Question 1

Is marble or granite more expensive?

Accepted Answer

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Overall, granite tends to cost more than marble. Prices for each material will fluctuate depending on the source of the stone, your location, shipping costs, and the thickness of the material. Labor to install marble or granite countertops typically ranges from $35 to $45 per hour. Granite and marble tile and slab costs compare as follows:

Marble tile: $7–$10
Granite tile: $5–$15
Marble slab: $25–$60
Granite slab: $50–$100

Marble tile: $7–$10
Granite tile: $5–$15
Marble slab: $25–$60
Granite slab: $50–$100

Question 2

Why not use silicone instead of grout?

Accepted Answer

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Silicone caulk shouldn’t be used in place of grout because each material serves its own purpose. Thanks to its flexibility, silicone caulk is good for sealing around the perimeter of tiled floors, where movement and expansion might occur. However, grout is more durable, making it a better option for the joints in between tiles, which need to withstand constant weight and foot traffic.

Question 3

What is the life expectancy of travertine tile?

Accepted Answer

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As long as your travertine tiles are properly installed and maintained, they can last as long as 75 to 100 years. The best way to keep them in good shape is to learn how to clean floor tile and grout with the proper cleaning products. For travertine, you need to avoid anything acidic like vinegar. Also, take care when moving furniture around, because these tiles can scratch.

If your travertine tiles start to look worse for wear, you can always get them deep cleaned, honed, and polished to give them a new lease on life.

Question 4

How do costs vary based on different types of tiles?

Accepted Answer

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Tile costs vary by material; for example, ceramic tends to be more affordable than stone. These influence installation timelines and skill requirements.

Question 5

Can you tile over existing tiles in a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

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Just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should. You can apply new tile over existing tile in a bathroom, but the new tile may not look great if you lay it over worn, cracked, or uneven tiles. The adhesive may not be able to attach the new tile to the old tile properly, and this will add more weight to the drywall.

It takes more time and effort, but removing existing tiles before retiling a bathroom is worth it.