Selecting Marble Tiles for the Home

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Marble tiles are so unique that no two tiles are identical. Marble adds interest to a room because of the variety in the patterns and the fact that it looks different from various angles. There are two kinds of marble tiles, glazed and unglazed. Which tile is chosen depends on use and location.

Glazed tiles can be used in baths and for flooring in low traffic areas. Glazed marble tiles resist water stains. Because of the slick surface, they are easier to clean than unglazed tiles. Because they are already sealed, there is no need to wax. There are several glazes available: matte, satin and high gloss. This is ideal of the person who prefers the marble tiles be sealed but does not want a high gloss finish. The high gloss tiles show scratches and dents more readily than the other glaze options or the unglazed tiles. A high gloss finish also makes the tiles slippery so they are not suitable for high traffic areas or bathroom or kitchen floors.

Unglazed marble tiles are suitable for high traffic areas because they are not slippery and do not show scratches. They have a more natural appearance which may be more suitable for a rustic dwelling. They are prone to stains due to their porous nature. They should be sealed annually to protect from staining. They require more care than glazed tiles. Spills must be wiped up immediately so they do not stain the marble. The yearly sealing is a chore not required with glazed tiles.

Marble tiles can be made more rustic looking by a process called tumbling. In this procedure, the marble tiles are tumbled with gavel. The gravel wears away at the stone and gives the marble an aged appearance. It is important to seal these tiles for extra protection. Honed marble tiles have soft, subtle tones with a smooth, satin finish. Polished marble tiles are very glossy and the colors are deeper and more vibrant.