Marble Countertops

WHAT IS MARBLE?

At Capitol Granite, we know that marble is any limestone or dolomite that can take a high polish and still be usable and it is generally formed from limestone undergoing metamorphism. When exposed to extremes of pressure or heat limestone turns into calcite or dolomite crystals, which are the primary materials in marble. This is one of the reasons people are drawn to it for the countertops, flooring, and bathroom vanities. Please contact us at (804) 265-4751 if you wish to discuss in detail the pros and cons of marble surfaces & Richmond marble countertop installation for your kitchen, bathroom, or flooring. You can also view Capitol Granite’s live inventory here.

USES OF MARBLE

The uses of marble are almost endless. It is used in flooring, kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, bathroom vanities, bars, pillars, staircases, colonnades, paneling, and facing stone in architectural structures. It can’t, however, be used outdoors, since water would corrode its crystalline structure. It is also very smooth and therefore tends to be slippery, which makes it unfavorable to use in high traffic areas.

Marble for Kitchen Countertops

Because marble is not as strong as granite, it is not suitable for many kitchens where heavy use and rough elements can wear down and mark up the surface. Marble is prone to scratch more easily than other materials. Marble is also porous and can become stained over time. Yet for some people, marble is the ideal look for their home. Its weaknesses are overlooked or accommodated because it offers a singular look that other products simply do not provide. Oftentimes, marble is used in high-end kitchens that are more for show than common usage.

Marble for Bathroom Countertops

Marble is a common choice for bathroom vanities. Unlike the kitchen, a bathroom countertop is not exposed to the effects of acid, oil, heavy weight, and sharp objects. Therefore, there are far fewer concerns about severe damage to a marble bathroom countertop compared with other higher traffic areas of the home. Marble in the bathroom will not be completely safe from potential damage. Bathroom marble should be cleaned consistently to avoid damage from household products.

People Choose Marble for Its Uniqueness and Elegance

It is the unique properties of marble that make it suited to some of the more delicate arts. It can be crafted into beautiful home furnishings, and it has been the material used in many of the worlds most beautiful sculptures. It is one of the most beautiful, elegant, historically prevalent stones that can be used. This is why so many people choose our Richmond marble and granite countertops as well as marble flooring, and marble for their bathroom vanities.

Marble Countertops Pros And Cons

Marble is one of the natural stones that is commonly found literally, everywhere. Marble is all around us and we normally are not even aware of it. This natural slab is one of the finest most affordable countertop options you will come across! You must still know though, that even with its incredibly beautiful exterior, marble holds some dirty secrets. These secrets are in no way shape or form (rock cutting jokes) all bad. We want to walk you through some of the marble countertops pros and cons so that before you make your finalized decision, you will know everything about marble!

1. High Maintenance and Porous

The first thing you should know about marble stone is that it is, in fact, vulnerable to staining agents such as juice, oil, coffee, or even wine. This is because these staining agents seep very deep in the rock. Once this unfortunate situation occurs, it can be very hard to reverse. A quick fix that you should invest in is getting your marble countertops sealed right away. This aids in damage prevention. The sealant process does need to be repeated especially if you are frequently cooking in the kitchen. You can do the sealing yourself every 6 months. For situations involving wine stains, you can most definitely bet that there is a way in which you can get rid of this type of stain. It is suggested by marble countertop experts, as well as our Richmond marble countertop installation team, to dip a cloth into a couple of ammonia drops and half a cup of hydrogen peroxide. After you have done this, you want to start wiping off the wine stain until you no longer see it.

2. Scratch Resistant Countertops

Unfortunately for all of you marble countertop lovers, this kind of natural stone is not scratch resistant. For my avid cookers, for those moments where you cut lemons on the countertop instead of a butcher’s block because you either do not have one or simply cannot find it, you can expect to see scratches happen. The acid from such foods also remove the polish or the sealant from the marble countertop’s finish & makes it vulnerable to scratches and it makes it appear dull. If you decide to hone your marble, this could potentially make the etching less obvious to the naked eye. Marble is the softer stone option when compared to a hard one like quartz so that means that marble countertops are more prone to chips. You could always avoid leaning against the marble kitchen island when you are wearing jewelry or accessories that can potentially scratch it up.

3. Affordable Countertops

You can find a variety of beautiful marble countertop selections. Our Richmond marble countertop installation is high-class, top-quality & incredibly affordable when compared to other natural stone options. Carrara Marble is one of the most luxurious and least expensive marble options because it is readily available. One thing you must keep in mind is that anytime you search for marble countertops, Google may possibly show you the most expensive options.

4. Is Marble Heat Resistant

Marble is a very good option when it comes to finding a countertop option that is heat resistant (though Granite is better). You can always count on marble to be an excellent choice if you are a big cooker or baker! Although marble is great in withstanding high temperatures you should still avoid placing really hot pots on the marble. If you place hot pots on this kind of rock, you will run the risk of either discoloration or burning the surface. An easy solution to avoid all of this is to simply use a pot holder. If you are interested in getting a quote, click here.

5. Bright & Timeless Appeal

Most people associate marble with luxury due to its uses inside expensive or royal historical buildings. As a result, many people consider it a prized material for the design of kitchen countertops. The fact remains that the beauty of it is still greatly appreciated. Being a natural stone with a distinctive look, it will most likely remain popular for a long time to come. The delicately ‘marbled’ surface has an elegant simplicity to it and can brighten the look of your kitchen or bathroom.