About Marble Countertops in Missouri
Marble has long been synonymous with prestige and splendor and can elevate the value of a home. But before choosing marble for your countertops, there are some factors you want to weigh carefully.
Seven Things You Should Know About Marble Countertops
Is Marble Recommended for Kitchen Countertops?
Marble kitchen countertops are not recommended for everyone. If you want kitchen countertops that look like new with little or no maintenance and that are resistant to spills and scratches, you may want to consider alternatives to marble. That’s because marble is prone to etches and scratches (see “What Is Marble Etching?” below).
CARRARA WHITE MARBLE COUNTERTOP
Etches and scratches are not fatal. Marble can be re-polished or refinished. The question is, what’s your tolerance for marks on your kitchen countertops and how much are you willing to invest in preventing and fixing them? Some who have their hearts set on marble kitchen countertops gladly accept the trade-off and even embrace the imperfections. Others fall in love with alternatives, like a low-maintenance marble-style quartz or natural quartzite.
SUPER WHITE DOLOMITIC MARBLE VANITY
Some homeowners who have decided to forgo marble in the kitchen have chosen instead to add a touch of luxury to their master bath with marble vanity countertops (see an example of a WilgusIQ marble master bath project on Houzz). Others have created stunning marble fireplace surrounds, taking advantage of the fact that marble is highly heat-resistant. But, if after weighing the pros and cons, you are ready to enjoy the timeless beauty of marble in your kitchen, WilgusIQ is ready to support you with outstanding service and craftsmanship.
What Is the Best Kind of Marble for Countertops?
If you are shopping for marble countertops, WilgusIQ recommends dolomitic marble, or dolomite. Because it’s a natural combination of calcite marble and magnesium, it is somewhat harder than pure calcite marble and is less prone to scratches and etches. As Geologist Karin Kirk observed, dolomitic marble will still etch, but you’ll have a little longer to clean up the spill. And while more resistant to scratching than pure marble, dolomitic marble is far softer than granite or quartzite. Like marble, dolomitic marble requires regular sealing to protect its appearance.
What Is Marble Etching?
Etching occurs when acid comes into contact with marble and eats away a bit of the finished surface. The dull, unfinished marble now looks like a mark on the countertop.
Etched marble. Photo courtesy of Techstone.
Unfortunately, the acid we eat also eats marble. Common foods and beverages like coffee, citrus fruits, vinegar, wine, tomato sauce, soda and more are all acidic and pose a threat to marble countertops. Household cleaning solutions and common toiletry products can also cause etches or stains. For more information on marble etching, please see our Top Tips article, “How Difficult Is Removing Etch Marks From Marble?”
What steps can you take to prevent marble etching? First, you can put a protective layer between danger and marble countertops by using coasters, trivets and cutting boards in the kitchen and a tray for cosmetics, lotions, hair care products, etc. in the bathroom. And second, you can clean marble surfaces only with recommended materials (see FAQ below, “How Do I Clean My Marble Countertops?”).
Do Marble Countertops Need to Be Sealed?
WilgusIQ recommends sealing marble countertops, but It’s important to know what sealing does and does not do for marble. It does help seal surface pores, making it easier for the marble to repel liquids that could otherwise seep in and stain. It does not prevent scratching or chipping, and sealing does not protect the marble from acids that etch away the surface. Porosity will vary among different kinds of marble, which means some will need to be sealed more frequently than others. At WilgusIQ, we are happy to discuss the sealing recommendations of any stone before you buy.
What’s the Difference Between Polished and Honed Marble?
There is no wrong choice when deciding between a polished or honed marble finish. Both look beautiful and both have their advantages when it comes to maintenance.
If you love the glossy, lustrous look of polished marble, you will be glad to know that the polishing process not only heightens the color of the stone, it helps close the surface pores making the marble more resistant to stains. However, a polished surface will also make etches and scratches stand out, so if you want to keep your polished marble looking pristine be prepared to invest in regular maintenance.
A honed surface, on the other hand, is duller and more forgiving. The etches and scratches are still there, but they blend more easily into the natural matte finish. Be aware, though, that removing etches and scratches will be more difficult on honed marble and that a honed surface absorbs liquids more readily. Sealing honed marble will reduce its porosity and make it more stain resistant.
How Do I Clean My Marble Countertops?
For routine cleaning use a clean cloth with soap and water. For deeper cleaning use a specially-formulated marble cleaner. That’s it. Just about any other cleaning agent, synthetic or organic, may damage your marble countertops. That includes vinegar, bleach, citrus-based solutions and popular cleaners formulated with ammonia, abrasives and hydrogen peroxide.
How Much Do Marble Countertops Cost?
There is a wide variety of prices for marble slabs, some being on par with granite or quartz and some being a great deal more expensive. The popularity and availability of a certain type of marble will affect price, so it helps to have a current quote. For a free quote from WilgusIQ or to browse our marble collection, click one of the buttons below.