For many home renovations and remodels, choosing the right countertop material can be a difficult decision. Many homeowners desire marble-like materials due to their elegance, beauty and timelessness. If you’re considering marble countertops for your kitchen, then you may have heard that they can be difficult to maintain. From fear of staining to daily cleaning considerations, it’s important to understand the upkeep involved before making a decision. Today we’ll examine whether marble countertops are really high-maintenance and what measures you need to take care of them properly.
Do Marble Countertops Require A Lot of Maintenance?
Marble countertops are a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom, but there is a common misconception that marble requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking its best. Many home improvement projects use marble for its elegant appearance, but also question its ability to withstand regular wear and tear.
Contrary to popular belief marble countertops do not require as much effort as many think. With just regular cleaning and some basic routine care, marble can stay in pristine condition for many years. It is important, however, to use the proper cleaning agents and techniques to keep marble looking its best, such as mild non-acidic cleaners that are specifically made for marble surfaces.
Regular cleaning, sealing and proper care will ensure you get the most out of your marble countertop for years to come.
Caring for Your Marble Countertops
To maintain marble at its best, regular care is necessary. First and foremost, it’s important to clean marble countertops regularly; marble is highly porous, making it vulnerable to staining when left unclean for long periods of time. Use warm water and mild soap or stone cleaner to prevent stains from forming.
Additionally, marble is sensitive to acidic substances – so those using marble countertops in their kitchen should stay away from acidic cleaners or any other substances that are labeled as acidic in order to protect their marble surface. You will also want to avoid using abrasive applicators such as steel wool, scouring pads, brushes, etc. For deep cleanings marble owners may use a polishing cream formulated just for marble. These steps will ensure that your marble countertops stay glossy and beautiful..
Furthermore, don’t forget to seal marble periodically following the manufacturer’s instructions in order to protect against scratches, stains and etching on your marble surface. Ideally, you should seal your marble countertops once every 12-18 months.
Following these steps will help ensure that your marble countertop remains functional and beautiful for years to come.
Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops
There are both pros and cons to putting marble countertops in your kitchen. You should keep these in mind when deciding whether or not you want to include marble counters. After all, choosing the right material for your countertops is a big decision – you won’t be able to change the countertops unless you redo your kitchen again.
Some of the pros of marble countertops include:
- Marble countertops are highly durable and can last many years with proper maintenance.
- Marble adds unique beauty to the room through its variety in coloration and veining patterns.
- It can potentially raise the value of your home.
- Marble is naturally resistant to microbial growth, which makes them an incredibly safe option for food handling.
- It is heat resistant.
It is also important to understand the downsides of having marble countertops in your kitchen. These include:
- Marble is a porous material that stains easily and can be scratched by sharp objects and knives.
- While it is heat resistant, it is not completely heat proof. This means you do still need to be careful when putting hot objects on these countertops.
- You need to be careful of what kinds of cleaners you use to clean them.
- Marble countertops are more expensive than other countertop options.
Are Marble Countertops More High Maintenance Than Other Countertop Materials?
The short answer is yes; marble is a porous material that needs more attention compared to several alternatives; however, marble can still make a beautiful addition to any kitchen if proper care and maintenance are followed. It is important to consider that the increased maintenance is typically just annual sealing, as well as being cautious about what kinds of cleaning materials are used on the countertops. Otherwise, it does not require significantly more attention than other countertop materials.
Do You Want Marble Countertops in Your Dream Kitchen?
Marble countertops are a luxurious addition to any kitchen, but they require some special care to keep them looking their best. Regular cleaning with a mild soap and water solution is all that is generally needed, but you should avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive scrub pads. Periodic sealing will help protect your marble from stains, and prompt cleanup of spills is important to prevent etching.
With proper care, your marble countertops can last a lifetime.For more information on marble countertop maintenance or to find out about other options for your countertops, contact Kitchen Express today. We are the Triad’s top kitchen remodeling specialists and have been bringing dream kitchens to life for over 20 years. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
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