Are you thinking about getting marble countertops for your kitchen or bathroom? Marble is a luxurious and timeless material that can instantly elevate the look of any kitchen or bathroom. It’s beautiful, unique, and natural-looking. Marble as a countertop material is nothing new; it’s been used for centuries. However, marble comes with some interesting (and shocking) facts.
What is a Marble Countertop?
A marble countertop is a slab of natural, polished marble that makes up your kitchen or bathroom counter or benchtop. Marble slabs are taken from the earth and then sent through a polishing process which brings out their true beauty. Marble kitchen and bathroom countertops are made of either pure white marble or a combination of other natural stones and minerals, giving the stone its distinct colour patterns.
7 Marble Countertop Facts
Here are some interesting facts about marble countertops that might surprise you.
1). Marble is Expensive
Unfortunately, beautiful things don’t come cheap – marble countertops are certainly no exception to the rule. If you’re thinking about installing a marble kitchen, expect to pay a pretty penny.
2). White Marble Countertops are Shockingly Yellow
Marble is a beautiful, natural stone that has been prized for centuries for its use in homes and commercial spaces. By nature, they are naturally off-white or cream in colour. However, the polishing process turns them into a brilliant white. Marble countertops are known to get noticeably yellower with age, especially if you have hard water in your home.
3). Natural Marble Countertops are Vulnerable to Heat Damage
Marble is a natural stone that has been formed over thousands of years in hot climates like Italy and India. While marble is dense, it can be easily affected by heat damage. It’s recommended to use trivets or hot pads under anything that gets hot – especially pans and dishes from a stovetop.
4). Marble Countertops are Easy to Clean
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that marble is much easier to clean than they thought. You can use a combination of mild soap and water to keep your marble looking its best. Some baking soda can be added to help remove tough stains. No harsh chemicals are needed – just clean with a cloth and you’re done!
5). Bacteria Love Marble
You might be surprised to learn this, but bacteria actually loves marble – it just takes them a little longer to settle in than they would on most other types of counter surfaces. If you’re using your marble surface for food prep purposes, just be sure to give it an extra scrub before adding any food.
6). Marble Scratches
Even though it’s a durable material, marble does scratch. However, these scratches are very easy to fix! A dab of paint (the same exact colour as your countertop) is all you need to fill in most surface-level imperfections. Just be sure to grab the right paint for marble surfaces; otherwise, it will chip off.
7). Marble Granite Materials are Low-Maintenance
In terms of regular upkeep with marble countertops, you don’t have much to worry about. A gentle scrub with a soft cloth and a little bit of water is usually all that’s needed to keep your countertops looking beautiful – so there is no need for harsh chemicals.
How to Care for Your Marble Countertop
If you’re thinking of installing marble countertops in your kitchen or bathroom, be sure to keep the following tips in mind:
- Marble is expensive and can be damaged by heat, so use trivets or hot pads when cooking on it.
- Marble is very porous, so it’ll attract oils from food and drinks – especially red wine. For this reason, it’s a good idea to wipe up any spills as soon as they happen.
- Be sure to use the right cleaner for marble – bleach will ruin it! Instead, use a mild soap and water mix with a few drops of bleach.
- For tough stains, you may need to use something stronger than soap and water – try using baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide.
- Do not use ammonia-based cleaners on marble countertops – they can discolour the surface.
Final Thoughts
Marble is a beautiful natural stone that has been prized around the world for centuries. From its distinctive patterns to its durability, marble is excellent countertop material. With that said, marble is also a delicate stone that requires careful upkeep to ensure it stays in good condition for years to come. If you’re thinking of getting marble countertops installed in your home, keep the above tips in mind to ensure you get the best results possible.
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The Stone Restorer is more than just a name. We are proud of our reputation for excellence in providing quality marble, granite, travertine and limestone restoration services for residential and commercial properties.
If you need to get your stone floors, walls, or benchtops restored in Gold Coast or Brisbane, you can put your trust in The Stone Restorer. As a renowned expert for many kinds of stone restoration, The Stone Restorer offers top of the line stone restoration work at affordable prices.
Give us a call today at 0414 469 301 or ask us for a fast free quote on your stone restoration project.
