Marble is one of the most versatile materials that you can adorn your house with. Marble countertops are no exception, as they are easy to cook on, they’re bright and elegant, and they can be the envy of everyone who visits your home. However, some people aren’t sold on marble yet because they are under the impression that marble is difficult to maintain; this only holds true if you don’t routinely clean your countertops. Here are a few basics you need to know about marble if you’re interested in selecting marble countertops for your home.
What is Marble?
You’ve certainly heard of marble by now, but can you explain what marble is? For starters, marble is a metamorphic stone that is formed when sediment crystallizes under great heat or pressure to form hard rock. Marble is also not the hardest of stones, but this works to its benefit because it is smooth compared to other stones. It is important to note that marble is porous, which makes it susceptible to staining. However, with basic care, you won’t even have to worry about staining your countertops. Even if your countertops do stain, the stains can easily be cleaned off. To keep the marble in its best condition, you will have to do some routine maintenance. Although this might be a deal-breaker for some busy people, those who are invested in marble know that cleaning it every once in a while is worth it. Some homeowners even favor the look of gradually aged surfaces with stains that blend in with the veining over time. This can give marble a unique, organic character.
What Types of Finishes Does Marble Come In?
There are two types of marble finishes a homeowner can select for their countertops, which are either a honed finish or a polished finish. Honed finishes are created by sanding the surface so that your countertops have a matte, soft finish. One of the main benefits of honed marble is that scratches won’t appear as easily. Sealing your marble will help keep staining to a minimum. Consider sealing your marble every year so that your countertops stay in top shape. This process only takes one hour so you don’t have to worry about spending too much time sealing, and it can easily be done on your own. Polished surfaces will give you a shiny countertop, and this finish doesn’t stain as easily as a honed countertop does. On the flip side, polished surfaces can wear out more easily than honed surfaces. As mentioned earlier, there are some people who don’t mind the aged look of marble countertops; if you’re one of those people who prefers a more organic looking countertop, then polished surfaces might be for you.
What Can I Do to Clean My Marble Easily?
Contrary to popular belief, cleaning your marble countertops is actually simple. All you really need to clean a marble countertop is water and dish soap, which works like a charm for regular maintenance. Lifting stains isn’t tedious work either and there are several home remedies that you can follow to remove stains from your countertop. Mixing baking soda with water into a paste and leaving it overnight on a stain will help lift it.
Interested in treating your home to new marble countertops? Intermountain Stone & Marble has you covered. If you’re a resident of Salt Lake County, give our experts a call today to learn more about the wonders of marble.
