least once a year, have a professional seal the polished marble floor to help prevent staining. Use a wet sponge and mild detergent to keep the marble floor clean. Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions. If you look after the marble flooring, it will most likely be the last flooring you will install in your lifetime.
CONCLUSION
Is marble flooring a good choice for condos? Marble flooring for condos can be a great addition. It is beautiful and speaks volumes of luxury. It should be professionally installed. To learn more, contact East Coast Flooring & Interiors experts at 1-954-621-1375 to schedule a free consultation.
