Choices of Finishes for Marble Tiles

Marble has been a popular choice for floor tiles since the time of ancient Rome and Greece. Marble is formed when limestone is heated and then pressurized deep within the crust of the earth. Marble may not be the hardest stone created by nature, but it is harder and denser than most, making it not only stronger and harder to chip or damage, but less likely to absorb liquids and become stained. Since marble is made by nature, no two tiles will have the exact same design and pattern, giving the floor a unique one of a kind look.

The type of finish you pick for your marble tile floor will make a big difference in its appearance and its effect on the room's decor.

When you choose a marble tile with a glazed or polished finish, you will have one with a striking shine that will catch anyone's attention. It has a clean, crisp, formal look. However, because it has a thick coating, it is also easy to scratch and smudges are also more visible. The finish also makes the glazed or polished marble more slippery. On the other side of the coin, this type of marble floor tile is easy to clean. The natural colors and patterns of the stone will also stand out more than in the other choices.

Another choice is a marble floor with a honed finish. With this one, you get a more matte finish, one that is dull and not glossy. This is considered to be a top choice for high traffic areas. This choice does not have the high finish that is so easily damaged and scratches are not that evident. It will also be able to stand up to a high level of foot traffic and is more slip resistant.

The third choice is tumbled tiles. This one gives the floor an antique look. To achieve the antique appearance, the tiles are tumbled around in a large drum along with sand. This results in a finished product with round corners and chipped edges, which is what you would expect in an antique floor. This would be a great choice for an older style home where you want to be as authentic to the architectural period as possible.

The type of finish you pick for your marble floor is just as important as the color and the pattern. You also need to look at the grading of the floor. All marble has not be created equally. Put the pieces of the puzzle together so that it fits your style and needs and you will have a beautiful marble floor for years to come.

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