All about marble cladding

Almost every person needs to know everything about marble cladding. This material is used for decoration of walls and facades, facing marble is used for interior decoration of the house, fireplace and bathroom. But just covering the surfaces with decorative material is not enough - good care is also required.

Marble cladding is gaining popularity steadily. This process manifested itself even in Russia, where such a stone is not very much in demand and is associated either with something ceremonial and solemn, or with cemetery monuments. But if you contact a company that offers marble cladding services, or try to do this work yourself, you will quickly discover that in fact there is not one, but several material options.

In the presence of solid funds, they usually order a natural marble coating. Such a stone is environmentally friendly, and each of its samples is unique. The color of marble varies widely. There are known red, pink, gray, white and black varieties. However, the rock may also have:

• yellow;
• beige;
• Brown;
• black;
• green colors.

The difference between these types of material is associated not only with the color scheme itself, but also with the characteristics of the surface. Dark colors are extremely practical. The lack of gloss allows you to freely use the material for flooring. Light marble predominantly goes on walls, facades and ceilings. No one forbids using it for the floor, but this will require more careful maintenance.

For flooring, a thicker material is usually used than for walls. This is due to the difference in the permissible load on the formed surface. Artificial marble is usually an alternative to natural. In terms of its aesthetic properties, it fully coincides with its natural counterpart. The downside is the weaker mechanical resistance - because of this, it is not advised to revet the floor with artificial marble.

But this material is very resistant to moisture. It can be safely handled (cleaned) with water. Liquid contaminants are not absorbed by the artificial marble. However, the surface protective layer is subject to severe wear and therefore proper care is very important. Artificial marble will last at least 20 years with careful handling, and it is installed very quickly. Since the blocks are lightweight, there is no need to pre-harden the surface. Rational maintenance will preserve not only the mechanical, but also the decorative qualities of the coating, including its color. It is also worth noting:

• resistance to high and low temperatures;
• low impact resistance;
• affordable (in comparison with natural analogue) price.

Artificial marble, which includes natural stone chips, is distinguished into a separate category. It is customary to call such material a conglomerate. Outwardly, it looks very luxurious and very interesting visually. It is impossible to distinguish it "by eye" from natural marble. There is not much difference in the installation order either. It is even easier to work, because the conglomerate is lighter and does not force the wall to be reinforced.

It is also worth noting the growing demand for marble chips. It is mounted even easier than the other listed options. A special powder is obtained by mixing glue with crushed agglomerate.

This material is also supported by:

• the possibility of combining different tones;
• moisture resistance;
• practicality;
• zero absorption of odors (crumb is suitable even for the kitchen area);
• long period of operation;
• wear resistance;
• resistance even to open flame;
• stability when exposed to temperature extremes.

Decorating a home wall with decorative marble in a bathroom is an extremely attractive idea. This coating is perfect there and for floor decoration. The main emphasis is on the uniqueness and complexity of the texture. Depending on the chosen design concept, both light and dark types of material can be used. In modern bathrooms, surfaces with straight lines are welcome. In old-fashioned and simply sophisticated interiors, a more popular solution would be the use of marble, dotted with various veins.

The disadvantage of marble in the bathroom, however, is not only the high price, as is usually thought. Many of its types contain iron, and it may well rust. This immediately spoils the entire aesthetic effect. Treatment with special sealants and other care measures come to the rescue, however, this is laborious and quite expensive.

In this room, facing marble is also quite appropriate. With a skillful selection, it will demonstrate the delicate taste of the owners and will not create the impression of any desire for excessive pathos. In the living room, fireplaces are often decorated with marble. This technique can significantly increase their aesthetic appeal. Composite marble structures look luxurious and noble, even spilled fizzy drinks can be tolerated.

Stone decoration works well for works of art as well. Marble makes an excellent picture frame or decorative environment. True, you will have to select it with great analysis, and place it in the same way, emphasizing the strengths of the room. One of the decor options implies the formation of entire marble walls that will harmoniously fit into any interior and create a sense of real luxury. They are slightly less expensive, but the columns and slopes made of marble are still gorgeous.

The decoration of the kitchen space with marble is not only beautiful, but also comfortable and functional. As already mentioned, this stone fits perfectly into a variety of interiors. The kitchen can be finished with cast marble, known for its natural composition and affordability. Sinks (sinks) and countertops, capital window sills and a number of other items are made of such material. Cast marble:

• easy to repair;
• operated for a very long time;
• is not a source of radiation;
• can be performed in almost any arbitrary form;
• insufficiently resistant to temperature fluctuations and significant loads;
• collapses on contact with abrasives.

Regardless of the choice of natural or artificial marble for the kitchen, special attention should be paid to its color. You should be extremely careful when using dark tones, especially those with richness. Their excessive use will create a sense of visual heaviness. It is much more correct to complement the dominant light filling with dark colors. White marble products will help to visually expand the space; special coatings help to avoid loss of appearance.

Tiles imitating marble are often used on the floor, walls or in the apron area. It is distinguished by an impressive variety of designs and ornaments. If the flooring is laid out correctly, the veins join together to form an imitation of a solid slab.It is also quite acceptable to combine marble of two contrasting tones, when the veins of one area correspond to the main shade of the second area.

Marble can be used not only for interior walls, but also for exterior walls, and even for a plinth. It is possible to choose a specific solution precisely if we take into account:

• landscape features;
• type of building;
• surrounding architecture and nature;
• climatic parameters;
• thermal and acoustic characteristics of the stone.

Real marble facades are impractical in the Russian climate (even on the warm Black Sea coast). Much more often you can find their imitations based on other materials. So, quite a few people prefer Inkerman stone or Crimean limestone. If, nevertheless, real marble is chosen, then it is necessary to additionally determine the preference:

• modular finishing boards;
• mosaics;
• large slabs;
• chipped stone.

Marble, like granite, must be applied to the substrate as tightly as possible. Even a small void can ruin the whole thing. The floor is poured, and a self-leveling floor is mounted on top of the heating system. Marble, unlike granite, cannot be mounted on uneven surfaces. The glue is selected taking into account the color of the stone and the seams, and the tiles are laid with a strictly specified expansion joint.

Re-polishing is also carried out to create the feeling of an aged floor and other original effects. It is possible to fix the marble slab on the wall only with the help of special adhesives, after careful preparation for building up adhesion.

You need to press the plates vigorously, but without any shift. All seams must go strictly along straight vertical and horizontal lines, unless a different installation scheme is chosen. It is supposed to dry after laying from 22 to 25 hours. Immediately after drying, the seams are rubbed with white Portland cement. When it hardens a little (it takes 10 - 12 minutes), the mass is moistened and compacted with a cloth or burlap. It is better to remove excess grout.

Natural marble can be severely damaged by alcohol, lemon juice, tomato sauce and other oxidants. In addition to protecting against them, you will have to give up bleaches. The safest and safest way to clean is wiping with warm water using a soft cloth. If you need to deal with stains, you will need to use a soapy solution.

Effective masking of stains and the effects of erosion is achieved by monthly treatment with a special sealant. Greasy stains are removed with ammonia or mineral spirits. Organic blockages will be removed by hydrogen peroxide. Rust is removed with compresses. Water spots - emery.

In the next video, marble wall cladding awaits you.