Marble — flooring

Considerations

Marble is porous and susceptible to staining and etching from acidic spills, requiring frequent sealing and careful cleaning. Polished marble can be very slippery when wet, posing a safety hazard, especially in bathrooms or entryways. It is also softer than other flooring materials, making it prone to scratches and chips in high-traffic areas.

Specifications

• Finish: Honed, textured, or tumbled finishes are recommended for flooring, particularly in wet areas, to enhance slip resistance. Polished finishes are suitable for low-traffic, dry areas where aesthetics are prioritized.
• Thickness: 1 cm (tiles) to 2 cm (slabs) is common for flooring. Thicker slabs (2 cm) offer greater durability and stability, while thinner tiles (1 cm) are suitable for mosaics or areas with adequate subfloor support.
• ASTM: ASTM C503/C503M (Standard Specification for Marble Dimension Stone) for material characteristics and physical requirements. ASTM C241/C241M and ASTM C1353/C1353M for abrasion resistance, relevant for flooring durability.
• Maintenance: High (requires regular sealing, immediate cleanup of spills, and use of pH-neutral cleaners. Polishing may be needed periodically to restore shine on polished surfaces).
• Installed: $10-$50/sq ft for tiles, $50-$150/sq ft for slabs (material and installation costs vary based on marble type, finish, complexity of installation, and labor rates).