Marble Countertops

Marble counter tops are a beautiful tradition that has graced the kitchens of the wealthy for centuries. However, among the choices of kitchen counter tops, marble is much less durable than granite or concrete kitchen counter tops. While this is so, there are still many reasons to choose this material over the more rugged varieties of stone building materials on the market. Marble is a limestone which makes it a fairly soft material. It is easier to chip or break than the denser stone. But, by the very properties of sedimentary rock formation, the patterns that develop in it are what makes the aesthetically pleasing patterns that are so in demand.

There are processes today that can create a "cultured" marble stone, which can control the type of pattern that develops in the new composite. With a regular schedule of resealing and wax polishing of your marble counter top, you will still be able to maintain the surface of the countertop stain free. Even granite and concrete needs this occasional care, so it is not a unique downside to using marble in your kitchen.

It is recommended that you care for your marble counter top by using gentle cleansers like water and an antibacterial soap. Avoid caustic or abrasive cleansers like bleach or the over the counter bleach-based cleaners as they will destroy the sealant of your countertop and can mar and pit the stone itself. As with all the natural stone kitchen counter tops, you will want to use a cutting board rather than use a blade on the counter top surface directly. This is not due to any bacteria holding properties of the stone, but again is related to the need to not compromise the sealant on your marble counter top. Liquids, especially acidic ones like fruit juices, should be wiped up in a timely fashion as pooling on the marble counter top surface will eat the finish away.

Despite these disadvantages, regular care will prevent possible damage, and the beauty of the stone will be maintained. Marble, since it is a softer stone, can be worked more easily and custom cutting for your specific dimensions and accessory placement will not require as expensive a process to fit your marble counter top into your kitchen.

You can also choose the origin of your marble counter top. While there are fine old-world marble quarries in Europe, there is also quality marble mined in the United States from Vermont to Georgia that you can choose from.