How Long Do Marble Floors Last?

Flooring is the base of your entire home, both from a functionality and aesthetic standpoint. This is why it is important to select the right flooring that will last and be pleasing to the eye.

For most homeowners, marble floors are the dream! Marble floors are considerably stronger than most types of flooring, and they provide a touch of elegance to your home. 

Marble, limestone, Crema Marfil, travertine, slate, quarry tiles, etc., will need to be stripped, polished and sealed at regular intervals, or they will lose the deep lustre that makes them such an attractive flooring solution.

Beautiful marble flooring started its journey into our homes as limestone. Millions of years of metamorphosis—intense heat and pressure—produced a dense variegated stone that can be polished to a high shine. Marble is now mined worldwide and is highly prized as a natural product for countertops and flooring. Polished marble reflects light to make rooms seem more spacious while offering a touch of elegance.

Polishing marble floors in a busy facility can be inconvenient, time-consuming and expensive. So when your floor has been polished back to looking its best, it’s a good idea to think about how you can keep it that way for as long as possible. That’s why having a good cleaning and maintenance plan for your polished marble will save you $1,000s over the life of a floor and will keep it looking brilliant for much longer.

Regardless of region, marble flooring is known to be one of the more expensive flooring choices in the market. This is not without reason, as it is an exquisite material that can effectively withstand the test of time. Besides the well-known white colouration popular to many, marble also comes in many other colours and designs to fit your theme of interior design.

Marble has been used as the construction material for hundreds of years when even the palaces of kings and queens were adorned with marble floorings and other marble decorative items.

The following sections will describe the marble flooring options available, their respective costs, maintenance instructions, and their pros and cons. Based on this list, we hope to be able to narrow down your choice best suited for you when debating on which types to get.

What Is Marble Made From? 

If you’re not 100% sure what marble comprises, then let us start by enlightening you.

Marble in its purest form is an incredibly hard, natural stone formed by calcite and other minerals in limestone rock being recrystallised through exposure to intense pressure and heat over long periods. 

These minerals are typically what gives marble its unique colouring and vein detailing, spanning from pure white and pale cream to dark grey, black, brown and green, not to mention mixed colour blends. 

Having featured in building interiors and exteriors for thousands of years, marble has been a tried and trusted flooring option that brings with it a true sense of luxury and, in some cases, a high price tag. 

However, modern manufacturing means you can now find a more affordable marble floor option with faux-marble tiles made from porcelain or ceramic. Mimicking all the beauty and detail of the real deal, they can give you a classic look for less with plenty of added extras, too. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Marble Floors 

Marble Characteristics

Marble is a metamorphosed limestone composition. This means that marble originally began as limestone deep in the earth’s crust and, through extreme heat and pressure, was recrystallised to form the marble stone we know today.

Due to this natural process that occurs in nature and the vast combination of minerals that exist within the earth’s crust, marble can be found in an amazing array of colours and shades. The colours range from brilliant white, derived from white calcite, to dark red, to black. The marble colour depends on the minerals and impurities found within each region of the earth where marble is quarried.

Marble is not an extremely hard stone and has a Mohs rating of between 2.5 and 5 (out of 10) compared to granite between 7 and 8.

Marble has visible and distinct veins that run through the stone. Due to the natural crystals that exist within the marble, the natural stone responds extremely well to polishing and exhibits amazing reflectivity.

How Long Will It Last?

With regular maintenance and a lot of TLC, marble floors can last up to 25 years. Some will last even longer given the right care and maintenance from a professional stone restoration service.

Newly installed marble floors should stay looking like new for two to three years without requiring any attention. For low-traffic areas, the new look can last even longer and maintain its shininess for several years. 

But why wait until the shine fades before polishing and giving your marble some love? Marble floors do not require a lot of maintenance. So once a year should be fine.

Sealing Marble Floors

Marble is a very porous material, and it is through these pores, dirt gets in underneath the tile surface. This is why it is necessary to close up these pores by sealing the marble, preventing the dirt from getting in. Generally, when a marble floor loses its natural lustre, it signifies that the seal has worn off. This is when it needs to be re-sealed.

A newly polished marble floor can last between one to three years, while marble floors in low traffic areas can last up to five years. The marble stone itself lasts up to 100 years.

Marble is composed mainly of crystalline calcium carbonate, or magnesium carbonate, which has become a sensation in modern times due to its beauty and durability.

The marble floor is known for its durability, but that’s not all there is to factor in when choosing a floor. The pros and cons of marble floors need to be known so that you can make an informed and right choice.

Having marble tile installed adds beauty to a home. It brings about an elegant, soothing look. But it’s also among the more expensive flooring materials. You want your marble floor tile to last for a long time so you can get your money’s worth, so you’ll have to maintain it and protect it. Part of maintaining and protecting it is sealing your marble floor.

Why Does Marble Floor Tile Need To Be Sealed?

Marble is a porous material. Porous means that material is vulnerable to liquid absorption. If, for instance, you were to spill a glass of wine, the wine could seep through the surface of a marble tile and eventually cause it to stain or discolour, especially if it doesn’t get cleaned up immediately.

Marble flooring is commonly installed in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Each area deals with moisture from time to time. For example, bathrooms will steam up while the shower is running. Also, accidental splashes from the sink or water dripping while you’re exiting the shower or bath can result in wet flooring. Kitchens emit vapour while cooking, and laundry rooms have the potential to flood from a malfunctioned washer. The point is that each of the areas where marble is typically installed is threatened by moisture over time.

Marble is a very porous material, and it is through these pores, dirt gets in underneath the tile surface. This is why it is necessary to close up these pores by sealing the marble, preventing the dirt from getting in. Generally, when a marble floor loses its natural lustre, it signifies that the seal has worn off. This is when it needs to be re-sealed.

Always Buff Your Floors Dry After Mopping

Ensure all product is completely removed before you dry buff your floor with either your floor buffer or a clean white cloth. It is essential to dry buff your floor as this will bring up the shine in your marble floor.

Change Water Frequently When Washing Marble And Stone Floors

It is also imperative you change the water frequently when washing your marble or stone floors. Dirty water is notorious for lodging into your grout and causing it to deteriorate quicker than it should.

Using A Penetrating Seal

We generally seal all marble, limestone, travertine and crema Marfil floors with a penetrating seal. This is a water-based sealer that will not alter the appearance of your tiles. It penetrates into the stone and is useful for preventing spills from seeping deep into your stone. You still, however, have to mop up the spill straight away. So the penetrating seal just gives you more time.

Using a topical seal

The more porous stone is generally sealed with a topical coating, which leaves a film on top of the floor. A topical seal sits on top of the tile, and, when caring for your floor, you are really caring for the coating. The maintenance programme is the same as for a floor sealed with a penetrating seal, except for the boiling water trick, of course! Generally, a floor sealed with a topical seal needs to be treated more often.

What Type Of Maintenance Do Marble Floors Require?

To delay expensive colour restoration to natural stone, it is important to regularly clean and maintain the marble by cleaning the marble floors regularly with a soft mop and soap design specifically for natural stone. Do not let the soap residue build-up on the stone over some time, as this will reduce the lustre of the marble.

When it’s first installed, your marble floor will need a protective sealant. Your natural stone supplier can recommend the best product for the particular marble you’ve selected. You will likely need to reapply this sealant every year, at the very least. But fear not, it’s a very easy process. There are many products available that need only is applied and left to dry. (Yes, you can do it yourself!)

Cleaning will be very important for your marble floor. The best way to keep marble clean is to remove dirt, grit, and other materials as often as possible. With your marble being in your entryway, this will be of particular importance. Grime and dirt left on the marble can cause minute scratches on the surface of the marble, which may become noticeable over time. So clean the surface with a damp cloth, soft broom, or non-abrasive vacuum as regularly as possible. Wipe up any spills immediately and avoid harsh cleaning chemicals. Never use bleach, vinegar, or acidic-based cleaners on your marble, as they will degrade the surface over time.

Always clean up spills on any marble surface immediately and do not use any acid-based household chemicals to clean a marble surface — this can cause immediate damage.

To maintain the perfect marble shine, professional maintenance is required at regular intervals as this cleaning will usually include the use of polishing powders, vitrification chemicals, and they will be able to remove any staining that has occurred through the use of poultice powders and other specialist methods.

All this can be quite daunting, but luckily there are products available on the market that can make the maintenance of marble easier and ensure that you continue to enjoy the magnificence of nature right in your home for years and years to come.

Marble floors will last for up to 25 years, maybe even more than a lifetime, if cared for properly. Here’s how:

• Dust or Mop – Regular cleaning of your marble floors will help to remove grit and dirt, which is essential in protecting the marble from long term damage. Grit and dirt can cause scratching, holes, and other damage that can be irreversible in the long run. Use a soft cloth or natural dust mop that is not treated with any harmful chemicals that can further damage your marble floors. Make sure the cloth and dust mop are clean before using; otherwise, you will just be scratching the surface of your marble.
• Use Soft Mats and Rugs – Put area rugs and runners in high-traffic areas and entry points. Having mats at entry points will allow people to wipe their feet before entering your home. This is important to help keep grit and other debris from entering your home and scratching and damaging your beautiful marble floors. Don’t forget to skid-proof your rugs for safety.
• Use Soft Attachments on Your Vacuum Cleaner – When using a vacuum cleaner on your marble floors, make sure you only use brush attachments. Avoid using metal or plastic attachments. Also, avoid using an upright vacuum. Its wheels and other moving parts can also damage your marble’s beautiful finish.
• Wipe Up Spills Quickly – spills are expected. It is not uncommon for marble floors to have something spilled upon them. What is important is that the spills are blotted up quickly so the water or liquid will not seep in and ruin your marble for good. DO NOT wipe the spill because it will spread the liquid. Just blot the area with a clean cloth and wipe it dry. 

Marble is a natural stone, so unlike synthetic materials, it is more prone to wear and tear, especially when it comes to moisture and heat. This is why you need to polish your marble floors regularly and seal the marble once or twice a year. Simple maintenance can mean a lifetime of radiance and sparkle. 

And while it is good that you clean and polish the floors regularly, a good professional clean up, polishing, and sealing is always highly recommended. Professional marble cleaners know what to look for and exactly what to do to make quick fixes, retouch, and polishes to make sure that your marble floors do not just look good but also remain strong and durable.

Have you had professional marble cleaners visit your home and give your marble tiles some TLC? If not, it’s time you do so!

Slique is the most trusted professional tile cleaning and tile restoration company in Sydney. Our extensive range of treatment ensures we can restore virtually any type of damage or deterioration to any kind of stone or tile surface.

So whether you have issues with staining, etching, chips, dullness, scratches, fading and wear marks or just general dirtiness, give us a call and see how we can help you.

With regular visits from our team of experts, your marble floors will remain radiant and elegantly shiny for decades.

Cleaning Do’s And Dont’s To Longer The Life Of Your Marble Tiles 

DO

• Dust mop floors frequently with a soft cloth. Wash the cloth after each use.
• Clean surfaces with mild pH neutral dish soap or specially formulated marble cleaner
• Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface with clean, clear water after washing
• Blot up spills immediately. Never wipe
• Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs

DON’T

• Use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids or harsh chemicals
• Use commercially available bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners on marble surfaces.
• Mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas
• Never mix chemicals unless directions specifically instruct you to do so
• Use metal or plastic vacuum cleaner attachments, and be mindful of the wheels on the vacuum.
• If they are worn or rough, they may damage the surface.

Which Marble Flooring Is Best?

Although each marble floor has its own visual and functional properties, some might prefer one of its types over the other. For example, the marble flooring considered best in Pakistan and India is crema Marfil and calacatta marble.

The Crema Marfil is preferred because of its colour, which can camouflage dust and dirt particles. In addition, Calacatta marble gives a stylish and classy look to drawing rooms and living rooms.