Marble in your Kitchen

Polished marble is a great natural stone for kitchens as long as you know the correct way to maintain your investment. While granite would be more durable in a kitchen setting there are some choices in fabrication of marble.

You see kitchen design magazines that show beautiful polished marble on counter tops and floors.
Some customers will insist to the builder, remodeler, or natural stone fabricator this is what they want because they have seen this elsewhere and or it came recommended for the look they want.

Many people get marble because they are looking for a white stone. There are several white granites that can be used as an alternative. Bianco Romano, Cashmere White, African Ivory, Luna Pearl, Viscont White, and several others.

Polished marble, travertine and limestone can dull from foods and beverages that are acidic. There are many of our foods and beverages that contain acids which will etch or burn the stone’s finish, requiring periodic restoration if precautions are not taken.

Unless you are very cautious about spills or don't mind calling a Natural Stone Restoration Professional when the finish needs to repaired, consider another stone such as granite or a different finish other than polished marble, travertine or limestone. There are alternatives in the finish of these stones that require less maintenance, affording the homeowner to have the stone of their choice.

Honed and Antique Finishes

Marble, travertine and limestone can have a honed finish that has less of a sheen or no sheen at all and may be easier to care for because the etching or burning of the stone is less apparent and is more maintainable by the home owner. Honed finished natural stone may be sold by the manufacturer or preformed on site if in the polished state by a Natural Stone Specialist.

There is another finish called "Antiqued" that may perform in a kitchen or other areas very well with these natural stones and can even be of a matt finish to a polished finish that is easy to maintain. This unique finish gives the stone texture and is very forgiving.
Antiquing can be an 'old world' or a modern look depending on the sheen desired.

Polished marble is a wonderful natural stone in your kitchen if you know what 'not to do' or know what options are available in finishes.

Marble

MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS

This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.

INTRODUCTION

Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.

Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.

TYPICAL USES

Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible.