Perhaps you've had a friend or relative remodel a kitchen and install marble tile flooring. You may wonder how marble differs from natural stone flooring, if there's any real difference at all. Well read on and you'll learn everything you need to know.

Natural stone flooring is a very broad category of material which includes things like granite, quartz, limestone, slate, and travertine. These choices are all stone products which have been gleaned from quarries all over the world. The fact that they are natural means that the colours and patterns are engineered completely by nature itself with no interference from humans. By contrast, manufactured flooring materials would include linoleum, ceramic tile, and concrete.

Marble is a naturally occurring stone, so marble stone flooring is also part of the natural stone category. It is loved by many because of the intricate beauty in patterns and colours, as well as its strength and durability. What makes marble so interesting is the way it is formed. Marble is a combination of several rocks like limestone and dolomite which undergo a metamorphosis triggered by changes in their environment. With added pressure and time, these rocks crystallize to become marble.

Colours and patterns are unique among different slabs of marble. The various elements combine to make a visual masterpiece that seems to change and flow throughout the slab. Marble tiles reflect that masterpiece in endless shades of white, grey, black, blue, green, red, cream, and brown. The unique patterns make for equally unique sets of tile that can only be found in your kitchen or bath.

The strength and toughness of marble make it a good choice for entry ways. But the one threat to this beautiful stone is moisture. It is a porous stone, so even though water resistant, it is prone to staining if it is not sealed and maintained regularly. Marble tile flooring should be cleaned and resealed very nine to twelve months depending on traffic flow.

Travertine flooring is another popular choice for both residential and commercial applications because it's durable and requires little maintenance. It is comparable to marble in cost so it can be expensive. From the visual standpoint, what makes travertine so special is that no two pieces look identical. A skilled craftsman who knows how to work with this stone can create a piece of art that will amaze visitors for years.

Other natural stone flooring products including granite, limestone, and slate all have their individual characteristics. One thing they all share though is a tendency to be more expensive compared to manufactured products. If natural tile flooring is out f your price range there are manufactured alternatives that might fit the bill for you. Cast concrete, for example, sports a simulated look and feel of natural stone at a fraction of the price. It's also not a durable as the real thing but it's still a good option for those with limited options.

When you're ready to install new flooring in your home, remember that you'll have to walk on and look at it every day. Make it something special that you'll enjoy for a long time to come and if it's within your budget, consider natural stone or marble tile flooring.