Marble is a naturally occurring material of superior quality. It's a metamorphic type of rock, formed when a sedimentary stone (like limestone) is put under immense heat and pressure. The result is an incredibly hardwearing stone known for its strikingly beautiful colors and signature veined patterns.
Unlike ceramics and porcelain, marble is found in the earth and quarried from various parts of the globe. It's then cut down into slabs. Marble is primarily found in mountainous regions of Europe, North America, and South America. Marble tiles are a popular design choice for interior and exterior design, so the options for using this stone are plentiful.
Marble slabs for flooring can range from $10 to $20 per square foot. Marble tile is on average less expensive and costs anywhere between $10 to $15 per square foot. Installation costs raise the price of marble tile flooring, so most home design projects using marble total can cost an average of $28.00 - $35.00 per square foot.
The most notable disadvantages of marble tile involve its installation and maintenance. First, marble tile is more difficult to install than other materials. It is best to have skilled professionals install your marble tile because of its unique application needs. Second, although marble tile is durable, it can be damaged if the tile is not regularly sealed and cleaned. Marble tile is a porous material, which means it can stain if spills sit for too long, so immediate cleanups are recommended.
One of the greatest advantages of marble tile is its ability to instantly elevate the look of any space. Marble has a certain timeless quality that other types of flooring lack. Marble tile is available in multiple stunning colors to suit various interior styles. White marble tile, gray marble tile, and black marble tile are all very popular.
Another advantage of marble tile is that its natural formation makes each piece unique. So your marble countertops, marble flooring, and marble shower walls will be one-of-a-kind. Marble tile has a natural subtle glow, which means your marble flooring will have a certain regalness that is unmatched by other natural materials.
Marble tile is suitable for flooring or wall coverings in all rooms in homes and commercial buildings. Marble tile flooring is especially popular in upscale businesses like luxury hotels or elegant restaurants.
This tile also works to add a touch of elegance to bathrooms, whether in the home or in a business. Marble tile showers and marble bathroom sinks are high-end ways to use the material. Additionally, a marble mosaic tile kitchen backsplash is a stunning way to add a bit of creativity to your kitchen.
Marble floors have considerable strength and durability. With some TLC and regular maintenance, marble floors cam look brand new for nearly 25 years. A professional should always install marble tiles, and experts should handle repairs.
Marble is not naturally scratch resistant. In order to help prevent scratches on marble flooring, you should apply a sealer to help protect the surface of the material. However, even sealed marble floors are prone to scratching due to heavy foot traffic or the use of heavy furniture and appliances. We suggest resealing marble floors to maintain their beauty and luster.
Unpolished marble is typically less slippery, while polished marble tile can be quite slippery when wet. We recommend immediately drying your marble tile with a soft cloth or dry mop after cleaning to limit the chances of falls or accidents.
Marble is not naturally waterproof, but you can seal it to increase its water resistance. If properly installed and sealed, marble tile can last for years in wet environments like bathrooms and kitchens. Marble kitchen backsplashes and marble shower walls can hold up to moisture for years when properly maintained.
A natural material, marble tiles are both beautiful and strong. However, unlike processed flooring materials like porcelain, marble tile is more prone to break. Marble has a crystalline structure, so you should transport marble tile and marble slabs carefully for shipping. Professionals should install marble tile flooring to prevent major breaks that damage to the material.
Since marble is a natural stone, it requires special care. Hence, marble is susceptible to etching, which is damage caused by acid. Therefore, be sure to be careful with acidic substances like coffee or tea around your tile and immediately clean any spills. Moreover, be sure to use a special natural stone cleaner or neutral household cleaner, as common household cleaners, like bleach, could damage the stone.
Marble floor tiles are a luxurious and classic flooring option known for their natural beauty, durability, and unique patterns. Each tile is crafted from natural marble stone, which is formed over millions of years, giving each piece a distinct appearance. Unlike other natural stones, marble tiles are ideal as floor tiles in both residential and commercial applications.
Marble is a broad term to indicate different types of natural stones. Marble tile is the most well-known natural stone among travertine tiles, onyx tiles, granite tiles, and slate tiles.
Marble floor tiles are available in various finishes, including polished, honed, and tumbled, and they come in a range of colors and patterns that can add elegance to any space.
Marble floor tiles in bathrooms create a sophisticated and timeless look. The natural veining and variety of color options allow for creative and elegant design choices. Marble is a popular choice for bathrooms due to its durability and resistance to moisture when properly sealed.
It adds a touch of luxury and can transform a bathroom into a serene and stylish retreat. White Carrara marble, Calacatta Gold marble, and Crema Marfil marble are some of the most popular types.
Marble mosaic floor tiles are small pieces of marble arranged in intricate patterns or designs. These tiles can be used to create detailed and artistic flooring, often featuring geometric or floral patterns. Marble mosaic tiles are ideal for adding a decorative element to any room, especially in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, where a touch of elegance and sophistication is desired.
Marble mosaic tiles have been around for years. They used to come in basic sizes like herringbone mosaics, basketweave mosaics, and a few other basic shapes. However, in the last decade, larger, more decorative marble mosaics became more popular. Shapes like hexagons, and large octagon mosaics in 4 times the traditional scale can be used to cover a large bathroom marble mosaic floor tile.
White marble floor tiles are known for their pure, clean appearance and subtle veining, which adds a touch of sophistication and brightness to any space. They can make a room feel more spacious and are often used in modern and classic design schemes. White marble is versatile and can complement various color palettes and decor styles, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
Black marble floor tiles offer a bold and dramatic look, characterized by their dark, rich color and striking veining patterns. They create a sense of luxury and elegance, making them a perfect choice for high-end interiors. Black marble tiles can add depth and contrast to a space and are often used in contemporary, modern, and minimalist designs to make a strong visual statement.
Black marble, Nero Marquina, and Spanish black marble are some of the most popular ones. A word of caution about black marble floor tile is the type of finish used. Honed black marble is recommended. Polished black marble may show watermarks on bathroom floors.
Marble wall tiles bring the timeless beauty and elegance of natural marble to vertical surfaces, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any room.
These tiles are prized for their unique veining and luxurious finish, making them a popular choice for feature walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces. Marble wall tiles are available in various sizes, colors, and finishes, allowing for versatile design possibilities that can complement both traditional and contemporary interiors. Marble wall tiles are easier to clean and they bring value and esthetic beauty to any bathroom.
Marble tile shower walls create a luxurious and spa-like atmosphere in bathrooms. The natural veining and diverse color options of marble add a touch of sophistication and elegance. Marble's durability and moisture resistance, when properly sealed, make it an excellent choice for wet areas.
Marble shower walls can be customized with different tile sizes and patterns to create a unique and personalized shower experience. In general, we recommend bigger sizes inside the showers so that there are fewer grout lines which will make it easier to clean.
Marble tile backsplashes are a stylish and functional addition to kitchens and bathrooms. They protect walls from moisture and stains while adding a touch of elegance and class. The natural beauty and variety of marble allow for creative design choices, from classic subway tiles to intricate mosaic patterns. Marble backsplashes can complement a wide range of countertop materials and cabinetry styles, enhancing the overall look of the space.
You can use solid marble pieces from your countertop fabrication leftovers as well. However, marble tiles, especially in small sizes like subway tiles, or 6x6 tiles will be perfect. A typical backsplash is 18" and 3 rows of 6x6 tiles will be ideal and there won't be any seams.
Marble tile fireplace walls serve as a stunning focal point in living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas with fireplaces. The luxurious and timeless appearance of marble adds warmth and sophistication to the space.
Marble's natural veining and wide range of colors can create a dramatic and eye-catching feature that enhances the ambiance of the room. Marble fireplace walls can be designed in various styles, from traditional to modern, to suit different interior aesthetics.
Although you can use marble tile for fireplace walls, it may not be a good idea to use them if it is a functional fireplace that is used regularly. If it is a decorative fireplace and used occasionally, it should not be a problem. Working fireplaces with a lot of dust and ashes may be more visible if marble tiles are used for fireplace walls.
Marble tiles come in a variety of colors and styles, each offering unique aesthetic and functional benefits. Popular options include white, black, grey, and blue marble tiles, each bringing its own distinct character to a space. These tiles are chosen for their natural beauty, durability, and the elegance they add to any room. Their versatility allows them to be used in various applications, from floors and walls to countertops and decorative features.
White marble tiles are renowned for their pristine, clean appearance and subtle veining that adds sophistication and elegance to any space. They are versatile and can complement a wide range of interior design styles, from classic to contemporary. White marble tiles are often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas to create a bright, airy atmosphere and a sense of timeless luxury.
Bianco Sivec and Thassos marble are among the popular types of solid white marble. Thassos in particular is very popular and it has several grades depending on the purity of the background.
Black marble tiles offer a bold and dramatic look, characterized by their deep, rich color and striking veining patterns. They create a sense of luxury and opulence, making them an ideal choice for high-end interiors. Black marble tiles are perfect for adding depth and contrast to a space, and they are commonly used in modern and minimalist designs to make a strong visual statement. Absolute black, Iris Black, and New St. Laurent are some of the new materials available.
Grey marble tiles provide a sophisticated and understated elegance with their neutral tones and soft veining. They are highly versatile and can blend seamlessly with a variety of color schemes and design styles.
Grey marble tiles are a popular choice for contemporary and industrial interiors, offering a sleek and modern look. They are often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas to create a calm and refined ambiance. Bardiglio, Bardiglio Nuvalato, and Tundra gray are popular.
Blue marble tiles are unique and captivating, featuring shades of blue that range from light and subtle to deep and intense. The natural veining in blue marble adds a touch of elegance and intrigue, making these tiles a striking choice for any space. Blue marble tiles are ideal for creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere, often used in bathrooms, accent walls, and decorative features to add a splash of color and sophistication.
Blue marble is some of the most expensive marble in the World. There are only a few true blue marbles that are available in tile form. Azul Macauba from Brazil and Blue Celeste from South America are the two. Lapis marble from Bolivia is a real blue stone but it is hard to make thin tiles.
Marble tiles are available in a variety of sizes, each offering different aesthetic and functional benefits. The most popular sizes include 12x12, 12x24, 24x24, and 24x48 inches. These dimensions provide flexibility in design and installation, allowing homeowners and designers to create unique and tailored looks for various spaces. The choice of size can significantly impact the visual effect and practicality of the installation, from small areas to expansive surfaces.
The 12x12 marble tile is a classic and versatile size that is widely used in residential and commercial applications. Its manageable size makes it easy to handle and install, and it can be used in a variety of patterns such as checkerboard, diagonal, or straight lay. This size is ideal for smaller spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, providing a balanced look that is both elegant and practical.
Historically, this has been the most common size due to ease of manufacturing. Marble tiles are preferred to be 3/8" thick and manufacturing limitations made it easier to achieve this size in this thickness.
The 12x24 marble tile offers a modern and contemporary aesthetic with its elongated shape. This size is perfect for creating sleek, linear patterns that can make a room appear larger and more open. It is commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas to achieve a seamless and sophisticated look. The 12x24 tile is also popular for wall installations, adding a touch of luxury to shower surrounds and feature walls.
The 24x24 marble tile is a larger format that provides a grand and spacious feel to any room. Its substantial size reduces the number of grout lines, creating a more continuous and uninterrupted surface. This size is ideal for expansive floors in living rooms, dining areas, and open-plan spaces, offering a luxurious and polished appearance. It is also suitable for commercial settings where a high-end look is desired.
The 24x48 marble tile is a statement size that exudes luxury and elegance. Its large dimensions are perfect for creating a dramatic and high-impact look, with minimal grout lines enhancing the seamless appearance. This size is often used in large, open spaces such as grand foyer, hotel lobbies, and expansive living areas. The 24x48 tile can also be used on walls to create stunning feature walls or backsplashes that draw attention and add a sense of opulence.
Timeless elegance and luxury, unique patterns and veining and versatile applications make marble tiles very popular. In addition, it adds value to most homes.
Remember, marble tile is more than just a material; it's an experience. Visit Country Floors today and discover the magic for yourself. If you'd like to see the marble tiles in person, visit our showrooms; New York Tile Store, Los Angeles Tile Store, and San Francisco Tile Store to have excellent customer service by our experienced consultants.