What Is the Most Durable Marble to Use in Kitchen Floors?

Color

• Natural marble is available in earthy colors, such as blacks, browns, greens, grays, blues and whites. Some marble exhibits dazzling vein patterns in contrasting colors from the base shade. Not every color of marble is recommended for flooring. Black and green marbles aren't suitable for areas in your home that may get wet, like kitchens and bathrooms. If black marble gets wet, it can break into small pieces. Green marble has a tendency to absorb water and might curl or warp.

Grades

• Marble is classified into four grades by the Marble Institute of America: grades A, B, C and D, which reflect the working soundness or level of difficulty that an installer or fabricator might incur when working with the stone. Grade A marble is typically more resistant to breakage than the other grades and has the least amount of natural veins, inclusions and inconsistencies. It is a durable option for kitchen floors, while Grade D is the softest marble and isn't recommended for flooring in kitchens.

Finish

• Kitchens are susceptible to spills and are typically high-traffic areas. Marble kitchen floors require a less slippery, durable finish. A highly-polished marble floor isn't an ideal flooring choice for kitchens. Glossy floors are slippery and can frequently acquire unsightly scratches, which can result in staining liquids seeping through the surface. Tumbled marble is a good option for kitchen floors, having a slightly rough and antiquated surface. Honed marble is also advisable, for kitchen flooring, as it has a dull, matte surface.

Maintenance

• Use cleaning solutions that are specially formulated for marble floors. Avoid ammonia and acid-based cleaners, which can dull your floor's luster. Applying a sealant to marble floors can help protect them from moisture and staining, making your floors more durable and attractive. Neutral, pH-balanced, breathable sealers are recommended by professional floor installers for marble floors. Regular resealing for high-traffic marble floors, like kitchens and bathrooms, should be done every 9 to 12 months.