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Marble Tile Flooring and Natural Stone Flooring: What is the Difference?
Perhaps you know someone who has remodelled a kitchen or bath, and you've wondered if the marble tile flooring he used is the same thing as natural stone flooring. The best answer to that question is both yes and no. Let's deal with the "no" portion first.
In a broad sense, natural stone flooring includes a laundry list of materials like limestone, granite, slate, travertine, and quartz. All of these products are mined directly from stone quarries and then fashioned into tiles and pavers for construction use. The most amazing thing about natural stone is knowing that the incredible colours and patterns have been created solely by the forces of nature, with no human intervention. Manufactured flooring materials like concrete, ceramic, and linoleum can indeed be beautiful, but they cannot match the natural wonder of stone.
Marble is a naturally occurring stone, so marble stone flooring is also part of the natural stone category. It is loved by many because of the intricate beauty in patterns and colours, as well as its strength and durability. What makes marble so interesting is the way it is formed. Marble is a combination of several rocks like limestone and dolomite which undergo a metamorphosis triggered by changes in their environment. With added pressure and time, these rocks crystallize to become marble.
A seemingly endless number of colour shades and streaks make marble a visual masterpiece. That's one reason it is so desired by those who can afford it. Deep blues, greens, and reds; clean whites and creams; captivating blacks and greys; these are the marble colours that catch the eye and captivate the heart. As an added bonus, marble tiles are unique to the slab they were taken from, giving your kitchen or bath a one-of-a-kind look.
Every good thing has its weak points and marble is no exception. Though strong as granite and resistant to water, moisture is still the enemy of marble. Its porous nature allows it to soak up moisture along with any staining elements present in it. Long after the moisture has evaporated the marble is prone to hold those stains. In order to prevent this, marble should be sealed at installation, then cleaned and sealed every nine to twelve months.
Other natural stone products used in flooring are equally beautiful and comparably expensive. One of the favourites for both residential and commercial applications these days is travertine. Travertine is tough and requires little maintenance compared to marble. As for appearance, no two pieces of travertine look identical. When installed by a skilled craftsman, travertine can become a work of art on your floor. For this reason it's also popular for façades and wall coverings.
Limestone, slate, and granite all have their fans as well, but I suppose at the end of the day there's no way to go wrong with any choice in natural stone flooring. It's simply a matter of your budget and tastes. Of course, if natural stone is more than you can afford, manufactured concrete products are a good alternative. They are made using moulds produced to imitate the feel of natural stones, while colour additives mimic the look. Manufactured stone flooring may not be as stunningly beautiful as the natural products, and it's somewhat less durable, but for the money conscious consumer it is still a decent option.
When you're ready to install new flooring in your home, remember that you'll have to walk on and look at it every day. Make it something special that you'll enjoy for a long time to come and if it's within your budget, consider natural stone or marble tile flooring.
Callum J Khan gives advice on a variety of topics relating to the Do it yourself and home remodelling industries. His expertise in many diverse trades gives him a distinctive and refreshing perspective. If you'd like a lot more advice on the use of <a href="http://www.stoneoflondon.com">natural stone</a> visit him anatuaaled o tour
About the Author
Callum J Khan gives advice on a variety of topics relating to the Do it yourself and home remodelling industries. His expertise in many diverse trades gives him a distinctive and refreshing perspective. If you'd like a lot more advice on the use of <a href="http://www.stoneoflondon.com">natural stone</a> visit him anatuaaled o tour