Marble Countertops
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If you're looking for a durable, elegant countertop, that with proper
maintenance will last a long time, marble is an excellent choice.
Not only does marble have desirable veining and swirls, but it also
has a natural glow. Light penetrates marble and is reflected
due to the calcium present in it, thus muting the light and causing
the marble to glow. White marble has more of a glow than color
marbles; therefore, these white pieces are the most expensive.
Along with this glow, most marble is sealed and polished to a high
gloss to bring out its classical beauty.
Marble is used to create an aura of elegance and class. Countertops
of this material, with its delicate coloring and polished surface, can
lend prestige and stature to a business. A polished marble surface
on an island or bar countertop is stunning. Bathroom vanity tops
are frequently fabricated from marble as well. Marble is available
in many colors; the most common colors are white, gray, green, and
pink. Unless you want an all-white kitchen, marble countertops
are usually fabricated from off-white or colored marble slabs.
Solid marble countertops are expensive and heavy, so properly installed
marble tiles are often used to cover a countertop instead.
Marble is frequently used in restaurant kitchens because it is highly
heat resistant, and hot plates can be placed on it. Also, marble is
the best countertop surface for a person who does a lot of baking.
The surface is cool and smooth, so pastry doughs don't usually stick
to it. However, because marble is very porous and somewhat fragile,
it is generally used in small areas, often as an insert in another
type of countertop surface material. Oils and acids can stain its
surface, so it requires frequent sealing when used in work areas.
Marble will require maintenance. Wiping a marble countertop or insert with a damp cloth, preferably a chamois, will keep it clean. Clean up spills quickly and have it buffed or polished periodically. There are products to remove stains, but use mats or coasters to eliminate the chance of water marks from glasses. Commercial marble cleaners and polishes are available. You may, however, just wish to leave the marks to add to its natural patina.
With its beautiful patterns, marble is sure to capture attention. For more information about marble, its uses, and its characteristics, visit the websites listed below.
- The Marble Institute of America promotes the use of natural stone. It
provides information on workmanship, suitable application and standards
for natural stone.
www.Marble-Institute.com - The Vermont Marble Museum is a showcase of Vermont marble and its
uses.
www.Vermont-Marble.com - The All Granite and Marble
Corporation fabricates and installs marble countertops and vanity tops
as well as other types of natural stone products.
www.Marble.com - Artelye Marble and Granite
is a Maryland-based importer, fabricator, and installer of marble
surfaces. Their web site shows color samples of various types of
marble.
www.Artelye.com - MarbleMaster
specializes in marble tiles or specialty marble building materials for
commercial or residential building projects.
www.MarbleMaster.com - World Stonex features a
worldwide directory of marble and natural stone suppliers.
www.WorldStonex.com
Contact: Chosen Sites/Marble-Countertops.com, P.O. Box 828, Barnegat, NJ 08005.
Marble Countertops - Marble Countertop Tips