Can you have Marble Flooring Outside?

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Marble floor for outside patios, terraces

When it comes to the question of whether you can have marble flooring outside, it's a bit of a 'yes, however' situation. Technically, yes, you can have marble outdoors. It's a natural stone that's durable and can bring an elegant, luxurious look to your outdoor space.

But here's the 'however': marble outdoors comes with its own set of challenges. First and foremost being the weather factor. Marble is porous and can absorb moisture, which is problematic in areas with freeze thaw cycles. Water can seep into the stone, freeze, and expand, causing cracks and other damage. To mitigate this, you need to seal the marble properly and reseal it regularly, typically every one to two years, to maintain its protective barrier.

Then there's the issue of sunlight and heat. Marble can fade under intense UV exposure and can also get very hot to the touch in direct sunlight, which might be uncomfortable for walking barefoot. Choosing a lighter color marble can help reflect some of the heat, but it's still something to consider if you live in a particularly sunny area.

Slip resistance is another concern. Marble can be quite slippery when wet, making it potentially hazardous for outdoor use. To counter this, you might need to opt for a honed or textured finish, which provides better traction and reduces the risk of slipping when the surface is wet from rain or dew.

Using the Right Finish for your outside marble floor

You absolutely should seal your outdoor marble. Marble is a beautiful natural stone, but it’s porous, meaning it can absorb moisture, which can lead to staining, discoloration, and even structural damage over time. Picture a stunning marble patio exposed to rain, snow, or just morning dew, without a proper sealer, you’re looking at potential trouble down the road.

Sealing marble isn't just a one time job either. You need to choose the right type of sealer and be prepared to reapply it regularly. There are two main types of sealers: penetrating sealers and surface sealers. Penetrating sealers soak into the stone and provide long lasting protection from within, while surface sealers form a protective layer on top of the marble. For outdoor use, a penetrating sealer is often recommended because it provides deeper protection and doesn't wear away as quickly under outdoor conditions.

Another consideration is UV resistance. Some sealers offer additional protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can help prevent your marble from fading and keep it looking vibrant longer. Make sure to choose a sealer that is specifically formulated for outdoor use and offers UV protection.

Marble flooring for a patio
Marble flooring for a patio
Marble flooring outside for a seating area and pool.
Marble flooring outside for a seating area and pool.

The effects weather will have on your marble floor

Marble can be used outdoors and can withstand various weather conditions, but there are some significant considerations to keep in mind. Marble absorbs water and in regions with heavy rainfall or high humidity, this can lead to staining, discoloration, and even structural damage over time. When water seeps into the marble and then freezes, it expands, causing cracks and spalling.

Next, there's the issue of sunlight. Marble can fade and lose its luster when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This is especially true for darker marbles, which can show more noticeable changes in colour.

Heat is another consideration as marble can get extremely hot under direct sunlight, which can make it uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. This is something to keep in mind if you're planning a marble patio in a sunny area. Choosing lighter coloured marble can help reduce heat absorption and keep the surface cooler.

Lastly, debris and dirt carried by wind can scratch and wear down the surface of marble. Keeping the surface clean and free from abrasive particles is important to maintain its polished appearance.

Get in touch for more information on your flooring

Our team of experts is ready to transform your floors with precision and craftsmanship. Don't settle for ordinary when you can have exceptional. Contact us now for floors in England and Wales by emailing us at info@britishconcretepolishing.co.uk or by filling in the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.