10 Reasons Why Marble Is Terrible For Your Bathroom
1. Marble generally has a smooth polished surface. While this adds an elegance and sophistication to the material, it also makes it extremely slippery, especially when wet. In the bathroom where falling accidents are common, this material can present an unnecessary hazard.
2. Marble is a chemical base on the PH scale. The consequence of this is that when it comes in contact with anything which is acidic in nature, a chemical reaction occurs, and the surface of the material can become ruined. In the bathroom strong and acidic cleansers are often necessary for removing the tough ground in stains which can occur in this room. While there are alternative cleansers you can use, you or someone you hire to clean the space can easily make a mistake and ruin the entire installation.
3. The bathroom is a very wet space. Marble, being a natural stone, has minute pores which can absorb this moisture. During times of extreme heat or cold this moisture can then expand or freeze within the marble, causing it to crack and explode.
4. The chillingly cold surface of a marble floor can be a nasty wake up call first thing in the morning if you forget to put on slippers or socks.
5. While acid is the biggest danger to a marble installation, any grime or mold which is left to sit on an unprotected surface can penetrate the stone and cause a permanent stain.
6. Marble is a rather delicate material. While it does have the weight of many natural stones, its surface is not nearly as durable and is subject to easily being chipped or broken.
7. Many marbles have serene monochrome patterns which reflect the classic beauty of ancient architecture, such as that used in the Parthenon. While this pristine beauty is a draw, it is also a problem in the bathroom where dirt and grime will stick out on its face like a sore thumb.
8. That smooth polished beauty, which can enhance the look and feel of any space, is also a drawback, as it can be scratched quite easily, effectively ruining the entire effect. What�s worse is that buffing out stains is often a task which has to be undertaken by a professional, and can be quite costly.
9. There are ways to protect the surface of your marble installations. Below surface sealers and various chemical defenses can be applied which will create a layer of protection over the surface of the stone. However these chemicals will often fade with time, making marble a material which has to be constantly tended to, in order to maintain its original appearance.
10. Marble can be a relatively expensive stone, especially when compared with other natural stones, even polished materials which can be used. This combined with the fact that it can be so easily ruined in a bathroom, often makes it prohibitive to use this material in that space.
Luckily, there are many wonderful alternatives to marble which can be applied with just as much style and elegance, and which will not suffer from the same problems in the bathroom.
Slate is a natural stone which can come in a variety of colors and patterns. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of slate which are available, if you look hard enough. This material is extremely durable; it is resistant to stains and will often actually hide dirt and grime in its colorful surface. It is also relatively low maintenance, only requiring an initial chemical treatment, and then optional repeat treatments once a year or less as desired.
Sandstone is slightly less durable than slate however it can be easily sealed and protected against the dangers of the bathroom. Its porous surface tends to soak up chemical treatments, making them longer lasting and much more effective than in other stones. It is also resistant to chipping and cracking.
Natural sandstone tile and slabs
Quartzite is one of the most durable building materials available on the market today. Extremely hard, resistant to stains, and easily cared for, it offers a more uniform pattern than many other natural materials.
Natural quartzite tile and slabs
For a wide variety of natural stone materials, more information on natural stone, and ideas and inspirations on how to use these materials in your home, visit http://PebbleZ.com/stone/index.html - The rustic stone home decor store.
