You may have already heard about marble if you’re looking for a new countertop material. This natural stone is porous, so it can be difficult to clean, but it can be stain resistant and less likely to get damaged from hot pans. But there are a few things to consider before making the final decision.
Porous Nature of Marble
If you want a natural stone countertop for your kitchen, marble countertops in Milwaukee, WI is a wonderful choice. This organic and structurally unique stone can be easily shaped, cut, and molded. It can withstand high temperatures, which is great for the kitchen. Marble is also a soft stone that will last for decades as long as properly maintained.
Cleaning marble requires a mild soapy solution and gentle movements. Using a sponge and water will loosen any stubborn stains. There is no need to use a special cleaner for marble countertops. Many cleaners are available in the market, specifically designed for these surfaces. You can also use a soft cloth to wipe off stains.
Easy to Maintain
Marble is a durable and easy-to-maintain countertop material. You can clean it with mild detergent and a mild solution of ammonia or peroxide. Oil and grease stains can be removed with a gentle cleaner. For organic stains, use a little hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. If all else fails, apply a sealant.
Marble is not an instant stainer, but it will become stained if it is not sealed properly. You can also try cleaning marble with warm water and dish soap. Alternatively, baking soda and water paste can help remove stains. You can also use hydrogen peroxide to remove stubborn stains but wipe the marble thoroughly afterward. Avoid using white vinegar, as it can etch the marble.
Marble will show signs of wear after some time, especially if it is used frequently. However, natural stone wear is a feature that many customers value. The good news is that marble is relatively easy to maintain. If you want to protect your investment and enjoy it for years to come, you need to follow some simple maintenance guidelines.
Stain Resistance
If you are considering marble for your countertop, you should know that it’s highly stain-resistant. That’s why statues made of marble are still standing even though they were carved over 2000 years ago. You can get the same durability in marble counters, but you must seal the stone several times over the years to keep it looking great. If you have children, you may only want a marble countertop if you are reassured that it will stain easily.
Marble is also heat resistant, making it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops. However, you will need to be careful when you bake with marble. Use coasters to protect the countertop from rings, and use mats under hot dishes.
Less Likely to Be Damaged From Hot Pans
Marble is not as hard as granite and can be scratched easily by hot pans and pots. While marble has a coating to prevent stains, it is still not impenetrable. Hence, you should avoid placing hot items on it to avoid scratching the surface. Aside from stains, marble can be easily etched by acids. Therefore, using a trivet to prevent damage is a good idea.
The protective coating that marble has is made to resist extreme temperatures. For example, a typical kitchen stovetop can reach up to 1,200 degrees. Although a hot pan won’t burn marble, leaving it unattended can damage the protective sealant.
Cost
When installing a marble countertop, you’ll want to consider the cost. While the average slab will run between $60 and $100 per square foot, cheaper options are available. If you’re looking to save money, consider choosing a tile countertop instead of a marble slab. Tiles don’t look as natural as slab countertops, but they are also easier to install.
Another consideration is the finish. Marble counters come in a variety of finishes. Some are less expensive than others, but not all fabricators offer each finish. Polished marble costs less than other finishes. Leathering and caressing marble are other finishes available. The cost of these finishes varies depending on the fabricator and the strength of the stone.