If you are considering installing white marble flooring in your home, I am so glad you are here! While there is no shortage of different types of marble flooring, this post is all about white marble. I am a HUGE fan of Carrara white marble, and you may or may not find it all over our new renovation, but before you install marble tile in your bathroom, you must understand all the white marble flooring pros and cons.
This post is all about white marble flooring pros and cons
Marble is such a gorgeous, unique, and lovely stone that, when used in the home, it immediately lends a luxurious feel to the space. Marble is commonly used as countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, on kitchen islands, for backsplashes in the kitchen or bathroom, as tub and shower surrounds, and on the floors.
Marble floors are beautiful and timeless. Always popular and on-trend, they evoke an old-world charm. I love marble and use it in many places in my home (for example, on the floors and in the shower in this bathroom remodel), but it does come with a few drawbacks. To decide if marble flooring suits you, you must know all the pros and cons.
What is Marble?
Marble is a natural stone that is formed through intense heat and pressure. It is famous for its delicate and unique veining patterns, which are actually impurities (beautiful impurities) in the stone.
Marble is quarried, cut into slabs, and then installed as slabs or made into tile. Marble is quarried in several countries around the world, and the location it comes from determines what it looks like. Some of the most popular types of white marble are:
- Carrara Marble – This is the most commonly used type of marble, and it comes from Italy. It is grayish-white with gray veining and is beautiful. Again, this is also one of my personal favorites!
- Calcutta Marble – Also from Italy, this is the most expensive type of marble you will likely find. It is bright white with gray and gold veining. It comes from the same mountain as Carrara marble but is much more rare.
- Statuary Marble – This type of marble also comes from Italy, although from a more northern region. It is almost translucent, and its milky color makes it look especially delicate and luxurious.
- Bianco Marble – This white marble comes with either silver or gold veining and has a very luxurious sheen.
- Thasos Marble – This is one of the most rare forms of marble. It has a very creamy color with tiny bluish veining.
Marble Flooring: The Pros
Appearance
Marble floors have an elegant and luxurious appearance. Because of their broad appeal, marble floors tend to catch the eye of potential buyers, thus raising your home’s resale value. This makes them a good investment in your home.
Because every piece of marble has different veining, your floor will be unique. Every tile or slab you use will be different, resulting in a one-of-a-kind floor. And its timeless look will never go out of style.
Marble flooring is also a very versatile option. Since it comes in so many colors and patterns, you’re sure to be able to find marble floor designs that you love that fit perfectly with your aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to mix marbles! We just installed a marble checkerboard floor in our shower. The checkerboard marble floor was a mixture of Carrara White and gray marble. The flooring combined with carrara white marble walls turned out beautifully!
Take your time and look at lots of marble types and options and see which one you love the most! Hint – Floor and Decor has some great marble options!
Longevity and Ease of Maintenance
If they are cared for properly (and sealed regularly), marble floors can last twenty years or more. It is best to regularly sweep, dust mop, or vacuum marble floors to prevent scratching from debris, and always use a neutral pH cleaner to clean them. Always use the appropriate marble floor cleaner and avoid bleach, vinegar, or any acidic cleansers.
If you are installing them in the shower, the maintenance will be a little more involved due to the exposure to moisture. You will want to clean the marble more frequently than a normal floor and use marble-specific mold and mildew removers that will not harm your marble.
One of the beautiful things about marble is that it can be polished and refreshed and look new again with the right tools!
Temperature
Marble is, of course, chilly to the touch since it’s a natural stone. But it does lend itself very well to radiant heat systems under the floor. This is when electrical or hydronic systems are installed under the flooring to produce heat. A radiant heat system installed in the floor is a cost-efficient and eco-friendly way to heat your home, and marble performs exceptionally well with them.
Marble is a better option than some other types of flooring if you live in an area with dramatic temperature swings. It can withstand temperature changes easily without cracking or buckling.
Other Benefits of Marble
- Marble has naturally occurring antibiotic properties and resists mold growth
- Because it’s a natural stone, it’s a “green” option for your home that is not produced using chemicals
- It reflects light, bringing a shimmery look to your home
- The tiles and slabs come in many sizes and designs
Marble Flooring: The Cons
While there is a lot to love about marble flooring, it may not be the right choice for everyone. It is wise to consider the drawbacks before making a big decision, like flooring.
Durability
Marble has a porous surface, which means it is a relatively soft stone. It is pretty easy to scratch tiles, which can mar the look of the stone. One of my favorite things about marble is that it still has a lovely look even when scratched. Fortunately, marble floor polishing can be done to restore your marble when the time comes years down the road!
Marble also reacts to acidic liquids, which means spills of something like orange juice in the kitchen might damage the surface. Care must be taken regarding which cleaners can be used on marble floors–gentle is better. Also, if water sits for a long time on a marble floor, it can seep into the stone and discolor it. So make sure to wipe up spills right away! As you can imagine, the lighter the color, the more likely stains are to be visible.
Feel
Marble is a cold, sleek stone. Without a heating system underneath, it will feel chilly to your bare feet much of the year. And because of its shine, it is very slippery, which could be problematic in areas like the bathroom and kitchen. You can use non-slip rugs in critical places to mitigate the risk of slipping. You can also use honed marble, which has a smooth, matte finish and is not as slippery (which I love!).
Installation and Upkeep
Marble is an expensive flooring option as tile floors go–roughly twice as much as ceramic tile. The installation can be tricky since marble is heavy and fragile, making it a little challenging. Installation is similar to the installation of any other type of tile floor, except that marble needs to be sealed upon installation (due to its porous surface). It must also be sealed every year to keep it in excellent condition.
Substitutes
If you love the look of marble but natural marble is too expensive, or the upkeep seems like more than you want to take on, you have other options. There are many marble alternatives, such as porcelain, that actually look like marble!
Summary
White marble flooring is a gorgeous option that will add value, luxury, and beauty to your home. While there are many benefits to using white marble on your floors, a few drawbacks need to be carefully considered. In this post, we shared the pros and cons of marble flooring. If you decide to go with a marble mosaic tile, I recommend you take a peek at my post, How to Install Mosaic Tile Like an Expert.
If you ask me, it is a great flooring choice, but it really depends on the type of living that takes place in your home! If you decide that marble is the right choice for your floors, you won’t regret it. Its stunning beauty will make you love the space for years to come!
