The Floor: The Foundation of a Space
The floor is one of the most fundamental elements that shape the first impression of a space. Especially in large and open areas, it becomes the backbone of the entire decor. Choosing the right material not only impacts appearance but also determines comfort and durability.
At Mermersa, we believe that marble is more than just a surface material — it’s a powerful design element that adds character to any space. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about marble flooring: from popular marble types and the factors affecting price, to application tips and how to choose the right material for different areas.
Popular Marble Options for Flooring
Carrara Marble
One of Italy’s most renowned natural stones, Carrara marble offers understated elegance with its soft transitions between white and gray tones. Its fine veining adds a sense of spaciousness and a timeless look. It is especially favored in interior spaces and can be seamlessly integrated into both modern and classic interiors.
Calacatta Marble
Compared to similar-toned marbles, Calacatta stands out with its bold and dramatic veining. Thick gold, gray, or beige veins appear over a bright white background. This type is often used in luxurious hotel lobbies or grand entryways, creating a striking visual impact.
Travertine
With its naturally porous texture, travertine creates a warm and organic feel. Its beige, cream, and brown tones make it ideal for rustic-style spaces. In outdoor applications such as terraces and pool surrounds, its non-slip surface makes it a safe and popular choice.
Emperador Marble
Emperador marble creates a classic atmosphere with its elegant blend of fine white veining and deep brown tones. Frequently used in office entrances, hotel lobbies, and upscale living spaces, it adds warmth and depth to interiors.
Onyx
Thanks to its semi-translucent structure, Onyx is one of the rare stones that can transmit light. When used decoratively in flooring, it becomes a striking focal point. With color options such as yellow, green, and blue, it’s ideal for projects aiming to create a visually captivating atmosphere.
Marmara Marble
Unique to Turkey, Marmara Marble is distinguished by its horizontal gray stripes on a white background. Its naturally symmetrical linear patterns make it suitable for both contemporary and industrial designs. It is especially favored in flooring projects that seek a modern, minimal, yet eye-catching look.
What Determines the Cost of Marble Flooring?
When choosing marble, it’s important to consider more than just appearance. Prices vary not only based on aesthetics but also due to factors such as the origin of the stone, veining, cutting style, and application area. To create a realistic budget and choose the right marble, these elements must be considered. Here are the key factors that affect marble flooring costs:
Type and Origin of the Marble:
The region where the marble is quarried and its specific variety are among the most critical price determinants. Imported and rare stones such as Calacatta or Statuario from Italy are typically more expensive due to their high aesthetic value.
In contrast, locally available stones such as Marmara Marble or Beige Marble from Turkey are offered at more accessible prices. When selecting, it’s important to balance project budget and visual expectations.
Vein Structure and Visual Appeal
The more symmetrical and balanced the veining, the more elegant the marble appears—especially on large surfaces—which can increase its price. These types of marble require more meticulous selection and cutting. For applications like bookmatching, where veins are mirrored, precise cutting and alignment are essential. Marbles with simpler or more scattered patterns are generally more budget-friendly.
Cutting and Size Selection
Larger slabs create a more seamless flooring surface with fewer grout lines, but they come at a higher cost. Special cuts or pattern applications also increase the price. Standard-sized tiles are more affordable in terms of both production and installation.
Surface Finish Type
Polished, honed, or sandblasted finishes can raise the cost. Non-slip surfaces are preferred in outdoor areas, while matte textures are favored for interiors. Raw or unfinished surfaces are typically less expensive.
Slab Thickness
The thickness of the marble used in flooring applications is especially important for durability. Slabs that are 2 cm or thicker are more resistant to heavy foot traffic, making them more costly. On the other hand, 1 cm or thinner slabs are often used for decorative purposes and are more economical.
Complexity of the Application Area
Technically challenging applications such as staircases with turns, sloped surfaces, or custom-patterned installations increase labor time and difficulty, thereby raising the cost. Standard installations on flat floors are less costly.
Transportation and Supply Conditions
Marble is a heavy and delicate material, so its transportation must be handled carefully. The longer the distance, the higher the logistics cost. When large or thick slabs require special equipment, expenses can increase even more. However, if the installation site is close to the production source, the supply process becomes easier and more cost-effective.
Key Considerations for Marble Flooring Applications
To achieve a long-lasting and visually appealing result in marble flooring, every step before and after the installation must be carefully planned.
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Surface Preparation: The subfloor must be completely level and dry. Applying marble to a moist or unstable surface may lead to cracks over time. Therefore, the screed level should be checked using laser equipment.
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Adhesive Selection: The success of the installation heavily depends on choosing the right adhesive. Especially for heavy marble slabs, specially formulated, strong, and flexible adhesives should be used. Products must be selected according to whether the application is indoors or outdoors.
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Vein and Pattern Alignment: Ensuring consistency in vein direction enhances the marble’s aesthetic value. Veins should not be laid randomly but in a coordinated pattern. For symmetrical layouts or bookmatch designs that require visual harmony, it is essential to pre-layout the slabs on the floor before installation.
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Grout lines should be kept as narrow and uniform as possible. Ensuring consistent spacing helps maintain a seamless appearance and enhances the sense of surface continuity. Using filler materials that match the color of the marble makes the joints blend more harmoniously with the surface.
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Cutting quality is one of the cornerstones of technical success in installation. Slabs must be measured accurately and cut smoothly without rough edges. To prevent chipped edges during installation, professional marble cutting machines should be used.
Once the application is complete, polishing the surface is necessary for both aesthetics and protection. During cleaning, acidic products should be strictly avoided. Instead, pH-neutral cleaners that do not damage the sensitive structure of marble should be used.
In high-traffic areas such as kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms, applying surface protectants (impregnators) is recommended. This treatment should be repeated periodically, typically once a year.
Installing marble flooring requires experience and attention to detail—small mistakes can lead to costly consequences over time. Mermersa is here to support you throughout the installation process with professional solutions. With the right application, the natural beauty and value of marble are fully revealed.
Marble Selection by Area
Entrance and Foyer Floors
In these areas, the marble must be both durable and eye-catching. It’s also a space where you can be a bit bold aesthetically—dark tones and pronounced veining add strong character to the space. For those seeking a more dramatic look, bookmatch applications that highlight the stone’s natural patterns are an excellent choice.
Polished surfaces reflect light, making the area appear brighter; however, due to their slippery nature, they should be used cautiously, especially at exterior entrances.
Wet Areas (Bathroom, WC, Spa, Shower Zones)
In bathrooms, showers, and spa areas, both elegance and safety are priorities. Therefore, slip resistance is a critical factor in marble selection. Honed or sandblasted finishes offer a matte, natural look while providing better traction for safe use on wet floors.
In these moisture-prone spaces, marble must be treated with a water-repellent sealer to prevent stains and moisture absorption over time.
Outdoor Areas (Terraces, Garden Paths, Pool Surroundings)
Marble used in outdoor settings must withstand varying climate conditions. It should resist sun exposure, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles. For this reason, sandblasted or brushed finishes are recommended. Light-colored marbles are ideal in sunlit areas, as they prevent excessive surface heating.
Marmara marble is suitable for outdoor use thanks to its technical strength and visual appeal. As an alternative, gray or beige travertines are also ideal for poolside areas and walkways.
Commercial Spaces (Offices, Stores, Exhibition Halls)
In commercial environments, prestige and durability are key. Marbles with high resistance to wear and suitable for heavy foot traffic should be selected.
Floors in such areas are often covered with large-format polished slabs, which reduce visible grout lines and visually enlarge the space. Marble applications combined with metallic details (like stainless steel) can create a contemporary, high-end look.
Hotels and Restaurants
For lobbies and reception areas, marbles like Calacatta or Statuario—known for their dramatic veining—instantly elevate the space with a striking first impression. These marbles influence not only the floor but the overall ambiance.
In dining areas, warmer and softer tones such as Beige or Light Emperador marbles offer a welcoming and serene atmosphere. Given the heavy use in restaurants, the flooring must have slip-resistant properties and be sealed prior to installation. To reduce echo, hard marble surfaces should be complemented with appropriate furniture and textiles, ensuring both visual and acoustic balance.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to make a lasting impression through flooring design, you’re in the right place!
At Mermersa, we don’t just offer natural stone—we deliver surfaces that elevate your projects with exceptional aesthetics and long-lasting durability. Each marble in our collection brings not only elegance but also character and prestige to your space. Whether you’re designing a bold entryway, a flawless hotel lobby, or a timeless living area, Mermersa’s expertise helps you stand out.
Let’s bring your dream floor to life—contact us today.
