Marble
Floor Tile for Ottawa Homes
Marble floors have been used for centuries, and marble tile
is the choice of better designers everywhere; a marble floor adds elegance to
any living space. Ottawa homeowners can take advantage of a number of premium
stone companies who serve the area. Choosing
marble floor tile for your Ottawa home can be
a highly enjoyable experience. However, there are many different colours and
patterns available, and selecting just the right tile for your lifestyle can be
a little daunting unless you know some basic facts about marble tile.
Marble Tile
Basics
Marble is a natural stone, made of crystallized stone,
primarily limestone, which has undergone great pressure beneath the earth.
Marble is quarried in many countries around the world, and varies greatly in
colour and pattern.
Marble is an extremely durable flooring material, as
evidenced by the marble floors still existent in some of the great ancient
monuments. Although marble is durable, it must be sealed to prevent damage.
Depending on the amount of traffic in the area, marble should be resealed at
regular intervals.
Marble tiles come in various sizes.
Generally speaking, larger tiles are more expensive than smaller ones. There's
a wide price range for tiles, depending on the stone, the design, and the size.
One of the factors that will affect the way your floor looks
is the finish of your marble tiles. There are three basic finishes for marble
tiles:
- Traditional. Traditional polished tiles have a
shiny finish and add a timeless grace to spaces such as entryways, foyers, and
formal dining rooms. This tile is eye-catching, and patterns within gleam
beautifully. The high polish finish is easy to clean, but it can also be
slippery when wet.
- Honed. Marble tile with a matte finish is known as
"honed.” This tile is a great choice for high traffic areas of the home such as
the kitchen. Scratches won't show, and the tiles are more slip-resistant.
- Antique. Many homeowners are choosing tiles that have an antique look. Tumbled tiles
have a unique look that is achieved by tumbling them with sand. This creates
chipped edges and rounded corners. Brushed tiles are scrubbed repeatedly with a
wire brush give the marble a textured effect. Flamed tiles feature heated
marble that causes crystals to protrude and look more prominent. Acid treated
tiles have had acid applied to make them look weathered. Antique tiles are
becoming more and more popular, particularly with homeowners who are renovating
an older house, or who hope to create a feeling of permanence in a new home.
Adding
Value to Your Home
Before deciding on a tile, it is advisable to research price
ranges. Tiles range from very cheap to premium quality. Don't choose the
cheapest option; it's likely that these tiles are "seconds” or of inferior
quality. Remember that marble flooring will add value to any house; tastefully
installed marble can add thousands of dollars onto your home's resale value.
There are several premium stone companies that service the
Ottawa area. Make sure you choose one that can answer any questions you have
about marble tile flooring, and that has a large showroom filled with available
types of marble.
Visit a stone company today, and find out how
marble can transform your home!