Even the best marble can look poor if it is installed badly. Correct installation and simple regular care keep marble and natural stone floors beautiful for decades. This guide covers both.
1. Plan and inspect before laying
- Check all slabs or tiles for cracks, colour variation and thickness
- Dry-lay a section to plan the pattern and colour flow
- Keep extra material from the same lot for future repairs
2. Prepare the base
The base must be level, clean and properly cured. Any movement or dampness in the base later shows up as cracks or stains on the stone.
3. Laying
- Use the right bedding — cement mortar or stone adhesive suited to the stone
- White marble needs white cement or a suitable adhesive to avoid staining
- Keep uniform joints and fill them with a matching filler
- Avoid walking on the floor until it has set
4. Curing, grinding and polishing
After curing, the floor is usually ground and polished on site to remove lippage and get a smooth, even surface. Choose experienced polishing teams.
5. Sealing
A penetrating sealer reduces staining, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Re-apply as recommended by the product.
6. Daily care
- Sweep or dust-mop regularly; grit scratches the surface
- Clean with pH-neutral cleaners
- Avoid acids like lemon, vinegar and many bathroom cleaners
- Wipe spills quickly and use mats at entrances
Source and support
Read our natural stone buying guide. For marble and minerals, see ATTPL Mining, and for safe transport of slabs, ATTPL Fleet. Contact us for project support.
