Marble: Natural stone

Carrara is the most common type of Italian marble, but there are many different kinds to look at.

Pros/cons:

• Heat resistant 

• Long lifespan

• Can become more beautiful with age (or marred, depending on the eye of the beholder)

• Expensive

• Not easy to repair

• Susceptible to staining and etching, though stains can wipe away when surface is sealed

• Chips easily

• Should be resealed annually

• Be careful with acidic foods like lemons, tomatoes and vinegar. They can stain.

• Honed marble has a matte appearance and prevents etching and scarring. 

• You should seal marble or honed marble annually

• Can polish out small nicks and scratches

How to clean and maintain marble:

• Use to clean what you would on your own hands

• Wipe down daily with a non abrasive cloth or sponge and mild soap and water (dish soap is a good idea)

• Smooth out stains and nicks with fine sandpaper or a product (marble polishing powder), and reseal after 

• Apply sealant once a year to normal or honed marble (when water drops no longer bead on the surface, it's time to apply reseal)