Italian marble is renowned for its natural beauty, luxurious appeal, and sophisticated appeal and is the best fit for both commercial and residential spaces. The price of each marble is based on the unique vein pattern, durability, color combination, origin, and thickness. However, while selecting the Italian marble for flooring, the highest priority factor to consider is the thickness of the marble. The thickness of marble will showcase the aesthetic of the floor, durability, and cost of flooring. In this article let us know the thickness of Italian Marble for Flooring and the standard sizes for various applications.
The Standard Thickness of Italian Marble for Flooring
The standard thickness of Italian marble for flooring is 18 mm. More thickness is preferred for various reasons.
- Durability and Strength: An 18 mm-thick marble slab provides a perfect blend of manageability and durability and can withstand heavy traffic and heavy furniture. It is perfect for daily wear and tear without the risk of chipping or cracking. While the thinner slabs, such as 10 mm and 12 mm slabs, are prone to damage and not suitable for heavy traffic areas.
- Ease of Installation: The thicker marble slab, 18 mm, can be managed easily by the professional installers, as it provides a secure installation and gives a perfect finish. While the thinner slabs are delicate and have a high chance of breakage during the installation.
- Honing and Polishing: The 18 mm thickness allows future refinishing and polishing. Over time marble tends to lose its shine and is prone to minor scratches. The thicker marble can be re-honed and re-polished several times, and also it can be restored to its original shine without compromising its structural integrity.
Other Thickness Options
The standard thickness of marble is 18 mm, while there are other options available in other thicknesses for certain applications.
- 10 mm (or 1 cm): This thickness of marble is best suitable for wall cladding and kitchen countertops, where the marble doesn’t require bearing more weight. It can be used in some areas where the usage is lighter, but generally for flooring it is not recommended.
- 20 mm and 30 mm: This thickness of marble can be used for outdoor installation to create a monolithic look in less trafficked commercial areas. They are expensive and heavy and require more effort during the installation process.
Standard Sizes of Italian Marble Slabs
Italian marble is not sold in small slots like other materials, such as ceramic or tiles. Instead, it is sold in bulk. The dimensions of each slab are not uniform and can vary. However, there are some common size ranges.
- Length: The length of a slab can range from 240 cm to 300 cm, approximately 8 ft to 10 ft.
- Width: The width typically ranges from 120 cm to 180 cm, approximately 4 ft to 6 ft.
The larger the size of marble slabs, the more it allows to create a seamless design with minimal grout lines.
The Process: From Quarry to Your Floor
The journey of Italian marble from a quarry to your floor involves several steps that impact the final product:
- Quarrying: The big blocks of marble are usually extracted from the quarries, especially the Carrara region of Italy.
- Slab Cutting: The marble blocks are transported from the quarry place to processing units to cut them into slabs with various thicknesses. The most common thickness for flooring is 18 mm.
- Polishing and Finishing: The slabs are then polished to get a high glossy finish. Such as honed, sandblasted, and leathered finishes.
- Installation: The finished polished slabs are transported to the site, and installation is done by the professional installers. The installation involves leveling the subfloor, using high-quality adhesive, and precisely cutting the marble.
Conclusion
For Italian marble flooring, the industry standard and most recommended thickness is 18 mm. This thickness provides the ideal combination of durability, strength, and longevity, ensuring that your investment in this beautiful material is protected for years to come. While other thicknesses are available, they are typically reserved for specific applications. Understanding these standards, along with the common slab sizes, will help you make an informed decision and ensure a flawless and enduring installation.
FAQs
Q1: Is 18 mm marble too thick for residential use?
A: No, 18 mm is the ideal thickness for residential flooring. It provides the necessary strength to withstand daily use without being excessively heavy or difficult to install.
Q2: What is the benefit of a thicker marble slab (e.g., 30 mm)?
A: A 30 mm slab offers superior durability and a more substantial feel. It is often used in high-traffic commercial settings or for feature installations where maximum strength is required.
Q3: Can I use thinner marble (e.g., 10 mm) for my floor?
A: It is not recommended. 10 mm marble is more prone to cracking and chipping under foot traffic and the weight of furniture. It is best suited for wall cladding or decorative purposes.
Q4: Why are Italian marble slabs so large?
A: The large size of the slabs allows for a more continuous and seamless look with fewer grout lines. This showcases the natural beauty of the marble’s veining and patterns.
