Marble Tile Flooring for Ottawa Homes
If you live in
Ottawa and are considering
installing marble
tile flooring in your new
or renovated home, the good news is that several excellent Ontario stone
supplies provide service to the Ottawa area. However, before you choose a
company, be sure to research marble tile flooring. This beginner's guide to
marble tiles will provide you with some basic information.
What is Marble?
Marble is a
natural stone that's quarried in mainly mountainous regions in countries all
over the world, including Canada and the United States. Marble is formed when
limestone recrystallizes under great geological pressure. The resulting stone
is hard and very durable, and has been used for building for many centuries.
Marble is associated with wealth and luxury; some of the world's most beautiful
architectural wonders – such as the Greek Parthenon and the Taj Mahal – were
built with marble.
As well,
marble is hypoallergenic and very simple to clean, making it a great choice for
people with asthma or allergies. Marble creates a warm and natural ambience,
and it adds both aesthetic and monetary value to any home.
Tile Varieties
There are
several ways in which marble tiles differ. The major differences are:
- Size. Standard marble tile
sizes include: 12"x12"x3/8", 18”x18”x9/16”, 18”x18”x3/8”, and
24”x24”x3/4”. Very large tiles are sometimes available from premium suppliers;
you can also get smaller tiles (including tiny ones,) or have specialty tiles
cut just for you. Generally speaking, larger tiles are more expensive than smaller
ones. Large tiles may be better suited for open areas and large rooms, while
smaller ones are suitable for smaller spaces. You can also mix and match tile
sizes for a funky and modern look.
- Colour. You may be amazed at the
various colours that are available for your marble tile floors. Classic marble
is white – this is the purest limestone marble. Other minerals often combine
with limestone during marble formation; these give marble its distinctive
veining, and often, a base colour that's pink, off-white, tan, yellow, red,
blue, green, burgundy, brown, or even black.
- Patterning. Some marble has very
fine, subtle patterning or veining. Other marble features dramatic
patterning. Bolder patterns may be
especially suitable for modern décor, while subtle veining works well in
smaller spaces. Many homeowners seek out marble with shimmery patterns that
reflect light. If you choose a unique pattern, be sure to purchase enough tiles
from the same lot, as it can be difficult to match distinctive patterns later
on.
- Finishes. When we think of
marble, we often imagine a very smooth, polished surface. This is, indeed, one
of the choices you may make. Marble tiles are also available in a "honed” or
matte finish, and in a variety of antique-style finishes. These may include
tumbled tiles, which are buffed with sand, brushed tiles, which are scrubbed
with wire brushes, and acid treated, which uses acid to create the antique
look. The finish you choose will have a great effect on the resulting
appearance of your marble floor.
Visit a stone supplier's
showroom today, and discover the many kinds of marble tiles available in the
Ottawa area!