Learn about the characteristics of marble tile flooring, the origins of marble for use as slabs and tile for flooring and wall tile, how marble is processed at the quarries and mills, practical benefits of marble tile

Marble Tile Flooring – Artistry and Sophistication In Stone Tiles

For a look of artistry and affluence, architects and builders have used marble tile and slabs for thousands of years.  For that long, marble tile for flooring has stood as a decorative touch, an opulent addition to an interior.  The Roman Empire used marble extensively for courtyards and halls of their government buildings, the seat of its power.  Even the Aztecs used marble tile, marking it as a type of flooring for use in their cities.  It seems that marble is intrinsically valued for its regal appeal across all continents and cultures.  Today, marble tile flooring is still perceived as being an artistic choice in tile, its look a timeless one,  and its popularity is assured.  A fixture in the halls of the Renaissance, marble tile as flooring can lead to an enlightened vision for your interior as well, be it a residence or commercial one.

Origins of marble

Having been in process for millions of years, marble tile is a truly remarkable material,  connected with the formation of limestone and travertine.  Marble is a metamorphic rock, meaning that its characteristics are a stage in its development.   Marble is effectively the result of a re-crystallization process which altered the original limestone into a new variety of natural stone.  When the limestone underwent further heating and applied pressure, elements such as fossil material and other sundry minerals combined to form a new rock that can be recognized as marble.  The mixture of mineral elements is random, accounting for the color variations and patterns found in the marble.  The patterns are most notably associated with detailed, vein-like rivulets which appear in various degrees from slab to slab, and from tile to tile.

Like most natural stone, it is these variations which give marble tile such potential for decorative use. Some marble is noted for a muted, earthy appeal, used a means of subtle shading within an interior.  Other varieties of marble are vibrant red, green, and other striking colors that serve as bold accents.   But, before this decorative potential can be realized as a tile flooring option, it must be quarried.

Making marble tile at the quarry

Marble is taken from adjacent layers of rock in large chunks and transported to mills nearby where it is suitably sawn into manageable chunks.  The priority at the mills is to create large marble slabs, and then to cut the remainder into tiles for use as flooring and for wall tile. Marble tiles are polished on one side, and are given a refined sheen for which they are best known.   Each tile is checked for natural faults, which are filled with pigmented resins in order to maintain its stability.  This process is also to benefit a more even surface and color, the latter of which is naturally varied.  Once quarried, sawn, polished, and checked for these minute fissures, the marble is ready to ship.

Practical marble tile for flooring

For many years, marble tile was used extensively in places that were noted for affluence.  But there is another side to the use of marble tile that can be attributed to a more practical usage.  In areas where it is important for cleanliness, free of allergens and pathogens, marble has a history of use, most notably in hospitals.  Porcelain tile is now more common in these areas, yet marble tile remains to be a choice in tile where microscopic particles have trouble finding purchase.  Also, in areas that is known for hot or humid temperatures, marble tile provides a refreshing, cool walking surface.  This adds comfort to the list of benefits one gains in marble tile for flooring.

Marble tile checklist

Marble is trusted material for flooring and wall tile and has been so for millennia.  There are ways and means by which to see about maintaining the look of a marble tile floor which will help to extend its original look.  There are also a few pitfalls to avoid for the same result.  Here is a select checklist for marble tile to use as a guide to a successful marble tile floor option in a residential or commercial project:

• Do your research.  Find out more about the nature of marble and decide if it is the most effective choice on a practical level for your installation.  Consider the location of your marble tile installation.  Think about the types of traffic it will need to endure, and judge how much time and resources you have to maintain your marble tile after it is installed in that location
•  Remember that marble is a natural material – it will not be free of color or pattern variation.  This of course can be used to your advantage when laying out your tile
• Open all the boxes in your particular shipment.  This will help you to get a general overview of the types of patterns and color variations that characterize your particular batch of marble tile
• Read all warranty information as early on in the process as possible.  This will allow you to avoid any possibility of voiding it, and also give you a general idea of what to expect from your chosen variety of marble tile
•  Hire a natural stone tile professional if you are inexperienced with the laying of marble tile.  This will allow you to avoid any undue exertion (natural stone is a heavy material) and costly errors
• Check for damage to tile before you install, and work with your sales rep about how to resolve any issues of breakage as early as possible.  Some marble tile sellers will allow for a percentage of expected breakage during shipment.  Make sure you’re aware of this information too, preferably before you buy. This will allow you to account for any extra tile you’ll need to order to make up for any square footage lost for reasonable breakage
• Install your marble tile in an area that is clean, dry, and level. This will ensure short term success as well as long term.
•  Incorporate a cleaning and polishing regimen in order to maintain your marble tile flooring.  Choose the appropriate cleaners and sealers (all natural stone needs to be sealed), with the help of your sales rep, installers, and local retailers.  Always read the labels and instructions for any products you buy.
• Take care of spills, particularly those liquids which are acidic, right away.  Acids will corrode marble tile and tarnish its finish

 Obviously, this is not a complete list of the types of considerations you’ll have to take into account when looking to install marble tile flooring.  As stated briefly above, a great way to make sure that you will have success in installing marble tile flooring is to seek the advice of those with experience.  Most reputable sellers will fill you in on the information that you’re missing, and help you to make the best choice in natural stone tile.