Indian or Italian Marble: Which Is Best Marble Flooring for Your Home

Marble is a luxurious stone that is highly sought after due to its natural grain patterns and high lustre. This imparts a rich and elegant appearance into the rock. Marble is broadly divided into two types: Italian marble, which is mined in Northern Italy, and Indian marble, which is mined primarily in the Indian state of Rajasthan. 

If you are indecisive about choosing the right marble flooring from these two options, this guide will help you decide whether Indian or Italian marble is best for your home.

We will also share a few care instructions that you can follow with either of these stones. Following these instructions will ensure that your marble flooring stays bright and shiny for years to come.

What is Indian marble?

Marble is a relatively strong and long-lasting stone. Because of its pleasing colours, patterns, and designs, it is the most popular ornamental and decorative stone. Indian marbles are mined in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh states of the country. They come in various colours and vein patterns.

What is Italian marble?

Fine veins and a lustrous sheen distinguish Italian marble flooring. The most well-known varieties are Carrara's white or blue-grey marble, Botticino's pearly shades, and the creamy white Pavonazzetto or Red Verona. It is one of the best marble flooring.

Difference Between Indian Marble And Italian Marble

Nothing beats marble when it comes to adding a touch of elegance to home interiors. This regal material can instantly transform the appearance of any room. But, have you ever wondered which marble is superior, Indian marble or Italian marble? While there is a lot of information available, and it is easy to become overwhelmed, here are the key differences between Indian and Italian marble.

Appearance

• Indian marble has a medium sheen, while Italian marble flooring displays a luxurious crystal-like appearance. 
• Each of these types of marble has a wide selection of colours and natural grain patterns.

Strength and Durability

• Italian marble ranges in thickness from 18 to 20 mm, whereas Indian marble is available in thickness from 20 to 40 mm.
• Despite being much softer, the former can develop small hairline cracks with time. 
• The backing of this type of marble is made of a thin nylon sheet, which provides additional reinforcement. 
• To increase the strength of Italian marble, epoxy resins and pigments are applied to one of the sheets, which is then polished to hide the chemical resins.

Maintenance

• The lustre of Italian marble flooring and Indian marble flooring tends to wear off after a few years. To preserve their original lustre, both should be periodically polished.
• It is important to clean up any spills instantly on all types of marble flooring.
• In order to maintain these types of marble, it is necessary to use mild detergents or cleaners that are designed specifically for cleaning marble.
• As marble is a delicate stone, it should not be scrubbed. It is recommended to seal Italian marble and Indian marble with impregnating sealers in order to create a stain-resistant finish.

Applications

• Italian and Indian marbles are widely used for flooring, wall cladding, and countertops. Due to the soft nature of marble, heavy furniture should never be moved across its surface. This may result in scratches. You should be aware that poor installation may result in permanent cracks in marble flooring.
• The porous nature of marble makes it susceptible to stains, so refrain from using it on kitchen countertops. The reason for this is that acidic substances like vinegar, sauce, lemon juice, citrus juices, and wine can stain and etch marble. This destroys marble flooring texture.

Cost

• Italian marble is more pricey than Indian marble because it is imported from Italy.
• For the installation of Italian marble, as well as for detailed marble inlay work, expert craftsmen are necessary.

Uses of Marble

Marble is generally utilised in affluent residences, office lobbies, and hotels for flooring and cladding. You can create exciting marble flooring designs to match your home's vibe. External use is not recommended, especially in polluted locations, because it can be damaged. It's been utilised in sculptures and artwork for centuries. 

This stone is also utilised on table tops, mantelpieces, and smaller décor items such as trays and soap dispensers. You can also use this beautiful stone for living room marble flooring and other related purposes.

Conclusion

Nothing compares to marble when it comes to sheer elegance. Marble makes a stylish statement in every environment with its unique colours, beautiful finishes, and rich textures. 

Both Indian and Italian marble have advantages and disadvantages, as described above, but it's best to select the one that satisfactorily meets your demands. You may have a specific finish in mind and a budget to stick to while building or renovating your home. You can simply choose the correct sort of marble for your home if you keep these considerations in mind.

 

 

 

 

 

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