All materials have their maintenance pros and cons, and marble tile is no exception. The question is, how much maintenance do marble tiles actually need? It’s essential to put in care and effort so your stone can keep looking its best, but it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Keep reading to find out how you can make the most of your marble.
The Uses of Marble Tile
It’s difficult to think of something that can surpass marble when it comes to beautiful, luxurious materials for your home renovations. The most common uses for marble tile include:
- Stairs
- Entry, kitchen, and bathroom floors
- Kitchen and bathroom counters, and more
Marble flooring tiles can be used as flooring in any area of the home and also as decorative accents for walls and showers.
How to Maintain Marble Tile
Marble, like most stone tiles, has particular maintenance requirements. It has to be sealed and cleaned regularly, for example. When it comes to marble floors, the best care involves:
- Dust mopping regularly to remove grit and dirt
- Using rugs and mats in high traffic areas
- When vacuuming, use only brush attachments
Marble tile is considered by many as one of the most luxurious home design materials, thanks to its attractive veining and color options that make it stand out in any room. And with the right care and maintenance, homeowners can ensure that their marble stays beautiful for as long as possible.
Sealing Helps Maintain Marble
Part of maintaining and protecting marble floors is sealing them. Since marble is a moderately porous natural stone, moisture can cause it to lose that shiny, glossy look if you don’t seal it. Protecting marble against moisture incursion, as well as against stains, is relatively easy. The steps for sealing your marble floor include:
- Test the marble sealer in an inconspicuous area to ensure the sealant does not discolor the stone.
- Apply the marble sealer individually to each tile.
- Seal the grout joints as you apply the sealer to the tiles.
- Let the sealer dry completely for three to four hours.
- Repeat the process for a second coat.
Types of Marble Tile Sealers
There are three main types of sealers that can be used on marble floors:
- Marble tile topical sealers made of urethane or acrylic. These wear out fast in high-traffic areas, so re-sealing frequently is required. These sealers also leave a shine and can change the look of the natural marble. The surface may also become slippery when wet.
- Marble tile penetrating sealers. These soak into the stone and repel liquids and oils well. This type lasts longer but still needs reapplication according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Marble tile impregnating sealers. These are the best choice for protection and lower maintenance needs.
Maintenance requirements for marble tile depend greatly on where the tile will be and how it is sealed.
Get in Touch with Alita Tile Today!
Alita Tile in Bohemia, NY, carries different types of tile, including marble and travertine, for all your needs. For more information about marble tiles or other valuable information about creating your dream living space, visit our website, or call us at (631) 589-8453.
