Marble has various advantages that make it popular for bathroom designs. The stylish look due to the many different patterns you can make out of this material and the realistic fact that it’s resistant to heat add to plenty of reasons marble stayed popular over the years.
Marble has various advantages that make it popular for bathroom designs. The stylish look due to the many different patterns you can make out of this material and the realistic fact that it’s resistant to heat add to plenty of reasons marble stayed popular over the years.
From the design viewpoint, marble can go with virtually any style. Whether one wants a pure white marble effect or bold look-like deep black or green, the design is there to fit just about anyone’s preference​. Marble also comes in various finishes, such as polished or honed, which allows the owner of the home to really give his or her bathroom a personal touch in appearance​.
Another practical advantage of marble is the fact that it resists heat, be it bathroom floors or countertops. It does retain warmth quite well and hence is one of the best materials to combine with underfloor heating systems​. This feature is favorable in colder climates, where having a warm bathroom floor can mean added comfort, yet with no cost to style.
Incorporating marble into your bathroom will add a lot of value to your property. Besides giving a luxurious touch, the material is very durable; hence, it is an attractive feature to any potential buyer and, therefore, one of the best investments you can make when you plan to increase the marketability of your house. Marble installations are often considered high-end features, allowing many to give their bathrooms a luxurious feel-good vibe that can often be justified with a higher price.
While marble is absolutely beautiful, there are some disadvantages to discuss with the homeowner before deciding on installation. From high maintenance to safety concerns, installing marble may not be for every homeowner. You need to be aware of these limitations so that you make a well-informed decision when you select materials to use in the bathroom.
Marble requires frequent maintenance to appear in excellent condition. As it is a porous stone, it easily absorbs moisture and stains; therefore, sealants are often used every few months. Additionally, you must use only pH-neutral cleaners since harsh chemicals can potentially damage its surface, making it unsuitable for households that desire low maintenance.
Marble scratches and etches easily, especially when it comes into contact with more acidic elements of substances, like cleaning agents. Usually, the imperfections cannot be changed, and it could only be done through replacement with another set of tiles or slabs. In fact, wear and tear from regular use eventually damages the surface and makes it less resistant compared to other materials.
One of the major disadvantages of marble is that it is a very expensive variety. Depending on the type and quality, marble may be very highly priced as compared to other materials for bathroom purposes. It is also more expensive when laying it down, since marble needs to be handled with special care and by skilled labor, which positions it as less affordable if the budget is in question.
The problem is that the polished marble, if exposed to water, can be very slippery and hence presents a safety hazard in bathrooms around shower areas and bathtubs. Anti-slip treatments or honed finishes may minimize this risk; however, it is something to consider, especially for households with young children or elderly residents.