Marble Floor Tiles - Types, Pros & Cons

Marble is a natural flooring stone tile quarried from mountainous regions that has been a popular choice for millennia. It has graced the places of kings and queens for centuries, becoming a luxurious option for interiors. 

Natural stones used for flooring are stone blocks that are cut directly from the stone blocks that were formed millions of years ago. Natural stones are mountain-born mineral substances that stand in contrast to any synthetic or manufactured stone products. The use of natural stones for building helps to upgrade their floors and boost the value of their property. 

Marble tiles require more maintenance as they are more prone to damage compared to other ceramic and natural stones.

Pros of Marble Tiles

1. Natural and elegant tile material

2. Can accommodate radiant floor heating

3. Increase real estate value

4. Can be easily polished

Cons of Marble Tiles

1. Marble tiles are porous that would require sealing

2. Susceptible to scratches and stains

3. Expensive

4. Slippery and brittle

5. Provide cold underfoot

Costs of Marble Tiles

General marble tiles cost $10 to $20 per square foot and some special marbles cost as high as $40 per square foot. Its installation cost is similar to ceramic tile installation and costs high when installed professionally, $3 to $7 per square foot. If complicated layouts are to be created, the cost of work increases.

Maintenance and Repair

Marbles require regular maintenance, once installed. Marble must not be subjected to standing water while cleaning, as it can penetrate into the marble pores and discolor it. 

Marble is alkaline as it originates from sedimentary limestone. Hence, it is prone to chemical reactions when it comes in contact with acidic substances. Foods like beverages, sauces, and cleaning products. This discoloration is usually permanent. So, for optimal protection marble floors require surface sealer. 

Marble is a soft material that can be easily scratched or chipped under wrong exposure. Scratches cannot be repaired. It can only be replaced.

Types of Marble Flooring Tiles

The main types of marbles floor tiles are:

1. Carrara marble

2. Calacatta marble

3. Statuary or statuario marble

4. Emperador marble

5. Crema marfil marble

6. Talathello marble

7. Levadia black marble

Also Read: Difference Between Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuary Marble