Prints and specs call out white carrera marble, polished 12 x 12, in master bath. It is to be used on the floor, the tub deck and apron, and shower walls. Shower floor has a 2 x 2 tile with appropriate roughness.
Any cautions about installation or use of this in the bath areas noted?
Everyone knows it is slippery when wet, and the owners intend to use bath mats where needed, like outside the shower.
Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Isn't carrera the original roman/greek marble? Beautiful stuff. You will probably need to use white thinset to keep from discoloring the marble.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Any kind of mildly adidic substance will etch the polish on it. Any consumer of marble should be aware of just how delicate the polish on it is. You can get the polish restored but it is tough to find a qualified individual to repolish it.
Additionally what a pain in the butt to have to get it repolished just because the cleaning lady thought vinegar was a good multipurpose cleaner.
If the bathroom is just for show and not heavy usage I can see going with it. If it is going to be used daily I think the owner is in for a big eye opening and disappointment.
The funny thing is the last client I gave this disclaimer to so didn't want to hear it that she ignored the advice completely. She was utterly set on using it and was convinced that a sealer and cautious use would protect the glossy surface. I might have reluctantly agreed except she had a newborn baby and the stone was in her kitchen.
Personally I like the polish dulled down. If I ever used marble in my own project I would wipe it down with vinegar to a uniform matte finish.
Karl
We have one arch who always specs Car. Always beautiful. The rough/ nongloss finish is referred to as a honed finish. Best if done at the factory. Never heard of vinegar doing the trick. Murcuric acid would though, however controling the evenness would pose a problem.
Any white stone is softer than darker stones. So, sealing it is a must - honed or polished. The sealer is expensive - in you're using the right sealer. The less expensive ones float on top of the stone rather than soaking in. They have larger molecules. Do not do a thind coat and then a heavy coat. Heavy coat from the start and then wipe off.
Use white thinset and a white of best - a gray grout.
Have fun!
F.
Most bathroom cleaners say in the fine print not to use them on marble. I would not have marble in my house because it's so expensive, yet dangerous to walk on, difficult to clean, and easily stained. It would be ok in a bathroom that was just for show, though.
Bob,
A friend of mine just installed 2x2 granite in the shower and I was concerned about it being slippery. They claim there's enough grout joint to give you plenty of traction. They use it every day and don't use a mat. Not sure if it'll work that way with marble.
Jack