Marble has been used for ages to decorate the interiors of mansions and other big buildings, and its association with wealth and status has become universal. It’s easy to see why marble has been a favourite option among homeowners over the centuries; the material is known for its unique veining patterns, rich colour variations, and beautiful lustre.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to narrow down your options when there are so many distinct varieties of marble from which to select.
For that reason, we have compiled this guide to assist you in selecting the most suitable marble. We will assist you in selecting the ideal marble for your home based on its durability, beauty, or a mix of the two.
Marble: What Is It?
Marble, a metamorphic rock, originates when limestone or dolomite is subjected to high temperatures and pressures. Its unique colour and hardiness come from the calcium carbonate that makes up the bulk of its chemical makeup. Varying from white to grey, pink, yellow, green, and even black, marble is highly sought after for its distinctive veining patterns and rich colour changes caused by impurities in the rock.
Marble has been put to use for construction and decoration for millennia because of its inherent beauty, resilience, and adaptability, and for this reason, it commands a high price. It finds use as a material for kitchen and bathroom fixtures, flooring, walls, fireplaces, sculptures, and other decorative pieces.
The demand for this material has only increased over time, and it now ranks among the most desirable of all construction and decoration options.
How Do I Choose The Best Marble?
When choosing the best marble for your home, consider the following factors:
Durability
An important benefit of marble is its durability. Since marble is a solid and durable rock, it is not easily damaged by everyday use in places like kitchens and bathrooms. Because of its longevity and aesthetic appeal, marble has been used for thousands of years in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas.
However, not all marbles are built with the same sturdiness in mind. When compared to harder varieties, certain marbles are more fragile and easily damaged by everyday use. The quarrying, cutting, and finishing processes used on a marble slab can also affect its longevity.
Selecting a high-quality marble suited to the intended application and having it installed by a professional with expertise working with marble are both important factors in ensuring the durability and longevity of your marble. Maintaining your marble with routine care, such as sealing and polishing, will help it last longer and look better for longer.
Colour And Veining
Marble’s distinct colour and veining are two of the reasons for its widespread popularity and esteem. Varying from white to grey, pink, yellow, green, and even black, marble is highly sought after for its distinctive veining patterns and rich colour changes caused by impurities in the rock.
Think about how the marble’s hues and patterns will mesh with the rest of your furnishings before making a purchase. While the striking veining patterns in Calacatta and Carrara make them highly sought after, the solid, uniform colours of Statuary and Danby make them more well-known to the general public.
Keep in mind that light and heat can alter the colour and veining patterns of marble over time. The marble can change colour (darken or lighten) and/or veining (become more or less visible) over time. Choose a higher-quality, more stable marble if you’re worried about its colour or veining shifting over time.
Maintenance
Marble is a beautiful material, but it requires regular upkeep. Because of its porous nature, marble can absorb liquids and become stained if not properly sealed and maintained. To maintain the beauty and durability of your marble, it is important to follow a regular maintenance routine, which typically includes:
Sealing
The marble should be sealed regularly to prevent it from staining. Sealing helps to protect the surface of the marble and makes it more resistant to stains and damage.
Cleaning
Marble should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt, dust, and spills. A mild soap and water solution or a pH-neutral cleaner is recommended for cleaning marble. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface of the marble.
Polishing
Marble can be polished to restore its shine and lustre. Regular polishing can help to prevent scratches and etches, which can dull the surface of the marble over time.
Protecting
Marble should be protected from direct exposure to heat and sunlight, as well as from sharp objects that can scratch the surface. Place mats or coasters under hot items, such as pots and pans, to protect the surface of the marble and avoid placing sharp objects directly on the marble.
Cost
The price is a major consideration when deciding on marble because it is often more expensive than other forms of natural stone like granite or quartz. Several factors affect the price of marble, including the specific variety being purchased, its geographical location, and the local supply and demand.
Exotic and uncommon varieties of marble, such as Calacatta or Carrara, can cost several times as much as Statuary or Danby, two more common varieties. Marble’s price can also be affected by its thickness, slab size, and transportation fees.
The whole price of marble includes not only the raw material but also labour for setting it up, shaping it, and polishing it. Consider the initial investment in marble, as well as the ongoing expenses of upkeep like sealing and polishing.
Think about how much money you have available and how much you are willing to spend on marble before making a final decision. Although marble may cost more initially, it is a long-lasting material that can boost the resale value of your property and is therefore a wise investment.
Availability
Another thing to think about while deciding on marble is how readily it is available. While you may find marble in many parts of the world, the varieties you can choose from may be more or less common. Calacatta and Carrara marble are among the most coveted because of their rarity and cost, while Statuary and Danby marble are among the most common.
The price of marble, like the availability of different varieties, can fluctuate based on the local market and factors like supply and demand. Marble’s price can vary greatly from region to region, depending on transportation costs and supply.
Consider the price and the availability of the stone you’re interested in using. If you want to get the best marble price, you may need to do some comparison shopping, or you may have to settle for a less expensive or less desirable variety.
Conclusion
When deciding on the marble to use in your home, it is crucial to think about its longevity, aesthetic appeal, ease of care, cost, and availability. Marble is a high-end construction and design material due to its natural beauty and resilience, but it needs to be maintained regularly to keep it looking its best.
Think about how you will be using the marble and what your tastes are before making a marble purchase. You should think about the types of marble that are available, how much they cost, and how much upkeep they need to appear their best. Marble’s classic style and natural beauty make it a desirable building material. Taking these into account will help you select the finest marble for your home, ensuring years of beauty and use.