Marbles are one of the greatest marvels in the history of architecture. This metamorphic rock signifies luxury and elegance. For centuries, this symbol of luxury and elegance has dominated the interior design landscape. Formed over millions of years underneath the surface of the Earth, it emerged as a versatile and highly valuable option for flooring. The usage of marble could be traced back to ancient Greece. People of the ancient Greek kingdom considered it a symbol of social status. The great palaces and great Renaissance cathedrals of Rome and Greece signify the quintessence of marvel. Even in this technological era, the demand for earthen material- marble, continues to grow. However, marble has largely been influenced by innovative techniques and new technologies in various industries in terms of quality. This article discusses the trends in marble flooring, technological advancements, maintenance and durability of marble and its other significance.
Colour Trends in Marble Flooring
While marble itself is an inexplicable beauty, the emergence of recent colour trends has seized the hearts and minds of people.
White Marble: White marble is the perennial choice among people due to its pristine beauty and versatility. These coloured marbles create a sense of space and light. The transformation that could be brought with the use of white marble makes it an undeniable choice for modern kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.
Green Marble: If you have a love for nature, then green marble is yours. Its soothing appearance is increasingly popular in interior design. The organic elegance and refreshing touch to various spaces are preferred by large masses to connect with nature in their homes. Black Marble: While many hesitate to choose black colour, the dramatic and sophisticated presence of black marble in interior design makes it indispensable. The black marble is favoured in high-end designs where luxury and elegance are desired.
Grey Marble: If you are interested in having a neutral background that complements various colour palettes and design elements, grey marble is the quintessential choice. Its subtle elegance and versatile design allow it to blend seamlessly with contemporary and traditional styles.
Beige, Brown, and Gold Marble: In recent times, the rising popularity of beige, brown, and gold marble has superseded the preferences for regular colours. These inviting tones in contemporary spaces bring a sense of comfort and sophistication to interiors.
Apart from these, the combination of colours and veining patterns has changed the market trend. Irrespective of the colour choices, the presence of veining adds depth and personality to the marble. This allows for creative and unique applications in interior design.
Technology in Marble Flooring
Marble flooring can be done using various technologies. Some of the most widely used technologies are Tech Forte, Continua +, Streninn, NITCO Cut-To-Size, Triple Reinforcement Technology, and Digital Gazing.
- Tech Forte includes the process of soaking a densifier into the marble slab to fill the pores. This process makes the marble more durable, abrasion-resistant, and dust-absorption resistant.
- Continua + is widely used to manufacture MarbleX, a synthetic product.
- Streninn uses robotic machinery to apply Italian expo to the front and back of the slab. This enhances strength and variable-thickness slabs and tiles.
- NITCO Cut-To-Size uses UV resin coating and UV light drying. This helps to achieve a finish, polish, and flatness accuracy. This includes damage-proof packaging as well.
3D-Printed Marble Floors
3D-printed marble is a type of floor that creates an illusion of depth and dimension. The method of creating a 3D-printed marble floor is done by imprinting a high-resolution image of the desired design on a durable material. This groundbreaking innovation combines the elegance and durability of marble with the versatility and customisation of 3D printing. This offers unique personalised flooring solutions.
Smart Heated Marble Floors
If you want to add comfort and efficiency, heated marble floors are an appropriate flooring method. This marble is highly preferred by those who want to reduce their energy costs while still enjoying a comfortable home. While we have many methods to heat the marble floor, underfloor electric radiant heating is the most popular one. This type of heating saves your money on energy bills while providing clean and quiet heat. The system works by heating the floor with electric heating elements that are woven in a serpentine pattern.
Digital Printing on Marble Surfaces
It is a multi-step process that involves design development, colour matching, cleaning, priming, ink formulation, high-resolution printing, sealing and polishing. The process includes the creation of 3D models of the marble floor. The marble surface is thoroughly cleaned, and a primer is applied to improve adhesion. Following this, a printed image is applied to the surface with a sealant. This protects the design and increases durability. In some cases, the marble is polished to revive the lost lustre in the process.
Popular Marble Patterns
When it comes to patterns in marble, herringbone, chevron, and diamond are among the most popular choices for marble flooring. Herringbone patterned marbles are arranged in a V-shape, resembling the scales of herring fish. Chevron uses the same V-shaped tiles. However, in terms of arrangements, they are arranged in a parallel fashion creating a more formal and symmetrical look. Diamond patterns have marble tiles arranged in a diamond shape.
Marble with Other Materials
It is an undeniable fact that marbles provide people with a variety of beautiful experiences with their patterns and are also available in low-cost flooring options. However, combining different materials can give it a better visual experience.
Marble with Metals: All metal pairs well with marble, brass, and gold stand tall. The combination of these metals with marble highlights the natural veining pattern. Even dark metals complement light floor colour variations.
Marble with Wood: Wood creates classic luxury interiors in combination with marble. Wood such as mahogany and ebony fits well with dark marble, and white marble suits oak and pine.
Maintenance and Durability Innovations
Despite marble being used for centuries in flooring and other applications, its beauty and durability can be diminished without proper maintenance. However, technological advancements have led to innovative solutions for marble sustainability.
Advanced Sealants and Protective Coatings
This is a crucial tool for preserving the beauty and durability of marble compared to granite surfaces. They create an invisible barrier and protect marble from stains, water damage, and scratches. One such coating is nanotechnology coating. This coating forms a thick invisible barrier on the marble surface, preventing it from stains, water damage, and scratches. In addition, we have impregnating sealants that are ideal for both indoor and outdoor marble surfaces and tropical sealants used on marbles in harsh weather conditions.
Easy-Care Marble Alternatives
Some alternatives other than marble for easy care are porcelain and ceramic tiles. These tiles can be manufactured to mimic colour variations and veining of marbles. Engineered stones are also considered to be an alternative to the high-maintenance marbles. Quartz is manufactured to resemble marble. It is made from natural stone fragments combined with a resin binder.
Stain -Resistant Treatments
Marble, being a metamorphic rock, is highly sensitive to acids. For this reason, it is important to treat the marble surface to protect it. It is always recommended to treat the materials with water-repellent and stain-resistant products. These are neutral treatments, and will not change the colour of the stone. Along with this, there is another category of treatment known as the wet effect. This water-repellent liquid substance is spread across the surface with a brush. For outdoor use, surface-penetrating water repellents are highly recommended.
Conclusion
With its timeless beauty and elegance, marble has become a popular choice among people for flooring. The durability, versatility and luxurious appearance make it a preferable choice for both commercial and residential spaces. The technological advancements offer customisation and design possibilities to create unique and personalised spaces. Whether you are drawn to this classic marvel, it remains a timeless and luxurious choice.