For centuries, marble has been used as a hallmark of luxury and tradition. From architecture to artwork, marble is an ideal material due to its weight-bearing strength. Just think of all those stunning marble columns in ancient architecture! The Parthenon in Athens, Greece, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. were all constructed with marble. They are regarded as some of the most stunning buildings and structures in the world.
Marble itself is a beauty, a natural work of art. However, many designers encourage homeowners to limit the use of marble to low-traffic surfaces due to the scratch- and stain-prone nature. They are making it seem impractical for heavy everyday usage. It is unfortunate! The dramatic veins and swirls of marble add so much character and beauty when displayed on large scales.
So marble kitchen countertops, islands, bars, fireplaces, walls, and backsplashes are perfect to jazz up your home.
Also, the book-match option creates the illusion of one big piece of stone instead of many sections, giving a unique unreplaceable approach to design.
Without further a due, here’s the is our thoughts on the question “marble for kitchen?”:
As long as you are prepared to commit to extra upkeep, and tolerate the imperfections, scratches, stains, etc. caused by daily usage, by all means, marble is an excellent choice for you. You can have those white marble kitchen countertops that you’ve always dreamed of.
Rated a 3 on the Mohs hardness scale marble is considered a “soft” stone. In the kitchen, that means marble countertops can scratch and scuff more quickly and easily than other surfaces, such as granite or quartz. It is also a porous stone, making it more prone to staining due to harsh cleaning products or acidic liquids.
Since it is harvested from mountains, each slab is unique, with a great deal of variation from one to the next; every marble countertop and the surface is genuinely one-of-a-kind. In the case of the classic white marble, the bright shade gives the kitchen a fresh, clean sparkle and can brighten up space with less natural light.
Keeping your marble countertops in pristine shape requires some extra love and attention; most homeowners find that it is not as horrible as being advertised. The great thing about the natural swirls and beautiful unpredictability of the marble’s veining patterns is that the stains and scratches nearly disappear into its surface.
However, let’s talk about the do’s and don’ts to keep your marble looking at it’s best: HAVE YOUR COUNTERTOPS SEALED REGULARLY. Sealing your countertops will help them repel water and look more shiny and vivid.
However, it isn’t a guarantee against staining, scratching, chipping, etching, etc. It’s advised to have your marble professionally sealed every 3-6 months, depending on your usage. Darker marble can go longer between sealing, whereas white marble needs more frequent upkeep. Luckily, we have sealers made just for marble to help with the hustle of multiple sealing every year. Please ask one of our sales reps to inform you about these products. Though costly at first, you can save money and time through these special made sealers.
WIPE UP SPILLS QUICKLY. All food and liquid spills please wipe right away and don’t let water pool on the stone or you run the risk of stains, etches, or water damage.
AVOID HARSH OR ABRASIVE CLEANING PRODUCTS. Stick to PH-balanced cleaning solutions, since acid will cause etching on your marble, and use a soft cloth when cleaning, to avoid fine scratches. Hot water and a soft towel are the best tools for cleaning your marble countertops. But you can also disinfect once a day by sprinkling baking soda on the surface and gently rubbing with a damp cloth.
ALWAYS USE COASTERS, CUTTING BOARDS, AND HOT PADS. Avoid setting food, plates, utensils, or hot pots and pans directly on your marble – doing so can stain, etch, or scorch the stone. Never cut directly on your marble countertops, as you run the risk of scratching it with your knife – and, in the case of raw meat, leaving behind a place for bacteria to collect and multiply. If all seems doable, then the answer for you is, YES! Marble can and will be an excellent choice for your kitchen.
One last thing to consider is the finish of your marble:
POLISHED
Polishing marble will give it that iconic gloss that highlights the bright whites and sparkle of the stone. It is the most popular option, because it provides the slab with a luxurious appearance, and is easier to clean. However, polished marble can show streaks, scuffs, scratches, and etches more easily, so your marble may show the wear of your kitchen more quickly.
HONED
Honed marble has a matte finish that varies from completely flat to semi-matte. When it comes to scuffs and scratches, it is a bit more forgiving compared to polished. Giving a softer and warmer feel, rather than pristine and sterile. While honed countertops may hide scratching, unfortunately, it makes the stone more porous and susceptible to stains and requires more frequent re-sealing
LEATHERED
The final option, leathering, give marble a more natural feel, with a varying texture that mimics the movement of natural stone – perfect for emphasizing the straight-from-the-earth aesthetic. Like honed stone, leathered slab won’t show watermarks, fingerprints, or scratches as much; however, the tiny valleys allow liquids to collect, increasing the chances of staining and etching.