Any experience of marble tiles in kitchen?

[Pheo]

Hi all,

Considering Serac marble tiles from Topps Tiles for our rapidly progressing kitchen extension, as we are having UFH, and these were on offer

However never had marble tiles before - anything specific to consider? Did have travertine in the last place so know you need to seal well and use white adhesive... but interested to know thoughts...

[037]

We had a marble tile in our last house and it was a nightmare. You had to dry it after mopping for it to look shiny. Also you could see where you walked the most. Can’t see the point of any natural tiles now there is such a good range of ceramics or porcelain tiles out there.

[Pheo]

Ah this is honed stuff don’t like shiny.

Quite like the Mora wood effect but can see it’s not wood, can’t tell if it’ll annoy me or not! Need to go get a sample

[037]

The wood effect tiles look great imo

[DonkeyApple]

I had a marble kitchen floor in our flat in London. It looked nice but marble isn’t a hard stone and the things you drop in the kitchen tend to be harder!

[steve2]

We have got honed marble tiles in our kitchen which were from Topps Tiles 8 years ago and still look good today.
We have had to order some from someone else as have moved a base unit and Topps do not do them any more but still pleased with them

[SistersofPercy]

Just inherited an entire ground floor of marble (don't ask) in the house we purchased.
Made an excellent base for the wooden flooring, but we have kept it in the kitchen.

It needs looking after is probably the best advice. Prior to us this house has been a rental for short term lets and nobody has looked after it. Consequently the floor has been cleaned with god knows what and has what look like stains on it which is just whatever chemical has eaten into the marble surface.

Currently researching local trades to try and get someone in to restore it, though I'm guessing that isn't going to be cheap.

[Pheo]

steve2 said:

We have got honed marble tiles in our kitchen which were from Topps Tiles 8 years ago and still look good today.
We have had to order some from someone else as have moved a base unit and Topps do not do them any more but still pleased with them

Thanks, are you able to share any photos? A lot of the ones on Houzz are American places with polished marble, and their rather odd kitchen designs... makes it hard to imagine

[Lotobear]

Marble is porous and will absorb oil and fat (causing a stain) unless sealed or highly polished

[SistersofPercy]

Lotobear said:

Marble is porous and will absorb oil and fat (causing a stain) unless sealed or highly polished

Which is exactly what has happened to the one in my kitchen. It does look a real dirty mess. Given the choice I'd not have it fitted. Too much hard work for an area prone to spills.

[Pheo]

Overall people are not fans then!

Anyone got suggestions for good wood effect tiles? Seen Mora at top tiles which are decently priced. I think I got put off when looking at them in the shop as up close you can see a bit of pixelation - probably a bit silly as not that often I am 5cm from the floor staring at the tiles...

[austinsmirk]

try N&C for tiles. you'll struggle to find a wider source for tiles.

[dickymint]

Wifey manages the fabrication dept for Mandarin Stone. For our new kitchen we had the pick of anything at a very good price............She chose porcelain Looks like the real thing but none of the disadvantages

She very versatile is Wifey......







And She did the grouting.......

Edited by dickymint on Wednesday 17th October 10:32

[Pheo]

That’s quite telling!

[ozzuk]

Just something to keep in mind - porcelain tiles seem to be very popular, I'm currently looking at houses and quite a few have been done (or overdone, right through).

As a dog owner though I won't touch them, can cause a lot of damage to dogs (slipping and pulling ligaments) so if I really like a house with them I know it means cost/work to replace. Keep that in mind if you are thinking of selling soon!

[dickymint]

Pheo said:

That’s quite telling!

Telling that i'm a lazy git That was my builder mate that She's helping and we both legged it to the pub whilst She grouted it

We will be fitting Marble worktops on the other hand. It would've been rude not to at the price

As regards dogs - we have two very active Jack Russells so, far no broken bones but yes a few 'Scooby Doo' moments

[Pheo]

Other half would like a dog at some point so that’s a consideration .

I’m not a fan of shiny floors at all either so high gloss porcelain is out.

Probably going quartz worktop, perhaps marble effect, wooden effect floor tiles OR karndean maybe.

So many decisions!!