Marble is one of the oldest and most beautiful stones available on the market for countertops. It’s a metamorphic stone that is a result of limestone being subjected to immense amount of pressure for long periods of time. Marble’s popularity began in ancient Rome and Greece, where white and off-white marble was used to construct a variety of structures, from hand-held sculptures to massive pillars.
How Marble Got its Start in Ancient Times
The Greeks and Romans chose marble for their structures due its beauty. However, the process of mining marble was quite lengthy. Hammers and wedges were used to release marble from the earth. It was then pulled from its source with the help of pulleys, winches, levers, and wooden beams.
Aside from statues and buildings, colored marble was used to create beautiful tile flooring. The color of marble varies due to different minerals that are present in the stone. For example, pure calcite marble is white. Red marble gets its tone from hematite, and limonite gives marble a green or yellow tone.
How We Use Marble in 2016
Even though Ancient Grecian and Roman times were over 2,000 years ago, most cultures still appreciate marble in present day. Today, marble is used for a variety of structural and aesthetic purposes. Marble is included in the making of modern buildings, places of worship, floors, walls, and of course—countertops.
Marble Countertops: Classic Beauty in The Home
It’s hard to deny that marble countertops add a touch of elegance to nearly every kitchen. Its stark white appearance makes kitchens look clean and strikingly classic. This stone has been a popular aesthetic option for centuries, and it perfectly ties in its classic beauty throughout kitchens across St. Louis and the rest of America.
Another intriguing aspect about marble is that since it’s a natural stone, every countertop is sure to be unique. If you’re a homeowner looking for a countertop that is uniquely designed and custom made for your home, consider marble stone.
Benefits of Marble Countertops (Beyond Beauty)
Even though marble is a beautiful countertop option, there are other reasons why homeowners may choose marble for their kitchen countertops instead of various other stones.
First, marble is one of the longest-lasting countertop stones available on the market. Although it can be expensive, marble countertops essentially pay for themselves as long as they are maintained and properly cared for throughout the years.
Furthermore, marble countertops come in a variety of colors that are well suited for a variety of personal tastes. However, think carefully about installing dark marble countertops in your kitchen—etching is more noticeable on dark marble than light colored marble.
What Are The Downsides to Using Marble For Kitchen Countertops?
Just like any other type of countertop material, there are downsides to using marble as your selected stone. One of the disadvantages of using marble as your kitchen countertop is that it’s a porous and soft stone. This makes marble prone to staining and chipping, which can quickly downgrade its beauty and elegance.
Homeowners who notice small imperfections might be better off choosing an alterative countertop material for their kitchen, such as quartz.
How to Protect And Maintain Your Marble Countertops
The truth is that marble is high maintenance. Although this fact can be off-putting to some, this doesn’t mean that you should discard marble as a countertop choice altogether. There are methods you can use to protect your marble countertops and keep them looking beautiful for years to come.
The first step in protecting and maintaining marble countertops is to properly seal them—and seal often. Unfortunately, spilling a glass of wine can be all that it takes to stain your new marble countertops.
You’ll also need to choose your cleaning products carefully. It’s best to clean your marble countertops with gentle dish detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, which can easily cause damage.
Get Ready to Love Your New Marble Countertops
Even though marble isn’t perfect, there are still plenty of reasons to love this natural stone. If you’re interested in marble countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, contact Arch City Granite today at 314-426-3100 or 636-329-8400.
