Classic marble and granite stairs look beautiful and expensive. Since ancient times, they emphasized the social status of the owner of the house. They were installed in government buildings, museums, family estates and noble castles. After reading this article, you will learn about the main features and advantages of such designs.
The main properties of the material used to manufacture these products
The marble staircase is the best suited for private mansions. It is one of the most successful combinations of aesthetics and excellent technical characteristics. For the manufacture of such structures using natural material, which is characterized by high strength and practicality.
The main advantages of marble include not only excellent decorative indicators, but also excellent quality parameters. It is considered environmentally friendly material, the safest for human health. The constructions made from it are highly resistant to the negative effects of external factors. They easily withstand heavy weight, shock and other mechanical damage. The duration of their operation is more than one dozen years, and despite the fact that they require special care.
The disadvantages of such designs include a relatively high cost. Today, a marble staircase, the price of which varies between 4000-15000 rubles and above, is considered quite an expensive pleasure, inaccessible to most average citizens.
The most important features of marble steps
Long-term practical observations have shown that the bottom of this design is most exposed to wear. Therefore, experts recommend purchasing products with removable steps. In this case, you can periodically swap them so that wear is more even. A marble staircase is poorly cleaned of traces of iodine, ink and green. Therefore, you need to ensure that these substances are not spilled on it.
It is important to understand that the stone used to make balusters is not always suitable for the manufacture of steps. In addition, marble is considered a relatively soft material with relatively low rates of abrasion resistance, frost resistance and hardness.
Styling secrets
In nature, marble exists in cold and warm colors. Therefore, in the process of forming treads, it is necessary to use plates that are most suitable for the color scheme of the room.
When installing steps made of marble for stairs, it is important to choose the right shade of the adhesive composition. Professionals recommend taking white, because it will not be visible through the thickness of the tread. It is advisable to give preference to a short-term adhesive that does not have time to absorb into the pores of the material.
For greater safety of the structure, its surface should be treated with special compounds such as beeswax or impregnation for natural stone. Those who are constrained in means, but dreaming of a marble staircase, can be advised to order facing linings, which decorate the steps. They will cost much cheaper than solid designs.
Existing technology
Today, marble staircases are decorated in various ways. Modern steps can be divided into three categories:
- Factory products. Some companies are engaged in the production of finished standard elements having standard sizes. Such steps are characterized by a relatively low cost, since after their manufacture there is practically no waste.
- Slabs are massive untreated stone slabs. Their minimum thickness is 4 centimeters. They are used to make a wide variety of products.
- Stacked steps are ideal for luxury mansions, the floor of which is trimmed with different varieties of natural stone.
Marble staircase: maintenance and operation
Products made of durable natural stone are particularly durable. They are characterized by excellent performance. However, the owners of such structures should not forget that stains from accidentally spilled liquids may remain on this material.
The marble staircase is not susceptible to sudden temperature changes, so it can be installed at the front door. Frosts will not affect the integrity of the structure, and the sun's rays will not cause a change in the shade of the steps.
Externally, the aristocratic staircase does not require complicated care. Marble is considered one of the most practical materials. To maintain the cleanliness of the steps, they must be periodically wiped with a damp cloth. To restore their original gloss and shine, it is enough to refresh them by re-polishing.
Conclusion
The marble staircase can be considered a special element of the interior. It allows you to decide on the main idea of the design of the room. Spectacular steps made of natural stone have long attracted wealthy people who seek to emphasize their belonging to the upper strata of society. Today, these monumental grandiose designs are available in many suburban mansions. The only thing you should not forget when ordering a staircase made of marble is that a qualified specialist should be engaged in the creation of such products. Only a true professional will be able to determine the correct direction of material sawing, allowing to reveal its aesthetic potential.