Marble

Marble can add a great deal of texture and visual appeal to your home. It is elegant, sophisticated and timeless. Marble can be designed in classic or contemporary styles to complement any decor.In spite of its classic looks, marble is also one of the less expensive choices in natural, hard-wearing countertop materials.

Marble Countertops:

  • Beauty – Marble countertops offer spectacular beauty and a white brightness not available in other natural and man-made stones. This metamorphic stone comes in a variety of hues other than the classic white including solid black, rose, yellow, grey and green. No two slabs are alike, so you can be assured of having a unique and stunning countertop for your home. On a side note, Carrara marble is the material Michelangelo used to carve the statue of David 🙂
  • Naturally Cool Temperature – Marble is heat resistant. It stands up well to hot pots and pans in the kitchen and hot styling tools in the bathroom. It has become a popular choice for fireplaces because it doesn’t yellow with the heat and can withstand the occasional spark on it’s surface.
  • Cost – While some rarer types of marble are very expensive, the more common Carrara marble is one of the least expensive natural countertops.
  • Durable – Marble is quite durable in spite of it being a soft stone. However, it is a porous material susceptible to staining, scratching, and etching.
  • Maintenance – Staining can be mitigated as long as you faithfully seal the countertop on a regular basis. There are two types of sealants, topical and penetrating. It’s recommended that the surface be resealed annually, or more often if needed. Even with a sealer, marble can absorb stains over time and develop a patina (which many people like).
  • Availability – Marble is readily available. As a time honoured choice for countertops, marble is a classic that most suppliers carry.
  • Some simple steps to keep your marble beautifully maintained
    • Wipe up spills when they happen, limiting the time they have to seep into your countertop. Avoid abrasive pads and general all-purpose cleansers that may contain acidic ingredients.
    • Mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water with a non-abrasive towel or sponge are best for day-to-day cleaning.
    • Use a neutral stone cleaner for tougher cleanups.
    • Protect the surface by using cutting boards for food preparation.
    • Reseal the countertop annually, or more often if needed.

Marble adds character and has an inherent charm. If you love the unmistakable beauty of marble, consider installing it in locations other than the kitchen.