Marble FlooringLuxury At Its FinestWith it's silky smooth, hard exterior and beautiful random patterns, the magic of this stone cannot be duplicated... and most certainly not with any kind of simulation...
Marble floors are extremely durable, and with proper care and upkeep they will last longer than a life time. Visit an old bank or court house to see the proof... About MarbleMarble is a calcite-based stone. Traditionally, the best marble comes from Italy, but there are other places where marble is quarried and the source will determine the coloring. Choices of colors are shades of white, cream, pink, blue, green, red, black and gray. Some with imperfections that often contrast with the background color, some are plain, but the appeal lies in the patterns created by the fine to bold veins that make it distinctive and unique... Purchasing marble flooring is by no means cheap! Look at it as an investment because it definitely adds value to your property. And short of a major catastrophy, it will never need to be replaced... A high-polished gloss finish is smooth as glass and very elegant in effect and no doubt the most common finish on marble. There is also the "tumbled" finish that will give marble an aged look and offers some slip resistance. And if you like a sleek, burnished or rustic look, it can be found with slight patterning for a very contemporary setting. Marble is available in different sizes and thickness. The common size is 12 x 12 inch square tiles that fit together perfectly per specifications, and most flooring pieces are either 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2 inch thick. Depending on what you choose will determine how thick and what size... Etching on marble is more prone to counter tops than to flooring, and is actually one of it's distinctive characteristics. Marble floor tile is a favorite for bathrooms where the smaller room size make it more affordable, but it is frequently used in hallways and formal living areas, too. Some marbles are more porous than others and can stain quite easily just from common household products like orange juice or vinegar, even water. Any spillage should be cleaned up ASAP!
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MaintenanceUse a soft broom for sweeping marble flooring. For damp mopping marble, use the proper stone cleaning agent... An excellent cleaning product is Scp-DAILY CLEAN. It is safe and effective... Everything you'll need to keep your marble floor looking like new, and preserve the quality of the stone... Do not use household detergents! Most detergents have acidic ingredients (grease cutters) that could damage your flooring. Be safe not sorry.... Abrasive cleaners are a no, no! They will remove the shine and possibly cause discoloration, so avoid using these, too... NOTE: Before and after installation, marble must be treated with a sealant to protect it from water and to prevent staining. Bathroom and kitchen marble floors should be thoroughly cleaned and resealed every 9-12 months. Other areas, like an entrance foyer or hallway, may need it done every 12-18 months, depending on the amount of traffic they encounter. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendation on how to take care of your flooring, and especially so if it affects the warrantee... InstallationHire a reputable professional to lay your floor! Your floor plan layout must be precise so each tile shape will fit together perfectly. Also, specialized tools are required and a professional fitter knows exactly what to do... Unless you are experienced and skilled (like you do it for a living) in installing stone flooring, don't take the risk of a ruined floor and the stress you may suffer from taking on this type of project. Hiring it done professionally is worth the expense. The high price of materials raises the cost of mistakes.... You'll find it well-worth your while to check out the wide variety of marble products available at your local stone center. back to Flooring HOME... from Marble Flooring
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