Will a Marble Kitchen Countertop Stain?

Countertops Kitchen Remodeling Tips for homeowners May 3

A marble kitchen countertop will sparkle; it will shine; it will impress; but, will it stain? This is among the questions commonly asked by homeowners interested in marble, and for good reason. While marble countertops can offer a lot to a kitchen, they can’t necessarily claim to be stainless. How susceptible the marble countertop is to staining depends on which material it is and how it was finished; however, in all cases, marble countertops must be properly maintained if homeowners wish to keep them looking as good as new.

Material

No two natural stone materials are alike. Although every variation of marble is lumped under the same category, each comes with its own specific qualities. Materials showing a high amount of veins, for instance, will be likelier to snap under pressure. Other materials are entirely uniform, though their sandy composition leaves them susceptible to crumbling apart if met with a heavy impact. When it comes to staining, it depends on the material’s color and porousness. If the material is absorbent, it might be difficult to remove traces of liquid that was left on the counter overnight. It’s advised that homeowners speak to their Birmingham MI kitchen countertops specialist for specific maintenance information regarding their chosen material.

Finish

A countertop’s surface finish is a significant contributing factor to how susceptible it is to staining. Generally speaking, the glossier the countertop’s surface polish, the more resistant it will be to stains. On the other hand, countertops given a “matte” or low-gloss polish will be at a greater risk of substances infiltrating into its pores if not properly maintained.

Proper Maintenance is Key

All marble countertops - even relatively non-porous materials with glossy finishes - require consistent maintenance. The countertops should be wiped with water and a small amount of dishwashing soap every day. Additionally, it’s important to be vigilant when it comes to cleaning up spills as soon as they occur. Wine or coffee stains, for instance, can prove to be an issue to remove if their left unwiped overnight.

Evidence of Use Isn’t Always Bad

Marble working surfaces are commonly used in European bakeries and restaurants. The marble gets visibly worn down over time, though this isn’t seen as a bad thing. Quite the contrary; the more worn out the marble appeared, the more pride it offered the people working with it. Evidence of a marble surface’s usage adds a valuable personal touch to the working surface, which is something that can’t be bought.