Marble Counter Tops:
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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 countertops and floor tile is now a much more accessible luxury 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 looks spectacular on marble countertops and floors and will easily complement most other design elements and themes.
Marble Slab, Marble Tile and Special Considerations
Marble countertops are 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 big machines (and skilled pros) can polish marble to a mirror-finish, which really brings out the depth of 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 NOT for kitchen countertops or the wet bar.
Why? . . .
Marble is made of calcium carbonate, which is reactive with acids (fruit juice, soda, coffee, alcohol, salad dressing, etc.) and will "etch" upon contact with acids.
Etching destroys the polish leaving a dull, light spot. You'll get these dull spots all over with marble countertops in the kitchen. Also, marble is softer and more prone to scratching than granite.
Polished marble is very stain resistant, but still not good for kitchens due to etching. Sealing does not prevent etching.
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 and insist on installing marble counter tops in your kitchen, a honed finish is usually a better choice. And always use coasters, cutting boards and trivets to protect against spills and scratches.
Marble Care. You'll find more information about marble care and how to avoid expensive marble restoration at the cleaning marble page. Also, it's worth noting that traditionally marble is left to age naturally letting friends and family rub "life" into the stone--stains and all.
Natural Aging. Over the years marble stains and etching may occur gradually changing the color and tone to reflect the essential character of your home. This is especially true of marble tile floors, which become more beautiful with age and use.
Of course, you can prevent stains and etching by following the recommended marble cleaning Do's & Don'ts and some DIY marble repair is possible.
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.
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Read Other Marble Counter Top Questions & Answers
Learn even more! Click on the links below to see questions submitted by other visitors with complete answers and great info.
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