Marble tiles are the most spectacular flooring media on the market. In popularity, they beat even the highest grades of granite hands down. They are most commonly used in formal master bathrooms, both on the floors and walls, but have a variety of applications.

However, there are certain precautions that must be taken before using them. First of all, be sure that you understand the basics of marble what kind of maintenance is required, the grades available, the going rates attached to each, and the drawbacks of the material.

Yes, there are drawbacks to using marble tiles. Apart from the fact that they require far more careful cleaning other tiles, natural marble tiles (unless they are of the pristine white variety) usually cannot be laid out in a visually seamless manner. This is because most natural marble has subtle veining and color variations that will, under most circumstances, not permit a perfect visual match.

It must be borne in mind that marble tiles are usually the leftovers from the cutting of larger slabs, since the largest possible sizes are given preference in the cutting and grading processes. This being so, finding a set of visually and texturally compatible tiles large enough for ones purpose can be quite a chore.

For this reason, care must be taken on two counts first, buy marble only form an authorized and reputed dealer. Second, employ the services of an experienced installer, since the only time that reasonable consistency can be ensured is at the installation stage.

The installer will also ensure that there is no future warping of the marbled surface by embedding it in a consistent mortar bed. Colored marble tiles such as the green and black kinds have a tendency to wrap or curl when they are exposed to too much water. An experienced installer will anticipate this and take appropriate precautions.

If you are prepared to maintain and install your marble tiles properly, you will enjoy the benefits of this fine and beautiful material.