If you are considering marble countertops throughout your property, you may have several questions about the material. Today, we’re answering them all.
Marble is a high-end, elegant natural stone. This material is an excellent option for property owners hoping to achieve a sophisticated and luxurious aesthetic. Marble has been used in homes, businesses, and other properties for centuries for bathrooms, floors, fireplace surrounds and mantels, countertops, and more.
Whether you are going for a fancier, more ornate look or want to create a more laid-back, casual feel, marble elements throughout your space can help you achieve just that. But before you pull the trigger on using marble in your project, let’s answer some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding the topic.
Continue scrolling to get your answers.
How Do I Care For and Maintain My Marble Countertops?
While marble is a super durable material, it is also soft and a little bit high maintenance — we know, it’s quite the paradox! Despite being properly and regularly sealed, marble counters can be stained and even scratched and are prone to etching. When certain substances come into contact with the stone, like citrus fruit juice, vinegar, wine, coffee, and more, dull spots can form.
To keep your marble safe from this type of damage, make sure to implement the following procedures:
Preventative Care — The easiest, most effective way to protect your marble stone counters is by implementing preventative care. We suggest always using cutting boards, coasters, and placemats. Always put highly acidic foods in a bowl or on a plate instead of directly on the counter. And, of course, accidents are unavoidable, so clean up spills or messes immediately to avoid damage.
Daily Cleaning and Care — Depending on how much action your countertops see, you’ll need to clean them often. You can use a store-bought, marble-specific product to clean your counters. Or, keep it simple with warm water and a soft cloth to get the job done. If you are cleaning up a spill or require deeper cleaning, use warm water and a non-acidic, mild soap.
Long-Term Maintenance and Care — Complete your marble counter protection by keeping it sealed. This can be done yourself or completed by a professional. Either way, countertops that are sealed are much safer from stains and other damage.
Do Marble Countertops Need to Be Sealed?
Marble is a calcium-based stone, making it strong enough to be used as a countertop. However, it is highly soft and porous. This means that this material easily absorbs liquids and other substances that can leave stains. Sealing your marble counters will help minimize this type of damage.
How Often Should I Seal Marble Countertops?
Many stone professionals suggest sealing your marble counters every 6 to twelve months. But this time range highly depends on how well you care for your countertops and how much action they see. So, to make sure you’re sealing your countertops as often as necessary, test your stone’s seal periodically with the water test.
What is the Water Test?
The water test is an easy yet effective way to test your stone’s sealant. Pour puddles of water ( about two or three inches in diameter) in various spots on your countertop, especially in areas that see and experience heavy traffic and use. Let these little puddles sit for 30 minutes. If, when you come back, you see a darker spot or ring forming in or around any of these locations, you’ll know the water is penetrating the stone, and it’s time to reseal your marble.
What is the Difference Between Honed and Polished Marble?
While very different from one another, both honed and polished finishes are beautiful, timeless, and stunning in their own ways. Here’s what you need to know about the two:
Honed Marble — The honed finish is achieved by polishing the marble with gritty abrasives until its surface appears smooth to the eye. The result is a beautiful, velvety, matte finish. Many property owners love how much more natural and organic it looks than polished marble. Scratches and etching on honed marble are much less visible than on polished slabs.
Polished Marble — To achieve a more refined appearance, marble must undergo a polishing process. The first step is honing and then polishing with finer and finer abrasives until all surface flaws are eliminated, resulting in a reflective, glossy, and shiny surface. Polished marble will help enhance and emphasize the stone’s veining, movement, and colors.
What Color Options Do I Have With Marble Countertops?
You have many options in terms of colors and variations when it comes to marble countertops. Whether you’re in the market for white, gray, green, gold, red, and more, there’s a marble slab for you.
Two of the most popular white varieties of marble are Carrara, Calacatta, and Calacatta Gold. These varieties are only found in the Apuan mountains located in Carrara, Italy. Calacatta is often confused for Carrara marble since they both feature gray veining. But Calacatta is much bolder and features golden flecks, while Calacatta Gold showcases dramatic gray and golden veins.
Is Marble a Good Material for Countertops?
Yes! Marble is a timeless, elegant, and luxe natural stone and is a great selection for countertops throughout your property.
The type of stone you use for countertops in your home comes down to your personal preference. While marble has a reputation for being high-maintenance, it really doesn’t require that much more attention than other types of stone countertops. Yes, marble counters should be treated carefully, but that is the sacrifice you must make for the unmatched beauty and elegance of the material.
Get Quality Marble Countertops at Granite 4 Less
With your questions about marble countertops answered, you may be ready to pull the trigger, and the experts at Granite 4 Less can help!
Our skilled, trusted, and knowledgeable team can guide you throughout the selection process and help you find the countertop of your dreams; whether that’s granite, marble, quartz, or another type of stone counter, we’re here for you. We proudly serve homes and businesses located in the Salt Lake City area and are available to answer any more questions you may have. Contact our team to learn more.