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  3. Marble
  4. bathroom

Stone × Application

Marble — bathroom

4/5 suitability

Marble offers a luxurious and elegant aesthetic for bathrooms, creating a spa-like atmosphere. It is durable and can withstand daily use with proper care. Its cool-to-the-touch surface is also a desirable quality.

Considerations

Marble is highly porous and susceptible to staining from toiletries, dyes, and acidic cleaning products. Polished marble can be very slippery when wet, posing a fall risk on bathroom floors. It is also prone to etching from acidic substances, which can dull the finish over time.

Specifications

  • Finish: Honed or textured finishes are recommended for bathroom floors and shower areas to enhance slip resistance. Polished finishes are suitable for vanity tops, wall cladding, and other less trafficked, dry surfaces.
  • Thickness: 1 cm to 2 cm for tiles and wall cladding. 2 cm to 3 cm for vanity tops to ensure durability and support for sinks.
  • ASTM: ASTM C503/C503M (Standard Specification for Marble Dimension Stone) for general material properties. Water absorption (EN 13755 or ASTM C97/C97M) is crucial for wet environments. Abrasion resistance (ASTM C241/C241M) for flooring.
  • Maintenance: High (requires frequent sealing, immediate cleanup of spills, and use of pH-neutral cleaners. Regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew. Etching can occur from common bathroom products).
  • Installed: $10-$50/sq ft for tiles, $60-$150/sq ft for vanity tops and slabs (material and installation costs vary based on marble type, finish, complexity of installation, and labor rates).

Top varieties

Carrara MarbleCalacatta MarbleThassos Marble