Marble FAQ’s 2022

What is marble?

Marble is a metamorphic rock. It forms when limestone is exposed to high pressure and heat.

Where does marble come from?

Marble is found in many regions and countries around the world. Some of the finest marble comes from Italy, Turkey, Greece, China, Spain, Germany, Portugal, India, and the United States.

Historically, how has marble been used?

Marble has been flooring, wall covering, exterior paving and cladding, statuary, structural elements, and more. The Taj Mahal, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument are good examples.

Where is marble used today?

Marble is a staple in modem design plans. Typical current applications include flooring, wall covering, kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, mantels, and other creative uses. This is simply history repeating itself in the 21st century.

Can marble be used as flooring?

Absolutely. It is selected as flooring every day somewhere in the world. Be mindful of the conditions where it will be used. Then make the appropriate choices in terms of color, finish, and style.

Can marble be used on kitchen countertops?

Yes, with the understanding that a sealer is necessary for a working kitchen. Care must be taken where aggressive staining agents like red wine, ketchup, citric acid, mustard, and cooking oils will be present.

Can marble be used on bathroom vanity tops?

Yes, but we need to understand a few things. Marble is a relatively porous stone. It needs to be protected with a sealer from things that might typically be found in the bath area. Nail polish and nail polish remover are not marble’s friends. So, you can have your marble vanity top, but use a sealer and clean up nasty things quickly.

What other ways can marble be used?

Marble brings gravitas, elegance, and a sense of permanence to a space. Given the historical resume of this stone, the American homeowner and designer can feel comfortable with creative ideas for its use. Chairs, coffee tables, worktables, and conference room tops, can all be created from marble elements.

Is marble a porous stone?

Yes, to a degree. It is certainly not a sponge, but neither is it completely dense and impervious like glass. It can absorb water and stains into the microscopic pores that are inherent in such a natural material. However, moderate sealing and cleaning will work to prevent real problems. Marble Systems can offer you solid advice.

Will marble stain?

Marble will stain if you allow strong staining agents to attack the stone. For example, in the bath area uric acid, nail polish, and blood should be cleaned quickly. In the kitchen, citric acid, mustard, red wine, and ketchup cannot be allowed to stand on marble for long. A sealer will minimize the problem.

Will marble scratch?

Marble countertops should not be used as a cutting board. It is a durable, strong stone, but will not be able to resist knives, cleavers, and the other tools of the culinary arts. Make use of good quality traditional cutting boards. Likewise with flooring. Dragging heavy furniture or equipment across the stone is not a great plan.

Is marble durable?

Yes. It has been in place as flooring, paving, columns, arches, facades, and other architectural elements for centuries. With that said, common sense must prevail. Heavy falling objects on flooring, knives on counters, cleaning chemicals, and a myriad of other bad things can impact your marble and  lessen the durability of the stone.

Should marble be sealed?

Yes, it should be sealed. This is particularly true when the area where the marble will be placed is subject to aggressive staining. Uric acid and nail polish in the bathroom, and ketchup, mustard, citric acid, and red wine in the kitchen must be guarded against. But not to worry. A good sealer and the quick cleanup of spills will keep things under control

How should marble be cleaned?

First, please stay away from using abrasive cleaners or anything with citric acid or vinegar on marble. Stick with pH-neutral soap and water solutions. Regularly wiping down tops and quickly mopping floors will do wonders.

Is marble resistant to heat?

Marble is resistant to heat, but not entirely impervious. Placing oven hot or stove top hot pots and pans directly on the stone is not a great idea. This risks the marble being discolored. Use trivets and potholders to