Choosing a new countertop is a big undertaking no matter what material you’re considering. But when you’re deciding whether to invest in marble, the decision is especially daunting. Different types of marble offer various characteristics and appearances, making the choice even more complex. Marble is known for its luxury and class, but it’s not the easiest stone to take care of.
Before you set your heart on this natural stone, Marble Unlimited wants to make sure that you know what you’re getting into. We wholeheartedly believe that marble is a worthy investment and that it can serve kitchens and bathrooms in a unique and outstanding way, but it’s also a good idea to know all the fine details that marble upkeep entails.
We put together this article, which includes four questions to ask yourself before you settle on marble and make it the choice for your remodel.
1. Are you familiar with marble cleaning techniques?
The most important thing to know when it comes time to clean marble countertops is that acidic cleaners are their enemy. Even the smallest amount of lemon juice or vinegar has the potential to leave behind etching or blemishes on the surface.
In order to maintain your countertop’s integrity, all you really need to clean it is simple soap and water. Just those two things and a soft sponge, a spray bottle, and a clean dish towel will get the job done.
Add the dish soap and water to a clean sponge and scrub the countertops vigorously—making sure to use the softer side of the sponge—until the soap lathers. From there, rinse the sponge and use it to wipe the lather off. To finish, buff the countertop dry with the dish towel and watch it shine.
2. Are you prepared to seal your marble?
Since marble is a natural stone, it’s inherently porous—and this means it’s very good at soaking up liquid, which can then create staining. To prevent this from happening, it’s necessary to seal your marble countertop. Sealant protects the stone and allows you to worry less when working with it.
Sealing your marble won’t hurt the stone—in fact, it will do the exact opposite. It will safeguard it from everyday wear and tear, especially if you keep up a regular resealing routine. It’s not something that has to be done every day—don’t worry. Talk to our experts at Marble Unlimited to find out how often you should be resealing your marble. And yes, you can even do it yourself right at home.
You can test if it’s time to reseal your marble with a simple glass of water. If the countertop absorbs the condensation from the water, then the seal is probably weakened and it’s time to reseal. If the water beads on the surface, your sealant is still good to go for a while.
Remember to keep up the cleaning routine that we discussed in the last section, because cleaning your marble improperly will damage the sealant and eventually damage your stone.
3. Do you know about marble’s absorption rate?
As we previously stated, marble is known for being a porous stone—but not every slab of marble has the same degree of porousness. Different varieties of marble have different rates, meaning that certain styles are more vulnerable to staining. If staining is something that you’re worried about, all you have to do is pick a style of marble that has a low absorption rate (the degree to which water will penetrate a stone).
Finding a type of marble with a low absorption rate is something we can definitely assist you with at Marble Unlimited. For starters, three common styles that are known for their low absorption rates are Bianco Carrara, Thassos, and Statuary marble.
Even if your marble countertop does end up with a few stains, all hope is not lost. You can apply a poultice solution to buff it out, or if the stain is particularly bad, a professional refinishing company can take care of it.
4. Are you aware of marble’s maintenance and upkeep?
A great aspect of marble countertops is that they show the life they’ve lived right on their surface in the most beautiful way. The etches, stains, and scratches that they sustain over time add to their personality and make them a conversational centerpiece for any room. They’re so full of life that they might as well be a member of your family.
If those types of marks aren’t for you, we recommend choosing marble with more dramatic veining. In many cases, the veining will cover up everyday marks and make them unnoticeable.
Regarding marble’s maintenance, there are a few steps that you can take to make sure that it stays looking its best:
– Reseal it regularly.
– Clean up spills right away.
– Avoid acidic cleaners with harsh chemicals.
– Use coasters, hot pads, and cutting boards.
5. Are You Ready for Marble?
After asking yourself these questions, you should be close to answering the question—are you ready for marble countertops? If you need help navigating the world of marble, don’t hesitate to give Marble Unlimited a call at (919) 596-2325.