Marble Archives - Marble Supreme Granite & Quartz Worktops Bristol Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:14:44 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://marblesupreme.newicon.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-Background-logo-32x32.png Marble Archives - Marble Supreme 32 32 How Long Do Kitchen Worktops Last? https://marblesupreme.newicon.dev/how-long-do-kitchen-worktops-last/ Fri, 28 Feb 2020 14:47:47 +0000 https://www.marblesupreme.com/?p=3004 There are plenty of claims across the industry that stone worktops can last a lifetime, but how long can you expect your kitchen worktops to last in your home? Replacing a worktop can be an intimidating prospect, so how can you avoid picking a worktop that won’t hold it’s integrity?  The majority of stone kitchen […]

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There are plenty of claims across the industry that stone worktops can last a lifetime, but how long can you expect your kitchen worktops to last in your home? Replacing a worktop can be an intimidating prospect, so how can you avoid picking a worktop that won’t hold it’s integrity? 

The majority of stone kitchen worktops are remarkably durable and can withstand a variety of wear and tear. Each material has plenty of pros and cons to consider. 

Investing in a high-quality kitchen worktop could add value to your home should you choose to sell. With an estimated 6% rise in value to your home. 

So, how long do different stone worktops last? 

 

Marble

There’s a reason why marble has been used to form historical buildings and sculptures for thousands of years, it’s just as strong as it is beautiful.

Marble is a popular material of choice for kitchen worktops, and it’s easy to see why. 

Despite being softer than granite and quartz, it has naturally heat-resistant qualities and is incredibly versatile. 

Typically, a marble worktop will last upwards of 10-15 years. 

If the marble is placed in an area that experiences low-traffic, it will generally last longer.

 

 

 

Granite 

In comparison to other worktops materials, granite has the longest life expectancy. 

On average, a granite worktop can stay in good condition for over 25 years. So, investing in a granite worktop really will pay off in the long run. 

Did you know granite is one of the hardest substances in the world, second only to diamonds? 

There are plenty of factors that will contribute to the condition of your granite. For example, making sure your worktop is regularly sealed will help protect it from everyday spills and stains. 

 

granite kitchen worktops bristol

 

Quartz

Although Quartz is an engineered stone composed of man-made resins, it actually has a shorter expected life span than most natural stone. 

Quartz worktops are also more prone to sun damage and heat damage from contact with hot pots and pans.

However, a high-quality quartz worktop can still last for an average of 15 years before a replacement may be needed.

Looking to replace your old worktops? Read more about how to prepare for new worktops

 

 

So, what’s the catch?

Your worktops can last for a very long time, however, how well you care for them will have a big effect on their longevity. 

Natural stone is susceptible to water damage, chips and cracks. Stains and scratches may not have a huge effect on longevity but it’s important to stay aware of these superficial issues because in high-volume they can contribute to a weakening of the stone. The softer the stone, the higher the risk of scarring and chipping.

If you are worried about your stone coping with the stress of high-traffic, it might be best to explore granite and quartz options for your worktops rather than marble. 

 

Investing in a stone kitchen worktop will benefit you for a lifetime if you care for them. And if you’re looking for peace of mind, you can rest easy knowing that we offer a 15-year warranty in association with Dry-Treat

Want to know how to care for your worktops? Read our blogs on how to clean your worktops, whether they are granitequartz or marble

 

Still not sure which stone is right for you?

At Marble Supreme, we’d be more than happy to explain the pros and cons of kitchen worktop materials. We want to help you find the perfect stone for your kitchen or bathroom and love to share our knowledge on beautiful stone materials.

Simply, get in touch today or visit our Bristol showroom to speak to one of our stone experts in person.

 

 

 

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How To Clean Your Bathroom Vanity Units & Countertops https://marblesupreme.newicon.dev/cleaning-bathroom-vanity-units/ Fri, 31 Jan 2020 15:06:10 +0000 https://www.marblesupreme.com/?p=2877 Vanity units are an excellent choice for those who are installing a new bathroom, wet room or simply giving their current bathroom that much needed makeover. They are designed to hold the basin, conceal unsightly pipework and ensure you have sufficient bathroom storage space. But without proper care, they can end up losing their appeal. In […]

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Vanity units are an excellent choice for those who are installing a new bathroom, wet room or simply giving their current bathroom that much needed makeover. They are designed to hold the basin, conceal unsightly pipework and ensure you have sufficient bathroom storage space. But without proper care, they can end up losing their appeal.

In order to keep your vanity unit looking its best, we’ve put together this simple guide with easy steps to follow and tips to ensure your vanity unit remains a statement in your home. Plus, we offer some great alternative, eco-friendly cleaning tips for you to consider.

GRANITE VANITY UNITS

Granite is one of the most popular choices for vanity units and countertops. It is naturally antibacterial and highly resistant to scratching and staining but it’s still important to maintain granite surfaces properly, and that includes understanding how to clean granite safely.

How To Clean Granite

To keep granite shiny, we recommend regular cleaning with a PH-balanced product or a mixture of detergent and warm water. You’ll need to remove any items from the surface of your bathroom vanity unit and wipe down the countertops with a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads because they may scratch the surface, and remember to buff out any visible streaks afterwards.

Removing Stains From Granite

To remove oil-based stains like dirt or grease, we recommend a commercial alkaline degreaser. For tough, organic stains like wine or coffee, a commercial stone poultice is recommended but you can create your own (details to follow).

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

If you’re trying to avoid using mass-produced, chemical-based cleaning products, we have collated the following green ways to maintain your bathroom vanity unit and countertop:

  • Try creating your own natural cleaning products using household items. Simply add hydrogen peroxide or acetone to baking soda until a paste is formed. Spread the mixture over granite using a clean cloth and repeat as necessary. Wipe the area dry and remove any excess to prevent leaving any sticky or cloudy residue behind.
  • Avoid using lemon, vinegar or acidic ingredients as they can damage the surface.
  • Once clean, try adding a few small drops of essential citrus oil onto your countertops to keep your vanity unit smelling lemony fresh.

Bathroom interior with marble walls, a double sink standing on white bathroom countertops and a two vertical mirrors hanging above it.

MARBLE VANITY TOPS

Marble, composed mainly of calcium carbonate, is a metamorphic rock. It can vary in colour from neutral whites and creams to pinks, greys, browns and black. With its rich colours and luxurious feel, Marble is another popular choice for stone vanity units and vanity tops. It is versatile to work with and keeping it clean is actually easier than you may think. Just be sure to avoid products containing acid.

How To Clean Marble

To maintain your marble vanity unit, we recommend that you wipe all of the surfaces regularly. You can choose to use a commercial marble cleaner but it is also possible to use plain soap and water. Simply spray the countertops with your chosen cleaning product and scrub the surface gently. Wipe away any excess residue with a clean wet cloth and repeat as necessary. Then rub the countertops dry and buff with a soft absorbent cloth.

Removing Stains From Marble

The key to removing stains from marble is correctly identifying the origin of the stain and then applying the most appropriate cleaning method.

Organic stains like food, paper or urine cause a pinkish-brown discolouration and can be removed using a mixture of water and a non-ionic detergent. For stubborn or tough stains, we recommend a mixture of equal parts water, white spirit and detergent. This will need to be shaken regularly to maintain the emulsion and prevent the mixture from separating.

Iron or rust stains are orange or brown in colour and can be removed using a stone poultice. However, deep-seated metal stains can sometimes be difficult to remove. Biological stains like mildew are common in bathrooms and wet rooms. To remove these, we recommend using ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. Although gloves should always be worn when handling these toxic chemicals.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

  • Purchase an eco-friendly detergent at your local store or online. Mix a couple of drops with warm water and use a soft microfibre cloth to wipe down all surfaces. Next, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any sticky residue and buff away smudges with another dry cloth.

Bathroom vanity unit details with clean white basin with shower tiling behind

QUARTZ STONE VANITY TOPS

Quartz stone is made from one of the hardest minerals on earth and is arguably the most durable stone for your bathroom vanity unit. It comes in a variety of beautiful colours and patterns and is resistant to staining and scratching. It can even contain a resin which means it does not have to be sealed.

The specific cleaning requirements of your quartz stone will depend on the location within your home and how often it is used, but quartz is not hard to maintain. The following guide should help ensure you are able to keep your quartz countertops looking brand new.

How To Clean Quartz Stone

For routine cleaning, we recommend wiping surfaces with a mixture of warm water and soap. This should be done as often as required, but the more often this happens the better maintained your bathroom vanity top will be. To get rid of dirt, you can use a recommended putty knife but be careful to only scrape gently.

Removing Stains From Quartz Stone

To remove tough stains from your vanity units, you will most likely need a cleaner that is specifically made for quartz. If you’re unsure what’s safe to use then please ask a member of our team or check out our helpful FAQ section. We’re always happy to provide free advice and hope we can answer any of your questions.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

  • Avoid using multi-purpose wet wipes and opt for liquid cleaning products and reusable cloths. This should save you money and reduce the number of wet wipes that end up in landfill.
  • If you are set on using wet wipes, choose a biodegradable alternative and dispose of your wipes in the bin rather than flushing them away.

It all sounds simple and that’s because it is. Maintaining your stone bathroom vanity unit should never be a chore and we hope with these simple tips you’ll be well on your way to a sparkling surface.

 

NEED OUR HELP?

If you’d like to find out more about the various properties of Granite, Quartz or Marble stone then feel free to explore our blogs or get in touch with one of our team today. Our trusted worktop experts will be on hand to impart their advice and recommendations. Or if you fancy finding out more about our wide range of kitchen worktop materials and bathroom vanity tops, why not pop down to our Bristol showroom in Kingswood and talk to us in person.

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7 Facts You Didn’t Know About Marble https://marblesupreme.newicon.dev/7-facts-didnt-know-marble/ Tue, 19 Nov 2019 18:27:49 +0000 https://www.marblesupreme.com/?p=2714 Marble is an extremely popular choice for interior design and has become notably fashionable over the past few years. It’s aesthetically pleasing and works well with a variety of colours and designs. It has numerous pleasing qualities that lend to its appeal to homeowners. But how much do you really know about marble? Read seven […]

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Marble is an extremely popular choice for interior design and has become notably fashionable over the past few years. It’s aesthetically pleasing and works well with a variety of colours and designs. It has numerous pleasing qualities that lend to its appeal to homeowners. But how much do you really know about marble? Read seven interesting facts about marble below! 

1.  It’s naturally cool

Marble usually feels cool to the touch because it’s a dense heat conductor that absorbs heat very easily. So for example, when you touch marble with your fingertips, your body heat is transferred to the stone and dissipates. This is different to other surfaces that aren’t good heat conductors. If you were to touch carpet or wood, the fibres and air pockets on the surface trap the heat long enough for it to warm up, and the heat doesn’t dissipate as quickly.

2.  It has some unusual uses  

While it might be most famously recognised as the material used for iconic architecture and statues, marble has a few unique uses that may surprise you. A few of these uses are:

  • Pharmaceutical ingredient – Marble is great for acid neutralisation. If you have any medicine for acid related indigestion take a look at the ingredients! If it contains calcium carbonate it’s probably derived from marble dust.  
  • Whiting and pigment – Marble’s naturally white form is sometimes used to produce a product known as “whiting,” a white powder that is used as a pigment, brightener, and filler in paint, paper and other products. 
  • Toothpaste – Most toothpaste contains marble dust. It’s the perfect soft abrasive. 
  • Luxury phone cases – The marble phase in fashion saw the rise of marble themed decor, but now you can get luxury phone cases made from real marble. 
  • Bottling – Marble dust is also used to create carbonic acid gas (carbon dioxide) which is used in the bottling of beverages. 

3.  The Great Pyramids of Giza were covered in marble

A relatively unknown fact is that the Great Pyramids of Giza were once covered in a bright, white limestone protective casing. It is no longer present due to years of erosion. 

But wait, that’s limestone, not marble? Well, that’s explained in the next fact…

4. Marble is actually made of limestone

Marble is actually largely made up of limestone and calcium carbonate. It’s formed by high pressure and high temperature in the crust of the earth. Metamorphic rock is a new type of rock that’s made when an existing rock undergoes metamorphic deformation, so in layman’s terms, marble is formed when sedimentary rock heats up and melts, and then recrystallizes.

5. Marble isn’t called ‘marble’?

What interior designers and stonemasons call ‘marble’ is different from what geologists define it as. Geologists distinguish marble as metamorphosed limestone and dolomite rock. Whereas, commercially, marble is used as a much more general term for a variety of metamorphosed rocks. Simply put, commercial names such as ‘marble’ and ‘granite’ include a variety of rocks and materials that technically, do not match their scientific definitions.

6. Each slab is totally unique

The veins that make marble so instantly recognisable are actually impurities within the rock! Every slab of marble is different, so it’s key to source marble from the same batch if you want it all to match as well as it can. These patterns are the result of mineral-based impurities that are present in layers or grains within the stone. They create marble’s iconic swirls and streaks. 

7. Marble’ has Greek origins

The word “marble” is believed to derive from the Ancient Greek verb μαρμαίρω (marmaírō) which is translated to ‘to shine/gleam/sparkle.’ Marble is stunning, and we can see why so many people love to have it in their homes. 

So there you go,  seven interesting facts about marble! It’s more than just a great kitchen worktop material. If you want to know more, you can read more of our blogs here, or call us to speak to an expert.

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How To Clean Marble Worktops https://marblesupreme.newicon.dev/how-to-clean-marble-worktops/ Tue, 19 Nov 2019 08:55:05 +0000 https://www.marblesupreme.com/?p=2728 You may be wondering, why is there such a fuss about cleaning marble kitchen worktops?  As a carbonate, marble is notoriously vulnerable to a variety of damage. It can be tricky to keep pristine if you aren’t attentive when it comes to cleaning it.  If you’re a seasoned owner of marble worktops you probably already know […]

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You may be wondering, why is there such a fuss about cleaning marble kitchen worktops

As a carbonate, marble is notoriously vulnerable to a variety of damage. It can be tricky to keep pristine if you aren’t attentive when it comes to cleaning it. 

If you’re a seasoned owner of marble worktops you probably already know to avoid anything that’s acidic or abrasive — lemons, vinegar and tomato juice are the main culprits of damage to the appearance of marble. Unfortunately, this includes avoiding anti-bacterial sprays (unless you can find one that doesn’t contain ammonia, vinegar or bleach). 

So, how do you clean marble worktops?

The simple answer:  Hot, soapy water and a dishcloth will be your worktop’s best friend.

If you’re looking for a regular cleaning routine the one below is perfect.

Instructions:

  • Fill ¾ of a spray bottle with hot water.
  • Mix in one tablespoon of a mild, liquid dishwashing soap.
  • Shake the bottle gently to ensure the soap and water mix together.
  • Spray generously onto the whole worktop (or focus on the problem area).
  • Wipe the worktop with a hot, wet dishcloth, until the dirt and soap residue is gone.
  • Dry the surface with a soft towel, using a buffing motion.

 

Why does marble need to be cleaned so often?

As a soft stone, marble is naturally quite porous. In high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, it can be exposed to a lot of rough and tumble. 

Marble is prone to the kind of damage that occurs through regular every-day use of a kitchen. While some owners don’t view most of this damage as severe, etching and staining can be a headache for those who intend to keep their worktops in pristine condition. 

If you’re not afraid of your worktop gaining character, etching and staining are unlikely to scare you. 

What is etching?

Etches are areas of ‘dullness’ that can appear on your marble. Created when an acid reacts with the calcium carbonate (marble), etching occurs as the acid eats away at the soft stone. Often described as looking like water spots, most etching is only visible in certain lighting or when looking from a certain angle. Some etching fades over time, and there are methods such as applying poultice cleaning mixes (a baking soda and water paste) that can help reduce the visibility of these dull marks. 

The best way to avoid etching is through the use of cutting boards and butcher blocks. Cutting anything directly on the surface is a no-go, especially if it’s a fruit or vegetable. However, if you or anyone in your household is an avid baker, the natural coolness of a marble worktop is ideal for rolling out any dough or pastry. 

What about stains?

Etches aren’t the only issue marble worktops owner’s face. Because it’s so porous, marble is also particularly susceptible to stains. Similarly to etching, the best way to avoid such damage is through care and diligent use of cutting boards. Spills can be harmless if quickly blotted away and then wiped clean with a hot, soapy cloth but owners will have to be wary, especially if the worktop hasn’t yet been sealed. 

Following a regular cleaning routine will certainly help to keep your worktops in good condition. The best way to avoid damage is through quick clean-up of spills and regularly sealing the worktop. 

Bristol kitchen worktops

TOP TIP: Check that it is necessary for you to seal your worktop as well as how often you should do so with your supplier. We use Dry-Treat on all of our worktops. 

Once the damage is done there are a few options available. If you don’t think you can live with etching or stains, you could look at getting a professional to buff out flaws. Alternatively, if your worktop is polished, many people opt for it to be honed to a matte finish to help improve the appearance of imperfections. 

In most cases, etching and staining are only visible in certain circumstances, and the worktop as a whole will continue to look flawless. If all else fails, it may be comforting to know that most superficial imperfections to the worktop’s surface fade with time.

In conclusion:

  • DON’T use acidic or abrasive cleaners
  • DON’T seal your worktop if it doesn’t require it
  • DON’T use rough cloths on the surface
  • DON’T cut directly on the surface
  • DO use hot, soapy water and a dishcloth
  • DO buff with a soft cloth until it’s completely dry 
  • DO be quick to blot (not wipe!) spills with a paper towel or cloth
  • DO consider embracing the uniqueness of your marble’s imperfections
  • DO contact a professional if you need any help or advice!

 

If you’re interested in learning more about marble, you can explore our marble blogs or view the large variety of marble we stock.

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Kitchen Worktop Buyer’s Guide https://marblesupreme.newicon.dev/kitchen-worktop-buyers-guide/ Fri, 24 Aug 2018 11:18:01 +0000 https://www.marblesupreme.com/?p=2269 Your guide to buying a kitchen worktop Buying new stone kitchen worktops is an investment that should last a lifetime. It’s a big decision, so if you feel a little anxious about kicking things off, that’s understandable. But here’s the thing, the process is actually very straightforward. With the right preparation, getting the kitchen you’ve […]

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Your guide to buying a kitchen worktop

Buying new stone kitchen worktops is an investment that should last a lifetime. It’s a big decision, so if you feel a little anxious about kicking things off, that’s understandable. But here’s the thing, the process is actually very straightforward.

With the right preparation, getting the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of will be quick, painless and affordable. To help you understand what’s involved, we’ve put together this short brochure. In it, you’ll find:

  • The information we need from you, in order to provide an accurate quote.
  • What you need to know about our measuring and fitting process.
  • Key differences between granite and quartz.
  • How to prepare your kitchen.
  • The guarantees we offer.

Pre-purchase preparation  

You’re welcome to pop into our Bristol showroom at any time, but if you’d like a quote on your new kitchen worktops, it’s helpful if you do a little preparation beforehand.

Choose your colour

To help you decide which stone will work best for your kitchen, it’s important that you have a clear idea of the colour you’d like. We stock a large selection of granite and quartz, all of which comes in a dazzling variety of beautiful colours. So before coming in, have a think, and decide not only which colour you’d like, but which tone of that colour. Also consider the pattern. Do you want uniform worktops with the same pattern throughout, or something more natural?

Show us some swatches

When you visit the showroom it’s a great idea to bring swatches of the colour that you’ve used (or plan to use) for your kitchen floor, walls and cabinets. Being able to see the colours next to your potential stone really helps when picking out the perfect product for your kitchen.

Bring an idea of your budget

It’s important that you come in with an idea of your maximum budget, even though, in our experience, many people tend to decide to spend a little more once they’ve seen some of the amazing stone available for their kitchen worktops! To give you an idea of what to expect, a new stone worktop, including measuring and fitting, will start as low as £2,000, and could go as high as you like!

Make sure you have measurements

In order to give you the most accurate quote possible, we need to know the area measurements of where you’ll be fitting your kitchen units. If you’re buying a new kitchen, you should have plans from the company you’re buying from — these would be ideal.

What kind of sink will you have?

It might sound unusual, but knowing which kind of sink you want is very important at this stage. Your choice of undermount or overmount could have a big impact on the worktop and kitchen design. If you have a digital copy of your sink information from your supplier, please bring that along when you come in.   

Arrange a convenient consultation

Once you know what colour, pattern and price range you’re looking for, come and see us for an informal chat. We’ll use your information to show you a selection of stone that compliments your kitchen (or future kitchen).

Once you’ve chosen your material, we’ll give you an estimate on the cost. And after that’s agreed, it’s time to arrange for measuring, templating and fitting.  

Want a kitchen from John Lewis, with worktops from us? No problem.

Many of our clients have already bought their kitchen carcasses from another supplier, and wonder whether we can fit our stone worktops on top. The answer is yes!

We pride ourselves in our skill and ability to fit your unique stone worktop onto any pre-built kitchen carcass. Our reputation for world-class workmanship is well known. Take a look at our Google reviews to find out more.

Inside the measuring, templating and fitting process

Our craftsmen have a wealth of traditional knowledge, skills and techniques. They learned what they know from masters of the trade, and they pass their knowledge onto our next generation of apprentices. This enables us to take on more complex, demanding projects and achieve results that most other stone suppliers can’t contemplate.

What we’re getting at here, is that you can expect a smooth process and immaculate results.

Here’s what you can expect during the process, including what will happen when, and what we need from you.

Stage one: measuring and templating

Essentially, our work on your kitchen happens in two stages. The first is the measuring and templating stage.

After your kitchen carcasses have been installed, we come in to take exact measurements and create templates for your new kitchen worktops.

This is probably the most important of the two stages, as getting it right will help ensure that the fitting goes off without a glitch. For this reason, we ask that someone with knowledge of the project is present during the measuring and templating. That way we can ask any questions we might need to, and avoid any surprises later on.

It’ll take around two hours, on average.

Stage two: fitting

Here’s where we actually fit your brand new stone worktops, and transform your kitchen. On average, your fitting takes place 10 days after the measuring and templating.

It’s important to remember that we can’t deal with plumbing or electrics, so please make sure that any plumbing or electric work that needs to be done before fitting is finished — otherwise it could hold up the process.

Our friendly, professional fitters will generally take around 4 hours to finish. So in just a morning’s work, your kitchen is completely transformed!

Preparation checklist

  1. All units and furniture fixed in their intended place.
  2. Taps, hobs, sinks and white goods need to be in place too.
  3. Have the sink templates to hand.
  4. Fix any undermounted sinks in their support cradles, with the top of the sink flush with the top of the carcass.
  5. Any existing worktops that are being replaced are removed.
  6. All pipework boxing completed.

Product and workmanship guarantees

We’re confident that you’ll be more than happy with our workmanship and the quality of materials used. Just take a look at reviews from our happy customers.

To back this up, our materials are covered by warranties and guarantees, depending on what you choose. Just ask about what you can get when you come in and see us.   

What next?

Because we carry out every part of the job ourselves — unlike the big chains on the high-street — our customers can be sure of dedicated service and a high level of skill across every part of the process. And despite the fact that we’re a small business, our prices are very competitive.

Hopefully you now know the answer to any questions you might have had about the process of buying a beautiful new stone worktop. If you do want to know more, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Call us on:

0117 956 3030

Email us at: info@marblesupreme.com

Or pop in to our showroom:

Marble Supreme Ltd.

Unit 8 Bridge Road

Kingswood

Bristol

BS15 4FW

 

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Marble Kitchen Worktops – Are They The Right Choice For You? https://marblesupreme.newicon.dev/marble-kitchen-worktops-are-they-the-right-choice-for-you/ Mon, 16 Nov 2015 16:54:48 +0000 https://www.marblesupreme.com/?p=1524 MARBLE KITCHEN WORKTOPS Well known for it’s timeless beauty, Marble has always been a very popular choice for stone worktops. But is the high-maintenance nature of this material suitable for your needs? This blog will look into the pros and cons of marble kitchen worktops in order to help you decide if they are the […]

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MARBLE KITCHEN WORKTOPS

Well known for it’s timeless beauty, Marble has always been a very popular choice for stone worktops. But is the high-maintenance nature of this material suitable for your needs? This blog will look into the pros and cons of marble kitchen worktops in order to help you decide if they are the right choice for you.

THE PROS

DAZZLING BEAUTY

Perhaps the main reason marble remains in heavy demand as a worktop material is due to it’s unrivalled elegance and beauty. The igneous stone comes in a spectacular display of colours and patterns ranging from deep hues of solid white, black, rose, yellow, grey and greens. It’s beauty is versatile enough for use around the home, and for this reason marble is an extremely popular choice for bathrooms, fireplace surrounds and flooring.

HEAT RESISTANT

As a naturally cool material marble is very heat resistant. It is able to easily withstand hot pots and pans in the kitchen, and can tolerate the odd spark on its surface making it a popular choice for fireplace surrounds.

COST

Whilst some rarer type of marble can be very expensive, more common types such as Carrara marble are some of the least expensive natural stone worktop materials. Also, unlike other quartz stones, marble is widely available in a range of different colours and unique patterns.

EASY TO MAINTAIN

The superb smooth finish of Marble is also easy to clean and maintain. Any stains or spills can simply be wiped up with ease. Whats more as one of only two authorised dealers of Dry-Treat sealant in the South West, all of our worktops are sealed with a Dry-Treat world leading permanent impregnating sealer, for premium stain protection. We also provide you with our leading stone care product to keep your kitchen worktops or bathroom vanities looking beautiful and full of colour. It is a very low maintenance material.

DRAWBACKS OF MARBLE

Whilst the beautifully smooth and classic finish of marble can be extremely appealing for a kitchen worktop material, there are a number of drawbacks that are worth considering before choosing Marble for your kitchen worktop material.

SCRATCHING

As a softer stone than other natural stones such as granite, marble is much more susceptible to staining. Sharp knives can easily scratch the surface, and heavy pots or mugs places on a marble counter can end up chipping the marble surface.

STAINING

Due to its porous nature, marble will naturally absorb more liquids. Because of this it is more susceptible to staining, especially from acidic liquids, red wine and oils used in the kitchen. This is one reason why marble is often favoured for lower traffic areas such as a bathroom.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Because it is prone to scratching and staining, regular maintenance and cleaning of marble worktops is advised. Therefore, it is important to be cautious with any spills, especially from any acidic foods or liquids. When preparing food, make sure to use a chopping board in order to avoid potential scratching or staining on your marble worktop.

REPAIRS

Generally marble tiles can be removed and replaced at a modest cost. However, if your worktop is made from one slab of marble, the repairs are much more difficult and can be rather costly.

IS MARBLE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?

Whether or not marble is the right choice for your kitchen worktops is down to your needs and how much maintenance you are willing to give your marble worktops. The sublime beauty of marble worktops comes at a price; you will have to be prepared to care for, and maintain, your marble worktops on a very regular basis, or be willing to accept the odd scratch or stain here and there that can occur from normal household use. However, if you would prefer beautiful, glossy worktops all year round, then other stone choices such as granite or quartz might be a better option. If you love the look and character of marble, but don’t want to spend time each day caring for your worktops, then we would recommend installing marble in other low traffic areas of the household, especially as it is commonly used as for bathrooms, offices and fireplace surrounds.

 

If you have any questions, get in touch with us today and speak to an expert.

The post Marble Kitchen Worktops – Are They The Right Choice For You? appeared first on Marble Supreme.

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