Product Overview

Arabescato Corchia Deluxe 12" x 12" x 3/8" Italian Marble Tile showcases one of Tuscany’s most dramatic natural stones in a versatile square format. Quarried in Italy’s Apuan marble region, Arabescato Corchia is distinguished by a crystalline white field surrounded by sweeping charcoal, graphite, dove-gray, and occasional taupe veining.

Unlike the softer linear movement of traditional Carrara marble, Arabescato Corchia displays a bold, brecciated structure in which white marble formations appear enclosed by circular and web-like mineral veins. Every tile presents a different section of this natural pattern, creating a richly varied installation with unmistakable architectural character.

The classic 12" x 12" dimensions and standard 3/8-inch thickness make this tile suitable for bathroom floors, shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, foyers, and decorative interior walls. Available in polished or honed finishes. 

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Primary Bathroom Floors: Creates a richly patterned Italian marble surface with more graphic movement than conventional Carrara tile.

• Shower and Tub Surrounds: Extends dramatic natural veining across full-height shower walls, niches, benches, and tub surrounds.

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Provides a luxurious stone focal point behind ranges, sinks, and preparation areas.

• Foyers and Hallways: The square format supports straight, diagonal, checkerboard, and framed stone-rug layouts.

• Fireplace Surrounds: Creates a dramatic architectural frame around traditional or contemporary fireplace designs.

• Powder-Room Feature Walls: Delivers the visual impact of large-format Arabescato marble in a compact and manageable tile size.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: WHITE MORTAR AND PRE-SEALING REQUIRED

Arabescato Corchia is a porous, light-colored natural marble. Install it with a premium white mortar approved for natural stone. Gray mortar may become visible through the stone and permanently darken its white background.

• Inspect Before Installation: Examine every tile for natural variation, surface condition, dimensions, and finish before setting. Installation constitutes acceptance of the material.

• Dry-Lay and Blend: Open multiple cartons and arrange the tiles in advance. Rotate and reposition pieces to balance heavily veined and predominantly white areas throughout the installation.

• Substrate Preparation: Install over a clean, flat, stable, and properly prepared substrate. Shower and other wet-area installations require a complete waterproofing system.

• Mortar Coverage: Apply mortar evenly and achieve proper contact across the tile’s entire back. Avoid voids that could collect moisture or create unsupported areas.

• Back-Buttering: Back-butter individual tiles when necessary to improve coverage and prevent uneven shadowing beneath the light marble.

• Pre-Sealing: Apply a penetrating natural-stone sealer before grouting to reduce pigment absorption, grout haze, and staining.

• Grout Selection: Use unsanded grout or a fine-aggregate grout specifically approved for polished marble. Test the grout on spare material before proceeding.

• Joint Width: A narrow joint of approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch may be used depending on tile calibration, substrate conditions, and installer recommendations.

• Movement Accommodation: Use flexible sealant at corners, perimeters, changes of plane, and other required movement locations.

• Waste Allowance: Order at least 10% additional material for straight installations and approximately 15% for diagonal patterns, complex cuts, vein selection, or future repairs.

Care & Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning: Clean with warm water and a neutral-pH cleaner formulated for natural marble.

• Avoid Acidic Cleaners: Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, acidic bathroom cleaners, or calcium-removal products. Acids can permanently etch marble.

• Avoid Abrasives: Do not use steel wool, abrasive powders, stiff brushes, or aggressive scouring pads—especially on polished surfaces.

• Prompt Spill Removal: Wipe up oils, cosmetics, wine, coffee, and strongly colored liquids promptly to reduce the risk of staining.

• Periodic Resealing: Test the surface periodically and reapply a penetrating marble sealer when water begins absorbing instead of beading.

• Floor Protection: Use non-staining mats and felt furniture pads in foyers, bathrooms, and other floor installations.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Italian Classical Luxury, Modern Baroque, European Contemporary, High-Contrast Minimalism.

• Visual Advantage: Strong charcoal-gray vein networks create dramatic movement around bright crystalline-white marble sections.

• Pattern Options: Straight grid, diagonal layout, checkerboard combination, framed stone rug, or alternating polished and honed surfaces.

• Complementary Metals: Polished chrome, matte black, champagne bronze, brushed nickel, and antique brass.

• Cabinetry Pairings: White oak, dark walnut, matte white, deep charcoal, and lacquered black cabinetry.

• Grout Recommendations: Bright white emphasizes the marble field, while pale gray provides subtle definition. Always test grout color before installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arabescato Corchia marble?

Arabescato Corchia is an Italian natural marble recognized for its white crystalline formations and bold gray-to-charcoal brecciated veining. Its pattern is generally more circular and graphic than standard Carrara marble.

What size and thickness is this tile?

Each tile measures a nominal 12" x 12" and is approximately 3/8 inch thick.

How much area does one tile cover?

One nominal 12" x 12" tile covers approximately one square foot.

Is Arabescato Corchia suitable for bathroom floors?

Yes, subject to proper substrate preparation and project-specific slip requirements. A honed finish is generally preferable for wet walking surfaces.

Can it be installed on shower walls?

Yes. It is suitable for shower walls when installed over an approved waterproofing system with natural-stone-compatible mortar and grout.

Does Arabescato Corchia need to be sealed?

Yes. Seal the marble before grouting and periodically afterward to reduce staining and moisture absorption.

Why must white mortar be used?

Light marble may be slightly translucent. White mortar helps preserve its natural color, while gray mortar can create visible shadowing or discoloration.

Will every tile have the same veining?

No. Vein density, direction, background color, and mineral markings naturally vary between pieces. Dry-laying and blending the tiles is essential for a balanced installation.