Marble C Ever Popular, Enduring a Lifetime
Post Date: 03 Aug 2009 Viewed: 541
Marble is a durable material widely used for artwork and architecture. With a dramatic visual attractiveness that even the most discriminating tastes find appealing.
This type stone is truly unique. A metamorphic formation of sedimentary carbonate rocks, distinguished by veins of various mineral deposits. Including quartz, clay, iron oxides, sand, silt, fine-grained chert, and other sediments.
The materials are naturally fused together under intense pressure to create marble; producing one-of-kind patterns of swirls in a range of colors and hues. From whites and creams, to reds, greys, pinks, blues, and greens.
In years past, Italian marble for structural purposes was considered the material of choice for the elite. This to the fact that marble was chiefly mined in Italy and exported abroad, making it quite expensive. Present day, quality marble is also mined in China, Mexico and Spain. And although still a pricey option, it is much more affordable
Aside from its ornamental use, such as sculptures or a marble medallion, marble stone is also suitable for practical building applications. Such as marble flooring, a marble counter top, marble sink, and marble dining table. In addition to columns, tile, bathtubs, window sills, fireplace mantels, etc.
Benefits of marble include:
When work is professionally done and high quality, marble use in home structure and design can significantly increase your house real estate market value
A truly unique material choice; as with other natural stone, no two pieces of marble are alike.
Marble enhances dcor aesthetic appeal with a matchless beauty,
Properly cared for, natural stone such as marble is highly durable and will outlast nearly any other type building material.
Like other natural stone, marble is hypoallergenic.
Marble provides a more sanitary surface than some of the other material choices.
Marble flooring is easy to disinfect. Ican help improve indoor air quality, as it does not trap pet dander, pollen, and other allergens the way carpeting does.
In warmer climates and during hot summer months, a marble floor is cooler than many other types of flooring choices.
Like any other type material, marble also has negatives, including:
Marble requires specialized care. It will scratch, so requires use of a cutting board when preparing foods.
Because no two pieces are alike, matching marble tiles can be a real headache.
Although durable, hot items should not be placed directly on marble, or it could become scorched.
Marble, whether coated or uncoated, requires routine resealing to retain its beauty.
Uncoated marble requires extra care; it stains easily, and can "cloud."
Marble, being a porous material, is prone to staining. Food spills should be wiped up immediately,
Marble should be resealed periodically to maintain its attractive appearance. Annual marble restoration is recommended for flooring and countertops.
Like other polished natural stone, marble and granite tends to be slick when wet. Tip: although polished marble may look more elegant, honed marble (with a matte finish) is less slippery and a better choice for such room elements as floor tile. Especially in areas of the home such as the bathroom, kitchen, and front entry.
Marble, although less costly than in years past, is still on the expensive side.
Since marble elements can add considerably to construction and home renovation costs, faux marble might be a better choice for some homeowners.
Available in a wide range of grades, colors, and styles at a fraction of the cost of real marble, faux marble (also known as cultured marble) is non-porous. It also resists scratches and watermarks, and is easier to keep clean.