MARBLE & MARBLE LOOK TILE

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Marble & Marble Look Tile FAQs

What is marble?

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone that has undergone thousands of years of extreme heat and pressure. It is comprised of recrystallized carbonate calcite, dolomite, and other minerals.

Where is marble found?

Marble is found throughout the globe but primarily is quarried from the United States, Italy, Spain, China, and India.

What tile looks like marble?

Tile is manufactured so there is no type of tile that inherently looks like marble. However, with advancements in tile design and production, ceramic and porcelain tile can be made to look virtually indistinguishable from real marble. Because Daltile quarries genuine marble in addition to manufacturing ceramic and porcelain tile, our natural marble beauties serve as a template for producing the most realistic-looking faux marble tile on the market today.

Why is marble so expensive?

This is a misconception. Marble is offered at very competitive prices today. The advent of marble look tile has put downward pressure on the price of genuine marble. While is it often more expensive than ceramic and porcelain, the additional cost for this luxurious natural stone is typically not substantial.

Are tiles better than marble?

Yes and no. Natural stone marble offers one-of-a-kind design (no two are alike) that increases a property's resale value, but can be more easily damaged, requires regular maintenance, and is more expensive. Marble look porcelain tile is very durable, requires very little maintenance, and can go into areas that are not suitable for marble; however, it has little impact on resale value. We recommend professional installation for both (a good installer is worth their weight in gold!) but with marble slab, a professional fabricator and installer is a must. Perhaps a mix of real marble tile and marble look tile would offer the best of both worlds. Apply natural marble on countertops, floors and walls unlikely to sustain damage (such as a fireplace, feature wall, or residential entry way) and marble look tile in heavy traffic areas (like the kitchen, bathrooms, or outdoor patio).

Is marble tile good for showers?

Natural stone marble can be used in showers and is gorgeous, but comes with some caveats. Marble is a soft stone that is very porous with natural fissures. Depending on the iron level of the marble (which varies widely), consistent exposure to moisture and humidity can cause discoloration. Therefore, real marble tile and slab must be sealed before use and resealed on a regular basis (at least once a year). Avoid using acid-based cleaners as they cause etching and compromise sealants. Natural stone marble should be thoroughly dried after every use. For those who feel this sounds like too much work, marble look tile may be a better option for you. With porcelain, none of these precautions apply as it is impervious to water, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and easily maintained as it does not require sealing.

Is marble tile more expensive than porcelain?

Because it is mined and sourced throughout the globe, natural stone marble varies widely in quality and price. Typically, high-quality marble is more expensive than marble look porcelain. However, other costs should be considered. Real marble tile is easier and less expensive to install. On the other hand, it must be sealed before use and resealed on a regular basis. Marble look porcelain is more expensive to install but is virtually maintenance free. To address the installation cost, RevoTile was developed. It is a porcelain click tile that installs 2 times faster than regular tile.

Is marble better than porcelain?

For property resale value, yes, real marble is better than marble look porcelain. For cost and easy maintenance, marble look porcelain is better than marble. All natural stone is porous, thus has application limits (we do not recommend outdoor use), and requires sealing before use and yearly resealing. Porcelain is waterproof, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, and can withstand outdoor climates. But marble look porcelain does not impact resale value to the degree of natural stone marble. The beauty of natural stone marble is unmatched and for some with highly discriminating taste, there is nothing like the real thing.

Does marble tile break easily?

For the most part, marble is a strong, heat-resistant stone than can withstand moderate use. Extra care in high traffic areas should be taken as sharp objects can cause scratches and heavy objects can chip or crack marble. 

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