marble or ceramic which is best

homeheist


Joined: 26/10/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 12:51

I would be interested to heart your views on the pros and cons of marble floors as opopsed to ceramic tiles-if you had the choice to chose from scatch which would you chose and why?

autumn


Joined: 11/06/2009
Posts: 45

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 13:11

Marble is natural where as ceramic is a man made product. There is no real difference between in them in strength if laid correctly, its all about style and the look you want. There are many lookalike marbles in ceramic around. Although marble needs looking after where as ceramic does not. Porcelain tiles are the strongest make for drops.



If laying any floor tile make sure it has been laid correctly with the right floor adhesive and grout and in the correct way.



A filled and honed marble is easier to maintain as the holes have been filled and does not collect the dirt. And one thing they do not do in this country is seal marble.

Once laid, before you grout, buy a sealer for the marble (make sure it is the correct sealer for the product) and grout after. This will make any spills easier to clean and will not soak in to the marble.



))

professoregit


Joined: 30/08/2008
Posts: 381

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 13:52

Marble is porous and spilling certain things such as wine or citrus juices will strip the finish unless caught quickly. You should not use normal household cleaning fluids as this will effect the finish after time, just plain water. Personally I would opt for ceramic which usually has a glazed finish and is much easier to maintain.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 14:00

We had downstairs re-tiled after we moved in with porcelain tiles. They have the shine of marble, are easily cleaned and are not slippery.



Chris

homeheist


Joined: 26/10/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 15:01

Thank you for your replies, I ask because I have the choice of either marble or ceramic in a new build and know that ceramic is easier to maintain but like the look of marble - but dont want to be firghtened of spills etc. Only those who have lived with marble floors know how high maintenance marble might be .

hawkeye


Joined: 12/09/2010
Posts: 334

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 15:05

I would go with the porcelain...we have and i use an electric steam mop.......no soap needed and dries in no time. Very easily maintained..........Sue

mixie


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 15:23

Dear Homeheist

If I had my time again I would have chosen tiles.

I am very fastidious and the marble just gets me down. You have to be so careful. Coming in from the pool or out of the bath with water on you can cause my marble to etch.



I would love just to lounge around and not fuss about things. You also becone paranoid with visitors who simply dont understand that slashing water about can damage the floor.

Get a life...get tiles

Mixiex

fosterscan


Joined: 27/02/2010
Posts: 541

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 18:32

just to add marble can be scratched easily porcelain is the best choice imho the cost of laying is a lot more (in the uk)

fosterscan


Joined: 27/02/2010
Posts: 541

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 18:34

laying marble is a lot more

karakum5c



Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 1021

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 18:41

Marble if you intend to live in it and look after it properly





For rental a disaster go for ceramic easily maintained

rollinbones


Joined: 14/11/2008
Posts: 201

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 19:36

The price per sq mt to be laid is the same for both...

rollinbones


Joined: 14/11/2008
Posts: 201

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 19:39

Also the grouting on ceramics can become extremly dirty here with all the dust and dirt.... It takes ages to clean this once it it soiled...

fosterscan


Joined: 27/02/2010
Posts: 541

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 21:11

surely the grout is the same for both / all tiles .Where as the adhesive for marble cost more and marble needs wet cutting so slower to lay .

yenibob


Joined: 13/10/2010
Posts: 1203

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 21:20

Message 7, I would not allow my guests to "slash" on the floor, it's just not nice!!



The grout between floor tiles can be easily cleaned with the cheap de-scaler bought here.

birdman



Joined: 20/09/2010
Posts: 690

Message Posted:
26/10/2010 22:16

For kitchen work surfaces, as you are having a "New Build" go for granite. It is fantasticlaly easy to maintain and keep clean.

homeheist


Joined: 26/10/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
27/10/2010 00:25

Thanks again for you input---Birdman--I have already ordered granite counter top- it seems to be a lot cheaper than in the UK -Ive never been able to afford one before.

Its good to hear other opinions- and learn from others . My last house was new but all floors and kitchen etc were already done . Any more advice greatfully received - ------

homeheist


Joined: 26/10/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
27/10/2010 00:25

Msge 15 - thanks for the advice - granite seems a good idea- and the prices seem reasonable in trnc.

thanks to all those who replied to my post-any more info or advice - such as fly screens-shutters- -air-con- central heating etc -are they desirable or a necessity?

birdman



Joined: 20/09/2010
Posts: 690

Message Posted:
27/10/2010 23:07

Ceramic floors, not marble for me and they too are so easy to sweep and mop. Air-con a must for guests and maybe for mid-summer.(ONLY CERTAIN ROOMS ) Combi-boiler for hot water in Winter. (Also emersion heater as back - up) (pipes to be laid with the foundations ) or before flooring is completed. Double glazing?. Prior to the build make a list of all requirements for EACH ROOM. i.e. number of plug-sockets double/single, light switches and positioning. Number of TV points and in which rooms. Number of light fittings and positioning ( with without fans Etc. ) Wall lights? Types and positioning of windows, type of stairway, cupboard under stairs, shower units required, ( Bath for family room?) . Type of door furniture and type of taps for each basin/sink. ? Put all these requirements on paper and ask your builder to sign an agreement with you that he will supply all you require OR YOU MAY WELL BE PRESENTED WITH A BILL AT THE END OF THE BUILD FOR "extras " !