Marble Counter Tops: Classic Luxury with Modern Style
Ahhhh marble counter tops. Perhaps more than any other stone, marble evokes images of sophisticated extravagance. Once found only in the homes of the wealthy, marble--like granite and other stones--is now a much more accessible luxury for everyone due to improved technology and availability.
Marble Counter Top Colors
The rich tones of the marble color palette are plentiful encompassing creamy whites and neutrals, dreamy yellows, soft oranges, ocean greens and amazing blacks.
The dramatic veining and blending of color shades looks spectacular on countertops and marble floors complement any design.
Choose a similar pattern/material and color shade on your floors and walls to avoid a chaotic look.
Marble Slab, Marble Tile and Special Considerations
Marble is available in 2 cm and 3 cm slabs as well as the full range of tile sizes from 1-inch
mosaic
tile up to large 24-inch floor tile. Marble is a crystalized limestone and therefore can be polished to a mirror-finish, which really brings out the depth in it's color and looks gorgeous.
However, marble polishing is only recommended for counter tops that are lightly used such as a powder bath, tabletop, pass bar or furniture piece, but for kitchen countertops or the wet bar. Why? . . .
Marble is softer and more porous than granite making it less practical for rigorous kitchen use. It can be sealed to protect against stains, but the polish will etch or dull very easily if acidic liquids such as wine, coffee, juices and alcohol are spilled on the surface. Marble will also scratch much more easily than granite.
Love to bake? One exception to the "rule" stated above is if you are a serious baker. A marble slab is "the" countertop of choice for making dough--that is pies and bread, not money! Although it may feel like you're making money on such a luxurious countertop.
Natural Beauty. So if you love the look of marble counter tops and want to use it in your kitchen, choose the honed finish and always use coasters, cutting boards and trivets to protect against scratches.
Marble Care. You'll find more information about marble care and how to avoid expensive marble restoration at
marble counter top care.
Also, it's worth noting that marble is traditionally left to age naturally letting friends and family rub "life" into the stone--stains and all.
Natural Aging. Over the years the marble will absorb stains, the patina will change and the stone will begin to reflect the essential character of your home. This is especially true of marble tile floors, which become more beautiful with age and use.
It's hard to resist the quintessential beauty and the feelings of warm opulence that marble conveys to any room. Marble counter tops and marble flooring will add immeasurable value and years of pleasure to your home.
More Ideas. Also, consider using this natural stone for marble bathroom vanities, tile flooring, a marble fireplace, tub decks and marble shower surrounds.
Are you trying to make the best decision about your marble counter tops? Have a particular burning question or even just a casual curiosity about the qualities and characteristics of marble counter tops? Need an answer?
Well, use the form below and just ask! I'll tell you everything I know with links to answers below.
Learn even more! Click on the links below to see questions submitted by other visitors with complete answers and great info.
Hot Pan On Marble
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QUESTION: Can a hot pan be put on a marble or limestone countertop?
ANSWER: Marble and limestone are fairly heat resistant, so the heat itself will ...
Marble Polishing Cream
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QUESTION: My mom has a coffee table with polished marble top and a couple of "water rings" on it. Where/what brand of polishing cream should we try on ...
Marble Countertop and Floor
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QUESTION: I am installing a marble countertop for my vanity in my powder room. Do I also use marble on the floor, or could I mix it up with ceramic tile?...
Marble Kitchen Countertop Crack
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QUESTION: It is normal to see a large crack that is visible on both sides of marble? In other words the crack looks like it was honed down and I am worried ...
Marble Countertop Dull and Dirty
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QUESTION:We had marble countertops installed in our bathroom and kitchen along with a backsplash. From day one, it all looks dull and dirty. Could this ...
Marble Counter Top Edge
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QUESTION: What is the best edge for marble in the bathroom?
ANSWER: The edge that you like best, of course! The edge is really a decorative aspect ...
Mable Kitchen Countertops I would love to install White Carrara marble kitchen countertops. It's beautiful! Your website has been extremely helpful, but you say not to install marble counter tops in the kitchen. I definitely want white countertops. What should I do?
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