Marble Countertop FAQ's

Marble is one of the classic building materials, not just for homes, but museums and building lobbies as well. While it has a classical beauty to it, it also requires more maintenance in a kitchen setting than it does in others. Below are some commonly asked questions about how to properly maintain marble and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

Why Should I Use Marble in my Home?
There is nothing so timeless and elegant as natural stone. While many see marble as hard to care for, it is no harder than many other stone types to care for. You will need to treat it carefully, but if you do it will be worth the extra effort for the beauty and elegance it brings naturally.

Should Marble Be Sealed?
The short answer is yes, it should be sealed. This will help prevent stains, wear, and etching in the marble, as well as possible discoloration. You will need to reapply the sealant every so often. If you feel your sealant may be wearing thin, it is possible to test it, before reapplication.

Polished or Honed Marble?
This is largely down to a personal preference. Polished marble has a glossy, shiny look, and is very smooth. Honed has a duller, more matte like finish to it. Most people choose honed marble as scrapes and etching will be less noticeable. Honed is also perfect for an edgier look many loft or industrial spaces strive for.

Can I Put Hot Pots and Pans on Marble?
Yes, marble is extremely heat resistant. Putting hot pots and pans on your marble countertop will not damage it in and of itself. However, you will need to be careful of scratching or scuffing the marble; you may want to use trivets or pot holders to avoid these issues.

What Should I Avoid Placing Directly on Marble Countertops?
As marble is porous, it has the potential to stain if spills aren’t cleaned up quickly. Liquids such as wine, coffee, juice, and so on should be cleaned up immediately to avoid staining. Additionally, anything acidic, such as citric juice, should also be cleaned up immediately, as the acidic nature can cause etching, which is when the calcium carbonate in the marble is dissolved. Sealing can help to prevent staining.

How Do I Clean Marble?
Use a soft cloth and a marble safe cleaner. As stated, acidic liquids can etch the marble, so make sure the cleaner is safe for use on marble. Use a non abrasive damp cloth to wipe away the cleaner, then dry with a different cloth. Microfiber cloth is a good choice to get a really good shine.

All Stone is happy to answer any and all of your questions regarding marble countertops. Since the 1950’s we have been proud to provide the Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois areas with the highest quality in stone countertops. Whether you’re looking for Quartz, Granite, Quartzite or Marble, we have a countertop for you. To schedule a meeting or speak with one of our knowledgeable team, contact us today!