Tumbled Marble Backsplash: Pros and Cons

Installing a tumbled marble backsplash is a very common look in many of today's houses. Tumbled marble presents you with a look that is unlike any other type of material. While it comes with some inherent benefits, it will include drawbacks as well. Here are a few pros and cons of tumbled marble backsplashes.

Tumbled Marble Pros

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Looks

One of the biggest advantages of using tumbled marble on the backsplash area is the appearance it offers. The backsplash in the kitchen is commonly the focal point of the kitchen. Therefore, you want something there that will draw the eye. You want people to notice it and enjoy what they see. Tumbled marble can create a look that you can not get from other kinds of tile.

It comes in a variety of colors and styles. You can mix larger and smaller tiles to create a custom pattern. Even the grain within the different types of tumbled marble is unique compared to other types of flooring. These factors add together to make one of the most visually interesting tile surfaces in the market.

Durable

Being a stone product, it is a very durable surface. Even though there will not be any traffic on the backsplash, it is nice to know that you have a solid building material to hold up to the wear and tear of everyday life. When you accidentally bump a pot or pan into the wall, you want to make sure that the material is not going to break. With tumbled marble, you get durable tile that will last for many years.

Tumbled Marble Cons

Etching

One of the drawbacks to this type of stone is that it can be etched. Etching occurs when an acidic liquid is spilled or splashed onto the surface of the tile. This essentially "eats" a hole in the surface of the tile and will leave a permanent mark. If this occurs, you will not be able to make it look new again without replacing the tile. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you do not cook any acidic foods around this type of backsplash unless you have it properly sealed.

Fill the Gaps

Tumbled marble comes with a lot of gaps and holes in the tile. If you are not careful when installing, these holes can fill up with grout. A product called "Grout Easy" can be used to fill in these holes and valleys in the tile before grouting. If you do not fill in these holes, you can easily get liquid or food in them, which is nearly impossible to clean out. This can lead to mold or mildew forming in the holes, causing even bigger problems. Make sure that you address the holes in the tile before going much farther after installation.

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