Marble, one of the world’s oldest materials, remains a popular choice among homeowners and decorators, but it’s not without its detractors too.
The debate surrounding marble typically invokes concerns about its porous nature, which cause it to stain and dent relatively easily compared to manmade stones.
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Recrystallized calcite is the main cause of porosity in marble, says Glenda Henneboehle, president of Stone Fabricators. Some homeowners see slight etchings, scratches, and other imperfections as defects while others view those blemishes as no more than the result of a well-loved and used kitchen or bathroom. Jenny Rausch, owner of Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath, considers the stone’s delicate nature as heart-warming and part of its appeal. “It remembers when your son was two and pounded his fork into the counter as he ate. It recalls bottles of wine opened and spilled during a fun night with friends,” she says.
While homeowners generally prefer to avoid stains on the kitchen and bathroom countertops, they are easy to clean when tended to quickly. Henneboehle recommends re-sealing tops every 6 to 18 months to maintain its protective barrier. To test for porosity, Henneboehle suggests taking a teaspoon or tablespoon of water and pouring it onto your countertop. “If it beads up like a nicely waxed car, then the sealer is still good,” she says. When visible marks become too apparent, consider hiring a professional to resurface the tops or apply a poultice treatment.
Despite marble’s vulnerability to stains, there’s no doubt that it’s long-lasting—just think of the number of statues and buildings that have been carved from it.
Still, Rausch and Henneboehle say it’s important for homeowners to assess their lifestyle tolerances and expectations before deciding to use it in the home. If you love the timeless elegance of the stone, but aren’t keen to maintain it, consider other materials that imitate the beauty of marble but are less sensitive, materials such as quartz, porcelain, and granite.
“If you like order and neatness and keep asking me how well something wears, quartz or granite is the best choice,” says Rausch. “If you’re in it for the look, and don’t use anything hard, then I’ll introduce marble, quartzite, and even limestone.”
“If you look at manmade products, they’re trying to replicate the [the look and feel of] marbles,” says Henneboehle. “There really is something about the beauty of the natural material.”
