Marble Countertops 

Marble is one of the most visually appealing of all natural stones

Marble has been used in the past in making important works of art. It has also been extensively used in classic architectural buildings. This stone is one of the most visually appealing of all natural stones that’s why it is also being used to make marble countertops.

For whatever purpose this stone is used, it adds sophistication where it is installed. You can find marble in many places all over the world. It is found in the mountain regions of countries like Germany, Italy, Canada, Egypt, Spain and Turkey. In the United States, it is mined in the quarries of Georgia, New York, Colorado and Vermont. 

Natural Marble
This stone is actually a metamorphic rock consisting of limestone. It is found several hundred feet below the earth’s surface. When limestone is subjected to extreme pressure over a long period of time, it gets pressed into marble. The typical color of marble is white but varied colors are also available. Different colors of marble are due to the specific mineral content of the places where they are quarried. The lighter colors of marble include white, yellow, orange, beige and pink. There are also darker colors of marble. These colors are black, brown, red, burgundy and gray. All these colors are also available in different hues. These colors of marble are made more interesting by the vein patterns present in each slab.

Types of Marble Countertops
The attractive colors and dynamic vein patterns of marble makes it a very attractive material for building countertops. For this reason, marble is used for many types of countertops. It can be used for kitchen countertops, vanity countertops, bathroom countertops, coffee table tops, etc. But because of the stone’s porosity, marble countertops that will be in frequent contact with water should be adequately sealed and laminated. The basic material composition of natural marble is calcium carbonate therefore it can be easily degraded by acids and salts. Proper sealing of the countertop surface will reduce the likelihood of stains.

Cultured Marble
An alternative way of building a marble countertop is by using cultured marble. This type of marble is made up of crushed natural marble mixed with polyester, resins, calcium carbonate and other materials. The combined mixture is poured into a mold where it acquires its shape and size. Cultured marble countertops have surfaces that are highly impervious to water and dirt since they have uniform consistency throughout their surfaces. You also have unlimited choices of colors and color combinations since you can control the amounts of color pigments that will go into the final mixture. These types of countertops are also safe for food preparation because of their non-porous surfaces. Bacteria and molds cannot multiply on their surfaces. They are also more affordable than natural marble.

Benefits Of Using Marble Countertops
Knowing the advantages of marble can help you decide if it will be right for you. Here are some of its advantages.
• Natural marble can be polished to obtain a mirror finish. This will reveal its depth of colors and dynamic vein patterns. These colors will enhance the beauty and elegance of your room.
• Natural marble is also a very expensive stone therefore having marble countertops in your premises will increase the value of your home.
• Marble is also very strong and durable. If properly used and cared for, you can expect it to last for years.
• They are also highly resistant to heat and can tolerate your hot pots and pans. But you need to protect the seal and the laminate of the surface. Therefore you need to use trivets or cloth pads so that they will not be affected.
• Marble is also naturally resistant to scratches, dents and burns. But again, be careful because the seal and the laminate will be ruined by these things.

Downsides to Marble Countertops
You also need to consider some downsides to owning marble countertops. Here are some of them.
• You have to be consistent in periodically sealing and laminating their surface. Failure to do so will degrade the protection of the surface. Since marble is porous, liquid and stains may penetrate the surface and eventually damage the stone itself.
• Because of its high rate of water absorption, marble can easily stain. To prevent this from happening, always wipe water and other liquid spots on its surface.
• Marble countertops are also expensive. The average cost of one square foot of a marble countertop runs to around $60. But it can go up to $100 per square foot depending on the quality of the stone, the type of edge and the difficulty of installation.