Marble 101: Should We Purchase?

The Ancient Greeks and Romans used marble throughout their empires in the construction of houses, official buildings, and places of worship. During ancient times, the mining of marble, a metamorphic rock formed from limestone, was difficult and painstaking. However, both cultures felt it was worth it because of its beauty and exquisiteness. Today, most people choose it for the same reasons, however, before making a final decision on marble in your kitchen or bathroom there are some things to consider. Careful consideration should be taken with respect to durability, maintenance and repair.

Homeowners often ask about the differences between marble and granite with respect to durability because it is often a deciding factor in choosing their countertops. Those who use their kitchen on a daily basis and who have children, tend to gravitate toward granite because of its durability. Marble is a softer stone, and therefore will chip and crack more easily than a granite countertop. It is also a more porous stone than granite, and therefore, is prone to staining and etching, or the dull spots which acid leaves when it reacts with calcium carbonate in marble. Additionally, marble is not recommended if you want to put hot items directly on it.

When considering marble, it is also imperative that you consider the maintenance aspect. Like granite, marble does require routine maintenance to keep it looking beautiful, however, the care is different from granite. In most cases, your marble countertops they will be sealed when they install, and that will help protect from staining, but it is imperative that if you spill something you should blot it up immediately to help prevent staining.

Clean the marble surface using a sponge or soft cloth, and use a stone cleaner, like DuPont StoneTech Professional Revitalizer Cleaner & Protector. If you are concerned about bacteria, you can purchase a sanitizer specifically made for stone, such as DuPont Sanitizer for Sealed Natural Stone. Bleach and other harsh cleaners will damage your marble, so it is best that you do not use those on your countertops. If you use a mild detergent, such as dish soap, it will leave a dull film on your counter like soap scum in a shower, so make sure you use the proper cleaner. Once you have cleaned your marble, buff it dry with a cotton cloth.

As mentioned earlier, marble is a softer stone and therefore chips and cracks easier than granite. It is important that you use cutting boards so that you do not scratch the marble. Additionally, cutting boards can help protect the marble from acidic food juices that will leave etch marks. Trivets protect the marble from scorching, and coasters will protect the marble from acidic drinks that may etch the surface. If you are putting marble on your bathroom vanities, then use a decorative tray to put your lotions, perfumes and other sundries on to prevent etching.

Sealing your marble countertops is also important. Generally, it is recommended that you seal them twice a year. While this may seem like a hassle, it should only take about thirty minutes, and will protect your marble. DuPont StoneTech Professional Heavy Duty Sealer is an excellent choice for a heavy duty sealer. Follow the directions on the bottle, and your countertops are sealed.

While care and maintenance are required with marble, the majority of the Do’s and Don’ts are already things that you know. As the Greeks and Romans knew, the beauty of marble is timeless, and that is why they built marble houses, buildings and places of worship.

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