Marble Paving
The use of marble paving is relatively unusual, due primarily to the cost of the slabs, which is roughly double the price of porcelain, and there are many porcelain slabs that are designed to look like the genuine article.
There are conflicting statements made regarding the longevity of marble – some accounts describe it as hard wearing when properly installed and maintained, whilst others claim it is unsuitable for outdoor use as it is prone to scratching and wear. If is softer than porcelain, but then virtually every type of natural stone could be described in a similar manner.
As a natural stone, marble is less prone to being discoloured by UV rays, remaining true to colour more than most others. It remains cool to the touch even in warm weather, unlike many natural stones.
Laying methods are the same as porcelain – most slabs are 20mm thick (although also available in 30mm), over a 25 – 35mm laying bed of bedding mortar (1:4) and bonded with a bonding mortar.
It is a beautiful stone, and correctly installed may add value to a property, simply by virtue of its’ naturalness.
