How to Design a Marble Floor

Installing a marble floor is not a do-it-yourself job. The installation requires specialist tools and the required materials are expensive, so even small mistakes can be costly. The expense pays off, though with the color, texture and luxury of a finished marble floor. Small areas, such as bathrooms or foyers are common locations for marble, since larger areas tend to require floors that are outside most budgets. Since marble stay relatively cool, you might consider a radiant heating system, especially if you live in a cooler climate.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook
• Pen or pencil
• Graph paper

Instructions

1. Choose an installer first. Check customer references and the company's business record to ensure you are getting a reputable company. Make sure the installer is willing to work with you on design and tile selection.

2. Get confirmation from your installer that your sub-floor can take the weight of a marble floor. A suspended wood sub-floor will most likely need to be reinforced before the marble can be installed.

3. Decide whether you want a glossy or aged finish on the floor. An aged, or tumbled, finish provides some slip resistance in bathrooms and other areas where water might be present. Write all your design information in your notebook so you have it all in one place.

4. Choose your main floor colors. Decide whether you want a contrasting pattern, such as a checkerboard, or a solid color design. Marble is available with sharp contrasting veins, subdued veins, speckles and solid colors. These features give texture to your floor, so make them part of your color choice. Keep in mind your furniture colors and style and your design colors for the rest of the room. A glossy, white-veined, red marble tile might not match a Shaker decor.

5. Choose trim colors. These make up your borders or inlay-style designs. Keep in mind your main floor color and the colors. If you will have transitions, such as from a hall to a bathroom, make sure all your colors and style flow together and do not clash.

6. Draw out your design on your graph paper. You can use either one square per square foot of floor space or one square per standard tile, depending on the size tile you plan to use. Use a simple layout or include occasional accents throughout the floor. You can use a border around the room and include an inlay-style design at a particular spot on the floor. Keep the installer in on the design plan, because they may have experience with designs you have not considered and will be able to tell you how difficult--meaning expensive--the design will be to install.

References

• The Flooring Handbook; Dennis Jeffries; 2004.