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Marble floor and wall tiles - bad idea?

5 replies

Margot2017 · 01/03/2017 16:00

I'm considering installing honed marble tiles in our master bath and cloakroom. The tile shop insists that I can have them sealed at installation and then every couple of years and they'll hold up well. We have two DCs (who won't use the master bath much since there's only a shower and no bathtub there) and a cat, so the potential for messes is high!

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Newtssuitcase · 01/03/2017 16:04

I have honed marble on the walls in the kitchen and haven't had any issues. each tile was sealed on installation and I haven't done it since (3 years down the line).

It does etch but being honed it won't show as much as it would on polished marble. Be aware though that if anything vaguely acidic was spilt on the floor it would etch. Some people deliberately etch their marble with lemon juice prior to installation to prevent this from being an issue.

Also be aware that marble is an incredibly soft stone and chips like mad. If anyone drops anything on the floor theres a risk of chipping.

I personally would stick to walls only since it will also be slippery but that's obviously a concern with any tiled floor in a bathroom.

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MrsPeelyWaly · 01/03/2017 16:07

My bathroom is entirely tiled with marble and its never been a problem but then I live in a country where marble is a standard feature in a house so maybe we don't look for problems with it.

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Newtssuitcase · 01/03/2017 16:13

do you mean master bath in the US sense - i.e. the en suite or are you using it to mean the family bathroom?

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ChocChocPorridge · 01/03/2017 16:15

Agree with the etching (had it throughout a flat once, and dropping any food item was a problem - had to have multiple spots re-polished before I moved out). It may not have been properly sealed though for all I know.

Staining also a bit of an issue. Didn't have the trouble with chiping though (thank goodness)

If you don't mind it wearing in and looking a bit lived in, it will be fine though (after all, it's used in kitchens often enough as worktops, and cafe table tops)

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Margot2017 · 01/03/2017 16:24

It's not an en-suite, but there are two bathrooms side by side and this would be primarily for DH and me. The other one has a bathtub and will really be the family bath (DCs don't like showers).