Most people already know that marble is one of the oldest and most beautiful stones available in the world. In fact, according to research, marble was first used by Ancient Egyptians around 3000 BC to create vials and building decorations. And while they were once a show of wealth and power, nowadays, marble tiles are commonly used in many households. But how reliable is marble as a tile material for our showers, and why are some people on the fence about using it?
The Basics of Marble
Marble is a metamorphic stone created by applying huge amounts of pressure to limestone for long periods of time. The main appeal of marble is that each piece has a different look featuring unique combinations of veining and colors. However, marble tiles can have a less or more uniform look, depending on the quality of marble they are made out of. Most high-end marble has an even color pattern, making it elegant, soft, and, most importantly, uniform.
Should You Use Marble Tiles In Your Shower?
Generally speaking, marble tiles are a good-looking and reliable choice for shower flooring and walls. However, while some people are praising marble for its gorgeous looks, others are criticizing its maintainability. Therefore, we need to take a look at the pros and cons of marble floors.
The Pros of Marble TIles
- Durability: No one can deny that marble is one of the most durable materials on the market. And while synthetic flooring also offers excellent durability, people prefer marble because it is natural.
- Looks: Marble tiles have a unique look and feel that can’t be matched by any other material. Not even faux marble flooring can get close to the sophisticated patterns of natural marble. And with a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, you can easily find a marble tile design perfect for your bathroom.
- Price: Even though marble tiles could seem expensive, they are much cheaper than other similar alternatives. In fact, when relying on professional marble installers, you could end up paying as little as $30 per square foot.
- Insulation: Marble is an incredible insulator, meaning that it stays cool during summer and preserves heat during winter. As a result, marble tiles will reduce your heating and cooling costs.
- Light: Marble reflects light, making the room brighter and offering a feeling of spaciousness. Light-colored marble, in particular, can create the illusion of space even in small bathrooms or kitchens.
The Cons of Marble Tiles
- Slippery: Polished marble tiles are extremely slippery when wet, increasing the chances of accidents. And since marble is a hard surface, falling on it may have a higher risk of a serious injury.
- Water Damage: Marble is a porous material, meaning that it is susceptible to water infiltrations which may cause damage and discoloration. However, you can use a penetrating sealer to keep water from soaking into the marble.
- Maintenance: Keeping your marble tiles protected and looking good takes a fair amount of time and effort. Additionally, acidic cleaners can damage the marble, so you should only use specialized cleaning products.
- Rust: Marble contains minerals, such as iron, making it prone to rust due to humidity and moisture. As a matter of fact, any beautiful marble bathroom can lose its charm when the iron buried deep within starts to rust.
The Verdict: Do We Regret Using Marble Tiles in Our Shower?
All in all, we believe that we made a good choice by using marble tiles in our shower. Not only are they gorgeous, but they also manage to reduce our energy consumption during the winter by preserving heat. However, we can’t deny that marble tiles have a few noticeable drawbacks, such as their high maintenance costs. Nevertheless, we truly recommend marble tiles for anyone looking to bring a luxurious touch to their bathroom design.
