The Pros And Cons Of Marble Flooring In Bathrooms

Tile is synonymous with bathrooms. Not only is tile the best defence against water, but its design versatility means that there is a tile pattern for everyone. For instance, those who want a simple, minimalist bathroom generally use white ceramic, while those who prefer more character may opt for marble. However, like every flooring material, there are pros and cons. Should you consider hiring a Toronto tile flooring contractor to install marble in your bathroom?

When should you not use marble in your bathroom?

If your next renovation is updating your bathroom flooring and you’re considering the timeless opulence of marble flooring, read on to find out if it’s right for your space!

What Is Marble?

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that forms under high pressure and heat. You can identify marble by its distinctive veining or lightning strike pattern. Marble is also a popular tile flooring material for homeowners seeking a natural flooring option.

The Pros And Cons Of Using Marble Tile In The Bathroom

Every homeowner sets out to beautify their space during a renovation. As marble is a visually appealing material, it’s no wonder that, as professional tile flooring installers in Toronto and the GTA, we’re seeing people use it more frequently.

Here are the pros and cons of using marble in your bathroom.

Pros

• Beauty

There is nothing quite like bringing nature into the home. Marble is timeless and a popular tile material that instantly adds beauty to your space. Part of the allure of marble is that no two tiles are alike, and they can be polished to shine, making the bathroom appear opulent. 

Tile flooring contractor in Toronto tip: Consider using square marble tile for a traditional look, whereas rectangular tile lengthens the space while making it more contemporary.

• Eco-Friendly

Climate change isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life for many homeowners and can influence the type of tile they choose. Fortunately, marble is a natural material considered an environmentally friendly choice for tiles. However, marble isn’t always eco-friendly, as quarrying and transporting it long distances can be harmful to the environment. But you can find environmentally friendly marble by buying locally sourced marble from suppliers that practice sustainable quarrying.

Tile flooring contractor in Toronto tip: If you’re looking for environmentally friendly marble, 

shop local, not at big-box home stores.

• Radiant Heating

Perhaps the biggest complaint about marble is that it’s cold underfoot; fortunately, the solution is radiant heating. Marble is a conductor, making it an excellent choice for radiant heating that can be done during tile installation, as no one wants to step out of the shower in January onto cold tile.

Tile flooring contractor in Toronto tip: Keep in mind that radiant heat and marble are selling features that increase the value of your home.

• Water Resistant

It’s a common misconception that all tile is waterproof; the reality is that with proper sealant and maintenance, tile becomes water-resistant—marble is no different. Marble is porous, meaning if you don’t seal it to maintain the moisture barrier, water will seep into the tile and slowly break it down. So remember to seal your marble floors! But if you have an experienced tile flooring contractor in Toronto or the GTA installing your tiles, they will remind you that a good sealant is required to protect your marble tiles.   

Tile flooring contractor in Toronto tip: To keep your marble in pristine condition and free of water damage, reseal your floors every 6-12 months.

Cons

• Expensive

The biggest complaint homeowners have about marble is the cost. For instance, the average price of marble is $10 to $20 per square foot, compared to ceramic or porcelain, which runs $5 to $10 per square foot. Not to mention, you also have to consider labour costs, sealant, radiant heating (if applicable), and any subfloor requirements.

Tile flooring contractor in Toronto tip: We strongly advise DIYers who lack experience installing marble to hire a professional. One reason to bring in a flooring contractor is that marble is brittle, so if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s likely you’ll inadvertently break your expensive marble tiles.

• Requires TLC

Marble is porous, so it requires regular sealing to protect it from water damage, but its composition is also quite soft, making it prone to scratches. The only way to protect your marble from scratches is to use it in a low-traffic area that does not have heavy furnishings. For busy spaces, it’s better to select a different tile material, such as a marble-look ceramic.

Marble is also a slippery tile, so to prevent slips, trips, and falls, it’s better to use a textured tile.

Tile flooring contractor in Toronto tip: Marble may be beautiful, but it isn’t always the best choice if you’re concerned about scratches or slips on your floors.

Should You Use Marble In Your Bathroom?

Marble, without question, is a showstopper, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice for your washroom. For instance, the composition of marble is porous, meaning it requires ongoing maintenance, such as using sealant to make it water-resistant. If the thought of routine maintenance gives you a headache, then marble may not be the right choice for you.

Yet, if you’re alright with marbles upfront cost and ongoing maintenance, then it will impress your guests with its opulent, timeless beauty.

If you still have questions about whether marble is right for your washroom, give us, the Brothers Flooring, a call today for a free consultation. We’d be happy to help answer your questions about marble.