Marble Countertops in Sumner, WA

Marble has always been one of the most sought-after materials for countertops. Most homeowners perceive marble countertops as a valuable addition to their kitchen. In addition, marble is undeniably beautiful, sophisticated, durable, and strong, making it a favorite to many designers and homeowners.

If you’re thinking about installing marble countertops, read on to learn more about these beautiful kitchen accessories.

Marble Classification
Marble is a luxurious metamorphic natural stone made of either magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate. These are the same components that make marble durable.

However, marble is still susceptible to destruction by acids due to the chemical reactivity nature of these carbonates.

Marble is classified into two categories based on its source, mineral composition, and absorption rate:

Calcite Marble
Calcite marble, also known as “soft” marble, mainly comes from Carrara, Italy. This type of marble is usually white and is composed of calcium carbonate.

Unfortunately, calcite marble countertops are vulnerable to scraping due to the high reactivity of calcium carbonate with acids.

The higher the composition of calcite, the whiter, more expensive, but less durable the marble.

Dolomite Marble
Dolomite marble comprises calcium magnesium carbonate as the main ingredient. Its main countries of origin are India, Brazil, and Italy.

Dolomite marble, also known as “hard” marble, is the most common type of marble countertop, no doubt because of its hardness, resistance to wear, and affordability.

Common Types of Marble Countertops
When you compact limestone with other minerals under high temperatures and pressure, it results in various marbles. All these marbles are different and have their uniqueness in pattern, color, durability, and absorption.

Some of the most beautiful and popular marble countertops of different colors you can choose from for your home include the following:

– Arabescato Belgia
– Arabescato
– Bardiglio
– Bianco Carrara
– Calacatta Belgia
– Calacatta Gold
– Crema Marfil
– Daino Reale
– Ege Royale
– Fantasy Brown Honed
– Imperial Danby
– Mountain White Satin
– Opal White
– Silver Cloud
– White Truffle

Interestingly, these are just a few. There are over 200 different colors available that you can choose from.

Choosing a Countertop for Your Home
There are hundreds of marble countertops to choose from. And while they feature different hues and qualities, some are of better quality than others.

When choosing, the first thing you need to consider is the color. Then, you need to pay close attention to the slab’s details. Look closely at the slab’s veining. Where do the veins end? Will they create a seamless look all through your kitchen?

In addition, assess whether it’s a vein-cut piece of marble or a cross-cut piece that is the right fit for your home. While the former has a linear appearance that’s a bit more defined, the latter has softer veins that appear to be fanning outward.

With the assistance of your countertop seller, get the cleanest of marble, and of course, one with a mirrored effect. Each marble piece should be level and flush, giving your kitchen a seamless look.

Also, don’t forget to determine which finish is the best for you—honed, leathered, or polished.

Care and Maintenance of Marble Countertops
The common causes of damage to marble countertops—and indeed all types of countertops—are knives, hot pans and appliances, and cleaning agents.

After the installation is complete and your marble countertops are ready for use, the following maintenance tips will come in handy:

– Protective tools such as thick potholders and cutting boards will guard your countertop surface against high temperatures and cuts. Although countertops are heat resistant, you still need to protect them from temperature changes that can permanently damage them.

– When wiping spills or messes, use natural cleaning agents, mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cleaning cloth. Use the same for daily cleaning purposes. This will ensure the spills don’t seep into your marble countertop while leaving no abrasions from your cleaning materials.

– Avoid using powdered cleansers, abrasive pads, and tile cleaners likely to have acidic ingredients as cleaning agents for marble countertops.

– For tougher messes, go for neutral stone cleaners.

Sealing Marble Countertops
Sealing helps protect your marble countertop from staining agents. While it doesn’t make them 100 percent stain proof, sealing offers extra protection to your marble countertop.

By sealing, you prevent etching if an acidic fluid spills on the stone and remains there for long. Talk to your marble countertop installer for advice on the best sealant to use and when to use it.

Final Thoughts
Regardless of the type of marble countertop you choose, it will be a valuable addition to your kitchen. What’s more, it’s one of the easiest countertops to clean and maintain. It’s time you moved the marble countertop from your wish list and upgraded your kitchen into a gorgeous and sophisticated-looking space.

When you’re ready, contact us to make a selection from our wide variety of marble countertops.