Is marble your preferred choice for marbles? This material is long-lasting, has unique patterns and will turn even the most plain-looking kitchen, bathroom, hallway or any other room into a room with soul. Whether you want to buy marble tile for your floors, backsplash, or counter top, there are a few things to have in mind as not everything you come across on the market is the real deal.
What to Consider?
Marble's Originality
Beware of imitations. Fake marble is quite common, so it's essential to be cautious. For example, a seller might attempt to deceive buyers by selling a white stone from any location as the prestigious Calacatta marble extracted from Italy's Carrara mountains. That's why buyers must research and gather information. While Spain, China, India, and Italy are the main sources of marble worldwide, there are also local varieties to consider.
Variety of Marble
Marble slabs have a variety of colours and patterns, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home decor. The veining in the slabs can be subtle or bold, adding character to any space. There are three main types of marble, each with its unique look.
- Breccia - many people buy marble tile of this type when they want warm, colourful tones in their countertops, walls, or floors. With shades like tan, red, brown, and gold, there's something for everyone. The veining in Breccia marble is usually black or grey, swirling elegantly across the surface. Some slabs even have bubble-like patterns that give the marble a unique, eye-catching appearance.
- Carrara - This marble has been a favourite choice for centuries, with Romans and Greeks using it for statues and pillars. Nowadays, it's a trendy option for flooring due to its beautiful white hues and light veining.
- Calacatta marble – it has a purer white colour and darker veining, creating a striking contrast to Carrara.
- Statuary marble - this one has a similar colour to Carrara but has a shinier texture, making it a classy option for your home.
- Titanium Black Marble - sourced from Greece, offers a dark contrast with silver-white veins for a striking look
- Emperador Marble from Spain - this one is famous for its unique brown shade, perfect for those seeking earthy tones.
- Crema Marfil - is a great alternative to traditional white marble, boasting a creamy hue with tan undertones.
- Yule marble from Colorado - resembles the white marble of Italy.
- Danby marble from Vermont - has a low absorption rate, making it ideal for wet areas in your home.
Types of Finish
Shiny
Marble often gets a shiny finish using a high-gloss polish. This involves using a machine to grind the surface, resulting in a radiant appearance that highlights the veining. With proper care, this polished finish can last for many years.
Honed
On the other hand, a honed finish involves lightly polishing the marble to create a smooth and flat surface. This gives it a softer, matte appearance that is considered more down-to-earth compared to the shiny finish.
You can use marble tiles in various household applications as it adds a unique beauty to any space. If you're considering buying marble for your home, it's important to keep a few factors in mind. Follow these guidelines or consult with a marble slab provider to ensure you make an informed purchase.
Colour
It's important to select a colour that blends well with your interior decor. Marble comes in various shades like pink, black, white, brown, orange, red, grey, green, and gold. Moreover, the patterns on the marble slabs usually enhance the overall design. If you're looking for a marble countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, it's best to opt for a shade that matches your current flooring and walls. Keep in mind that since marble is a natural stone, there may be irregularities in veining and variations in colour.
White marbles are the top pick for avoiding stains. Surprisingly, when acids from kitchen and household items come into contact with marble, they can leave a whitish mark. However, this mark is much less noticeable on white marble compared to darker colours like black, green, gold, and red.
Physical Features
Make sure to inspect the physical features of the marble slabs before making a selection. Check for any stains or cracks on the surface. Be cautious of providers offering artificially coloured marble, as these may fade quickly. It's also important to choose slabs with consistent dimensions and thickness for a uniform look once installed. For top-notch quality and assurance, consider purchasing marble from an ISO-certified supplier.
Marble Cuts
Marble slabs can be cut in two different ways: crosscut and vein cut. The first cut showcases veins more randomly and prominently. The vein linearly cut displays veins. There is no correct or incorrect cut. Your choice should be based on your taste and how you want the veins to appear.
Marble Tiles Maintenance
After selecting the colour, type, and finish of your marble tiles, the next thing to consider is how to properly maintain them. It's important to avoid placing acidic or oily substances directly on the counter, as they can cause etching, which leaves unsightly marks. Etching can make the marble surface appear dull and lacklustre. To prevent this, you can apply a sealant to protect the stone's surface.
