Marble has been used in buildings for thousands of years. Although the practical uses of marble are not just limited to architecture, it’s a particular favourite as far as the construction industry is concerned.
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is subjected to a high pressure and temperature. The brilliant white coloured stone is mined from quarries using huge drills tipped with a diamond to cut through the reserves. Marble formed from the purest limestone is white in colour but there are different shades and colours of marble available. Different natural lines and patterns running through the stone, commonly referred to as veins, are formed in the marble because of any impurities present which are found in different free forms and none will resemble any other.
Today, marble is used in and on building around the globe not just because its beautiful look but also for its long-lasting durability and low maintenance. An example of its beauty and elegance can be taken by the building of Supreme Court of Pakistan that also depicts the strength of the institution and upholding law. Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel, shows the various uses of marble in construction and its ability to withstand different weather conditions.
Uses Of Marble In Home Design
There are numerous ways to use marble in houses and an investment in marble can last a lifetime. Different uses of marble in home design and architecture include:
- Floors
- Pillars and columns
- Staircase
- Walls
- Countertops
- Fountains
- Furniture
Marble rock can be used in multiple ways and in combination with other options. However, it depends on the preference of an architect or the homeowner how they please to use it; in symmetrical tiles or long slabs of marble in combination with other tiles.
Let’s discuss in detail the aforementioned ways to use marble in the house.
Floors
Of all the available options for flooring, marble has always been trendy, stylish and never been out of fashion. Using marble in floors is its most common use and can be found in the houses of affluents. There are several different types of marbles and colours available in the market out of which white, grey and black colours with veins running through them are preferred.
If you have a set budget for flooring and you want the floors to compliment the interiors of your home, marble is a choice which will meet all your expectations.
Pillars And Columns
Marble has been used in columns for centuries. A column in an architectural necessity if there is extra ceiling weight or the ceiling is spanning longer without any solid walls under it.
Columns provide strength to the structure developed over it along with providing an aesthetic touch to the exterior. The application of such columns and pillars can be seen in the houses usually built on a bigger area but these can also be incorporated in townhouses. The entrance of the house sets a tone and expectations of guests about how the interior would look. Marble columns, if used in the car porch area, can set the foundations for class, style and grace throughout the house. You can also use marble columns for:
- Entry ways
- Stair case
- Fire place
Staircase
A staircase, in general, is used to provide a way to move between different levels. Although the primary purpose of stairs in every house is the same, its positioning and material used matters a lot. Marble staircase designs are popular among luxuriously built houses, top-end hotels and malls radiating sophistication.
Imagine walking in your house, going to the upper level while stepping on marble stairs; feels nice, doesn’t it? Marble stairs are not just for the royal palaces but they also make a statement in relatively smaller houses as well. With right staircase design and right selection of marble one can make the interior of a house look breathtaking.
Walls
Marble walls are something that is used majorly by the opulent members of society. Marble adds natural texture to the walls because of the coloured veins in the stone. The colour of the marble selected can add a warm or cool feeling to the overall ambiance of the room giving it a clean and fresh look. These can be used in the form or long plates or square-shaped tiles.
Countertops
One of the common uses of marble is its use in making countertops. Marble countertops are highly popular because of its easy maintenance and element of practicality. It makes a perfect choice for those who love to cook because of its properties of bearing temperature changes and cuts by knives. It is important to fix the marble slabs and countertops properly because uneven weight distribution can result in breaking the slab and even injure the person standing next to it.
Fountains And Sculptures
Although a luxury, marble is used to make fountains and sculptures because it doesn’t erode with water. Marble fountains and sculptures can be beautiful and pleasant additions to your small in-house gardens. Some of the world’s most famous sculptures of ancient Greek gods have also been made using marble.
The use of marble is not just limited to construction; it is used in soil treatment, cemetery markers and whiting. Marble is easily available all over the world and has been used in the construction of many political and historic buildings like the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Taj Mahal, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial among many others where it has been used in all possible ways.
Pakistan is a producer as well as exporter of marble and has huge reserves. These reserves are present mainly in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and are estimated to be 160.1 million tons.
You can also read about types of marble floors, how to determine the quality of marble and ceramic tiles and how much it costs to polish marble. You can also check Zameen blog for interesting and exciting topics.
