Marble flooring has long been the material of choice in custom homes and buildings because of its natural elegance and luxurious aesthetic. If you tour the old homes and monuments of Europe, you’ll see marble everywhere. But even in the 21st-century, where there are more flooring options than ever before, marble continues its reign as king of high-end flooring.
Although most people are familiar with marble as a material, many don’t know a lot about it — what it is or how it can be used to create unique, beautiful custom floors.
If you’re looking for a custom design to highlight your home’s elegance or enhance the beautiful features already in place, then you’ll certainly want to consider this natural material.
WHAT IS MARBLE?
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed over time as sedimentary rocks, such as limestone, are transformed under pressure and heat. As they’re transformed, they are compacted, creating the beautiful lines and veins that are a trademark of marble. Marble is typically quarried in mountainous areas around the world and requires minimal processing to create tiles and slabs. Even as other materials, such as hardwood and engineered stone have become more prevalent, the elegance and appeal of marble have cemented its place as the flooring of choice for elegant homes, hotels, and even some businesses.
MARBLE FLOOR BENEFITS
Marble flooring has been used for thousands of years. Its timelessness speaks volumes about its quality, however, there are a lot of benefits of marble flooring to consider.
NATURAL ELEGANCE
Marble is a high-end finish, meaning it’s used to give spaces an elegant, luxurious look. But it also lends a simple, natural look to any space. Because marble is not human-made, the patterns found in each tile or slab vary slightly, resulting in a custom look every single time. Add that custom look to a one-of-a-kind installation and design, and you’ve got a floor that will take your room to the next level.
Marble has long been used by the privileged and wealthy around the world, which lends to its regal feeling. But its regal nature doesn’t mean that it only works well in traditional homes. Marble can be selected and cut to complement more contemporary spaces as well. Marble’s translucent properties make it a great addition to more modern spaces because they enhance the amount of natural light available in the room. What does that mean? Marble is slightly translucent, which allows some light to pass through it. When the sunlight hits marble — especially if it’s white or lighter in color — it can almost appear to be glowing. This makes the room feel brighter and more open.
EASY TO CLEAN
As long as its seal is properly maintained, marble floors are resistant to liquid and other substances. As long as you wipe up messes as soon as they occur, there’s no reason to worry. When marble does become wet or dirty, it’s easily cleaned with a rag or mop. Depending on the color you select, marble also makes it easier to spot dirt or pet dander, which means it’s easier to clean up messes thoroughly before they damage the floor or create bigger problems.
LOTS OF COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM
When it comes to marble flooring benefits, “natural” doesn’t mean you’re limited in your options. Marble flooring is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Some homeowners select marble flooring that complements other existing features in their homes. Others opt for the flooring of their choice and then design the rest of the room around it. Whichever route you choose to take, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
If you opt for a marble inlay design on your floors, then you can select design colors to incorporate your taste, or the design and decor of the room or space on the floors will be featured. This is a great way to bring color and design into a room that is otherwise neutral in color or to highlight a unique or distinct aspect of your home or business.
EXCELLENT HEAT CONDUCTION
Marble floors have a reputation for being cold, but they don’t have to be. Marble is a great conductor of heat, which makes it a prime candidate for homes that use radiant heat for warmth. Imagine stepping onto a warm marble bathroom floor on a snowy winter morning — you’ll be so comfortable that you’ll never want to leave. Marble floors paired with radiant, in-floor heating are delightfully comfortable and keep you feeling cozy even on the coldest of mornings.
But marble flooring can also be helpful if you live somewhere that tends to be hot and humid in the summer months. Marble does tend to stay cool if it’s not being heated, which can help your home stay cool during long, hot summer days.
DURABLE
Marble floors are durable as well as elegant. Marble floors can stand up to just about anything you can throw at them. Chairs scraping across them in the dining room? Did dishes drop in the kitchen? Is water sloshing over the bathtub? Marble can handle it. As long as they are properly maintained, marble floors are scratch-resistant, and they hold up well, even in high-traffic areas of your home. Another great advantage to marble is that if the floor has sustained some wear after many years of heavy use, flooring professionals can polish it back to its original finish.
ALLERGEN-RESISTANT
Unlike carpet, allergens can’t cling to and build up on a marble surface. Even if dust or pet dander does begin to collect, it’s easy to see on marble. A brush with a mop can quickly eliminate these elements before they trigger allergies.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Marble flooring is also eco-friendly. Because it’s a natural material, it’s not constructed or processed with a bunch of chemicals. At the end of its lifespan, it’s degradable. When you have marble flooring installed, you choose a material that doesn’t negatively impact the environment.
JOINTS ARE EASY TO MATCH
If you hire a professional who is experienced in laying marble floors, they will have no trouble lining up the joints and veins for a cohesive look. This is one project that you don’t want to go DIY on. If you’re purchasing a luxury product, hire a professional to ensure that it comes together for a high-end look.
EASY TO CUSTOMIZE
One of the biggest advantages of marble flooring is the ability to incorporate custom marble inlays into the design. Each marble floor is a custom work of art, but the addition of bespoke marble inlays sets this material apart. Inspired by historical art and architecture, as well as the architecture of your home, marble inlays can be designed to tell a story about your home, your family, or your business. Aalto’s luxury hand-crafted signature medallions, accents, and borders are intricately designed by our in-house artists with your specifications and taste in mind.
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