Natural marble has gained popularity as a material for flooring, wall cladding, and countertops due to its classic good looks, which are always in vogue and will never become outdated. Marble is often extracted from quarries in the form of big blocks. After being extracted, the blocks are subsequently carved into slabs and tiles of consistent size before being used in a variety of applications. In this section, we contrast the installation of marble slabs with that of marble tiles in terms of tensile strength, longevity, ease of maintenance, and other relevant considerations, so that you may make an informed decision about which approach is best. Marble slabs are significantly heavier and more robust in comparison to real marble tiles. The thickness of Italian marble ranges between 18 and 20 millimeters, and the thickness of Indian marble can reach up to 30 millimeters. 
10–12 millimeters is the typical thickness of marble tiles that have been pre-polished and are ready to be installed. On the other hand, marble slabs have a greater thickness, making them considerably more robust and long-lasting than marble tiles. Take into account the fact that marble tiles made in India are significantly more durable than those made in Italy. Marble slabs have bold veining that is easily recognizable and are available in large sizes. Because of this, there are very few joint lines, and the same kind of grain covers a large surface area, which provides consistency. Marble tiles are typically smaller in size, and the grain patterns are not standardized in any way. A more mixed and varied appearance is achieved across an area due to the small size, which, depending on the size of the marble tiles, results in additional joint lines. A piece of advice: never attempt to install marble slabs on your own; always hire a skilled marble contractor to do the job. The marble slab will be broken as a result of improper installation procedures. 
There is not much difference in the ease of maintenance required for marble slabs and tiles because both are made of the same material, marble. Because of its high porosity, marble is prone to absorbing stains from acidic substances like wine, fruit juice, vinegar, and wine. Marble can also be discolored by wine. Because of this, marble slabs and marble tiles will both need to be sealed regularly with impregnating sealers. These sealers produce a protective barrier that prevents stains from setting in. A solution of mild detergent or a marble-cleaning liquid designed specifically for professional use is recommended for use when performing routine maintenance cleaning on marble tiles and slabs. Do not use any cleaning products that contain acid or scrubbers that are too rough on the polished marble surface. This will prevent the marble from becoming discolored and corroded. Both marble slabs and marble tiles have a propensity to become less shiny over the course of time. After five years, polishing the marble regularly is necessary to ensure that it keeps its luster. 
In areas such as a spacious living room, the entrance lobby, or even as a feature wall that ensures maximum visibility, premium marble slabs with inherent grain patterns look stunning and are an excellent choice. If the structure of the building is not designed to support the weight of marble slabs, particularly if it is an older building, then you should consider using marble tiles instead because of their lower weight. Check out this illustration of the popular design trend of book-matching marble, in which the adjacent surfaces of marble slabs mirror each other to create the impression of an open book. If you want to create fascinating flooring patterns, marble tiles are a good option to consider. A herringbone floor pattern has been created in this picture by using marble tiles in the appropriate positions. Tip: If you adore the elegance of natural marble but are looking for a surface that is simple to clean and maintain, then you should go with engineered quartz, which mimics the natural appearance of marble. You have the option of selecting factory-made porcelain, vitrified, or ceramic tiles that simulate the look of various types of marble. Engineered quartz is extremely simple to clean and maintain, and it is also resistant to stains and scratches. The strength and durability of marble-look tiles and their low maintenance requirements make them a superior alternative to natural marble tiles. 
Vitrified and porcelain tiles, on the other hand, do not need to be sealed and polished regularly like natural marble tiles. Tiles with the appearance of marble are also available in both small and large sizes. This allows for fewer joint lines, creating the illusion that the space is larger than it actually is. Another advantage is that marble-look tiles have consistent grain patterns, so each tile looks the same. In contrast, natural marble tiles never appear to have an identical pattern on their surface. The cost of natural marble tiles is significantly higher than that of marble-look tiles. A good-quality marble slab can be purchased for approximately 120 per square foot as a starting price. As of 2021, the cost of Italian marble can be purchased for a starting rate of 350 euros per square foot and goes higher. Tiles made of high-quality marble begin at £80 per square foot and go up. Prices for porcelain and vitrified tiles that resemble marble begin at £75 per square foot.
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