Marble – A 2022 Trend

Marble is both timeless and definitely trending for 2022, and many of you may be considering installing marble countertops in your kitchen. First of all, marble has some wonderful qualities. It is heat resistant, and you can definitely do an undermount sink with marble countertops. It’s an absolutely gorgeous natural stone with every slab being a piece of art. Marble has a patina that evolves over time and will last a lifetime – but it may not be the best if you are OCD or a perfectionist. Read on to find out about magnificent marble…

Staining & Absorption

It is true that marble is more porous than most granite and quartz products. BUT, different marbles and some granites, for that matter have different absorption rates. This is the factor that you definitely should look into. Absorption is the degree to which water will penetrate a stone, measured as a percentage of weight. The lower the absorbency, the lower the risk of stains. For example, a marble with smaller pores and only a .06% absorption rate will be easier to care for.

If you do choose marble with a higher absorption rate, spills that stain are not as alarming as long as you wipe them up fairly soon.  It’s important to clean marble countertops with warm, soapy water only and no harsh chemicals, as they may etch the surface.

So what if you do stain your marble countertops?  There are a number of solutions on the market that can be applied to draw out most stains. At worst, professional refinishing companies can assist in removing difficult stains.

Marble Finishes

Etching, or dulling of the surface, is caused over time by acidic materials such as lemon juice, alcohol, or tomato sauce on the marble countertops. If these are not wiped up right away, the acid reacts and eats away at the calcium carbonate in the stone, creating permanent markings that look like dull, slightly darker spots or rings on the marble.  You will notice when light hits the marble and see how noticeable the etching is.

Polished marble is shiny and is more resistant to staining. Honed marble is matte and less resistant to staining. However, honed marble reduces the problem of etching mainly, because it’s pre-etched.  So if you want to reduce etching, then choose HONED marble and be sure to keep the surface properly sealed to reduce staining.

Sealing Marble

Just because a marble countertop requires sealing, does not mean it’s a huge maintenance issue.  How often you seal your marble depends on usage and UV exposure, but typically 3-5 years it average.

If you are considering marble countertops, definitely do your homework and be honest with yourself about whether or not you can live with its beautiful imperfections!

You are more likely to maintain its newly installed look by finding a marble that has a low absorption rate, choosing the right finish, wiping up spills quickly, avoiding harsh chemicals, and keeping it properly sealed.

If you are OCD and every spill and stain will make you constantly anxious, you may want to reconsider.  If you want a look similar to marble with less hassle, there are many attractive and more forgiving quartz options.

If you are in the market for marble, call the countertop experts at Hard Rock Stone Works.  They offer the best kitchen countertop installation in the Detroit area.  Whether you are in need of countertop repairs or you would like a complete renovation, choosing Hard Rock Stone Works can ensure you will have high-quality workmanship and the best quality of installation for your home.

Contact Hard Rock Stone Works, the industry leader in stone countertops.  We design, deliver and install custom countertops to all of Detroit and the metropolitan areas.  Call us today at 586-251-0083 for a free estimate or reach out to us on our contact form.