Frequently Asked Questions

Marble is an ancient natural stone formed under intense pressure and heat deep within the earth. Zia’s marble collection is quarried in Italy and Spain using only the highest quality stone. Revered art and architecture from The Duomo to the Statue of David, Italy has played a leading role in the evolution of this iconic material. With the finest Italian and Spanish stone in play, we set a foundation in classic Carrara combined with rust-toned Rosso Alicante and golden Giallo Reale, plus darker Nero, Grigio, and Verde hues.

Zia marble tiles are cut from solid stone blocks and carefully finished by skilled stone masons. Each piece is selected for its color, veining, and surface quality, then honed or polished to bring out the stone’s natural beauty and depth.

No two tiles are exactly alike—each one features unique patterns created by mineral deposits and geological movement over time.

Yes. Marble is a porous stone that must be sealed before and after grouting to protect against staining. It’s also sensitive to acids and abrasive cleaners—so stick to pH-neutral products and plan to reseal regularly, especially in wet or high-traffic areas.

Use a soft cloth or mop with a pH-neutral cleaner designed for natural stone. Avoid anything acidic (like vinegar or citrus-based products) and never use abrasive scrubbers, as they can dull or etch the surface. Wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining.

Marble installation requires patience and precision. Here's a quick overview:

• Blend tiles from all boxes before starting to balance color and veining.
• Use a water-cooled tile saw for cuts and a high-quality medium-bed thin set.
• Back-butter each tile and press into place using your hands only—no mallets.
• Space tiles using 1/8” spacers and clean off excess thin set immediately.
• Seal before and after grouting with 511 Porous Plus; for interiors, apply Fila Matte Wax as a final coat.
• Grout in small sections and wipe clean as you go—marble stains easily if grout sits too long.

For detailed step-by-step instructions, please review our Marble Installation Guide.