Marble is a beautiful stone surface that provides a classic look in the kitchen. Many homeowners wonder if marble can be used in high traffic areas like the kitchen. In the past, interior designers and countertop specialists did not recommend using marble in a kitchen due to the increased risk of staining and etching; however, with the advancements in sealer technology over the last few years, the risk of staining can be minimized.
If you are considering putting marble in your kitchen, you need to ask yourself how much preventive care and maintenance you are willing to do. If you are willing to clean up spills immediately, use only neutral pH cleaners designed for marble, and seal your marble as recommended, you can use it in the kitchen.
In this blog post, we have broken down the reasons marble should or should not be used in the kitchen, the best marble options to use in a kitchen, proper maintenance required for marble in a kitchen, and why you need to seal marble in a kitchen. After you have armed yourself with this knowledge, you will be ready to determine if you should install marble in your kitchen.
Marble offers a plethora of benefits in the kitchen. Marble can be used for countertops, backsplashes, accent walls, or flooring in the kitchen. Let's examine the top three reasons why you should choose marble for your kitchen.
Each marble slab provides you with a unique appearance. The colors, veining, and patterns found in each slab will vary slightly. These variations can add interest to your kitchen.
Marble also creates a soothing, calming feel in the kitchen. Unlike other stones that can feel cold and uninviting, marble creates a kitchen that your guests will admire. Marble countertops, backsplashes, and flooring are reminiscent of days gone by when families and friends would gather in the kitchen every evening.
Marble has been used for centuries. Visit Roman and other European countries, and you will find ancient buildings and statues made of marble. These living testaments showcase the durability of marble.
Marble can be installed in high traffic areas thanks to its durability. Once the marble has been properly installed, the risk of cracks, chips, ad scratches is minimized. In fact, if you accidentally drop an item on a marble countertop, the risk of damage to your countertop is minimal.
In addition to this, marble feels cool to the touch, making it an excellent choice for home bakers. The surface remains cool, providing you with extra time to work with pastry. Unlike other stone countertops, marble will be cooler than the temperature in your room.
Finally, marble is the perfect choice for fireplaces in the kitchen. The heat produced from the fireplace will not cause the marble surround to turn yellow. Marble can also withstand a spark from the fire alighting on the surface.
Although marble offers a number of advantages, there are a couple of disadvantages that should be considered when deciding if you should install marble in your kitchen. These concerns are enough to prevent some homeowners from choosing marble for the kitchen. Let’s look at the top reasons why you should not install marble in the kitchen.
Unfortunately, stain removal may not be possible. If the marble is not sealed and the stain penetrates deep within the marble, a professional stone specialist will be unable to remove the stain.
If the wrong type of cleaner is used, it can cause etching. Etching occurs when acidic liquids, including juices, wine, vinegar, and certain cleaners, are allowed to come in contact with the countertop. Etching causes physical changes in the marble. The acidic substance interacts with the calcium carbonate found in the stone, creating dull spots known as etching.
There are many different types of marble in the market. Some types of marble are more porous, while others are less porous. Some types of marble are more durable, while others can chip or crack. Knowing the best type of marble to be used in a kitchen can save you a lot of headaches.
When the correct marble is chosen, it can withstand the demands of a kitchen. The top two types of marble to use in the kitchen are Fantasy White and Fantasy Brown. Both of these marbles are quarried in India and are much harder than other types of marble.
The hardness and durability of Fantasy White and Fantasy Brown marble decrease the risk of staining and etching. When the marble is sealed correctly, the stone will remain beautiful for many years.
Understanding how to care for your marble countertops properly will keep them looking fabulous for many years to come. Many homeowners think it takes a lot of time and effort to keep marble looking great; however, it is actually not difficult.
The first thing you should do to maintain your marble is to use only neutral pH cleaners specially designed for marble. These cleaners do not contain chemicals that can etch marble.
If you accidentally spill something, grab an absorbent cloth and soak up the liquid. Then, flood the counter with clean water and use another clean, absorbent cloth to soak up the water. Finally, use a stone cleaner to clean the surface.
If cooking oil is spilled on your counter, wipe up the oil with an absorbent cloth. Then, liberally sprinkle cornstarch on your counter. The cornstarch will absorb any remaining oil and prevent it from seeping into the surface. After ten minutes, wipe the cornstarch up using a damp cloth. Spray the countertop with stone cleaner and wipe using a clean, dry cloth.
Although marble is hard and durable, it can scratch. To help avoid scratches, always cut on a cutting mat or a cutting board.
Marble is naturally heat resistant; however, to prevent damage to the sealer and surface of the marble, always use a trivet or a hot pad when placing hot pots and pans on your countertop.
Finally, seal your marble as recommended. Sealers help fill in the pores in marble to reduce the risk of staining. When choosing a sealer for marble, look for one that impregnates (soaks into the marble) for maximum protection.
Thanks to the advancements in sealer technology, there are now sealers on the market that guarantee protection for up to fifteen years. Over time, the sealer will wear down and not provide the protection that it once did. To ensure your marble is still properly sealed and protected against stains and etching, perform a water test.
Marble is an absolutely beautiful stone to you in your kitchen. It provides you with an excellent work surface for pastry making. However, you must take care to ensure it remains looking beautiful. If not properly cared for and maintained, your marble kitchen work surfaces can become stained or damaged.
If you are willing to follow the information from this guide, you can easily incorporate marble into your kitchen spaces. The best marble types to use in the kitchen are either Fantasy White marble or Fantasy Brown marble. Thanks to the advancements in sealer technology, staining is unlikely when the proper preventative measures are followed
