Looking to make your kitchen the most attractive place in your house? Are you searching for best material for your countertop? Then, consider marble countertops.
Marble countertops are one of the most cherished and expensive kitchen surfaces. They offer an unmatched combination of beauty and durability. Being a natural stone, however, marble is porous and needs sealing in to make it ready for use as a kitchen surface.
While marble countertops offer loads of benefits, they are not without a few drawbacks. In that light, we present you a few things you should know about these countertops before you decide to invest in them:
Marble Is Cost-effective
Marble countertops can be cost-effective depending on the type of marble you purchase. Carrara marble, for instance, is one of the cheapest natural countertop materials you can find. This is largely because it is readily available.
If you prefer a more luxurious stone such as Calacatta, which delivers a brighter surface and more vibrant veining, you will have to pay more.
Marble Countertops are High-maintenance
Marble is porous and vulnerable to staining agents such a wine, oil, and juice, which seep deep into the rock. When stained, it can be difficult to undo. So, how do you prevent the damage?
It is imperative that you get the surface professionally sealed upon installation. Moreover, you will have to repeat the sealing process every six months if you cook often. Fortunately, you can do the subsequent sealing yourself. All you need is a quality sealant.
If you are dealing with permanent color marks caused by red wine stains, it is advisable to dip a cloth into some drops of ammonia and a half cup of hydrogen peroxide before wiping the stain. You should repeat until the mark completely disappears.
Marble Countertops are a Beautiful Addition
The lustrous surface of these countertops look refined and feminine alongside brass or gold accenting or monochromatic and modern when combined with chrome.
In light of the fact that marble can work with a wide variety of designs and styles, it is one of the most popular choices of kitchen surface. However, if you are looking for an easy to clean and maintain countertop, it may not be an ideal choice for you.
Marble Becomes Prone to Scratches Over Time
When marble is exposed to an acid for a long time, the polish or sealant on the surface peels off, making it dull and more prone to scratches. This process is called etching.
Honing your countertop, a process that leads to a matte, less polished effect, could make etching less visible. However, this won’t stop etching from taking place.
It is also worth noting that marble is much softer compared to other natural stones such a granite. So, it is advisable to avoid leaning against the countertops wearing a long metal necklace or a belt.
Marble is Heat-resistant
If your kitchen experiences a lot of bake-offs, marble countertops can be your perfect choice as the stone is resistant to heat. Nonetheless, it is advisable not to place extremely hot pots on it. You don’t want to burn or discolor the surface. Be sure to always use a pot holder.
Final thoughts
A warm and soft stone, marble is stunning and luxurious. This natural stone is long-lasting and offers subtle color options as well as veining patterns to create unique designs. However, similar to most natural stones, it can be an expensive option. Any homeowner looking to invest in marble countertops should consider the above properties of it, in order to make an informed decision.
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