Are Marble Countertops OK For Kitchens?
Marble is a popular selection among homeowners who are remodeling and upgrading a kitchen. Whether used for full countertops or just a center island or wet bar, this material is a very glamorous accent. It can blend with metal, tile, and wood with equal ease. The enormous variety of colors and patterns make it a favorite with interior designers. Chefs love the smooth surface for food prep – especially for bread and pastry dough.
Marble Requires Special Treatment
However, kitchens are an area of the home where marble must be treated with special care. Because of the porous nature of this type of stone, it is susceptible to staining and cracking. These countertops should be resealed with a stone care product specifically formulated for marble to keep out moisture. You should also be aware that marble is soft enough to be easily scratched and reacts to even weak acids like vinegar and lemon juice by eroding.
Rolling out tortillas or pie crust on the marble counter is fine, but using it as a cutting board will leave marks. You will also have to be careful to wipe up any spills immediately and always protect the stone surface from hot pots and pans. Use filtered water to clean the counters daily (hard water contains minerals that can cause unsightly buildup). Borax can be used for gentle scrubbing if needed.
Some stone vendors suggest using marble that is not polished to make any accumulated damage less noticeable. However, many end users prefer the shiny look of polished marble despite the greater care that must be taken to keep it in good condition.
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Tags: Kitchens
