Is White Marble Right for You?
It comes down to not just looks, function and budget but also what kind of homeowner you are
Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ
30 November 2017
That gorgeous Carrara and Calacatta marble, with their classic white and grey veining, has been used for centuries in homes and public venues. But these days, this natural marble is striking up a debate among homeowners, contractors and designers. We all love the look, but the debate about the maintenance and wearability is bringing up questions about when white marble is appropriate to use.
As the specifying interior designer, I’ve been in the middle of these debates between clients who love the look and contractors wary of wear. So I decided to bring in tile and marble expert Melissa Patterson, showroom manager of Renaissance Tile & Bath, to walk us through the pros, cons, maintenance, and how to make the most of your marble.
As the specifying interior designer, I’ve been in the middle of these debates between clients who love the look and contractors wary of wear. So I decided to bring in tile and marble expert Melissa Patterson, showroom manager of Renaissance Tile & Bath, to walk us through the pros, cons, maintenance, and how to make the most of your marble.
Patterson says there are three questions you should ask yourself when selecting marble. You may find that what some consider a ‘con’, such as the natural patina that develops on marble over time, is actually a ‘pro’ for you.
1. What’s the application?Marble is a natural product, so no matter what the application, it will change, age and wear over time. If you plan to use it on a floor, expect signs of wear from foot traffic. On a countertop like this, you’ll want to address any concerns you have about about staining and rusting.
2. What is your attitude?
Are you the type of person that needs a product to look exactly as it did the day you purchased it? Patterson describes two different mentalities: the European attitude and the American attitude. “When you enter into a European building, you can walk on the stone floors that are centuries old. Here in America, everything is roped off. I think that Europeans live more casually and enjoy the patina created from use and ageing, where as some Americans want everything a bit more pristine.”
Neither is right or wrong, it’s just a matter of asking yourself what your mindset is.
Are you the type of person that needs a product to look exactly as it did the day you purchased it? Patterson describes two different mentalities: the European attitude and the American attitude. “When you enter into a European building, you can walk on the stone floors that are centuries old. Here in America, everything is roped off. I think that Europeans live more casually and enjoy the patina created from use and ageing, where as some Americans want everything a bit more pristine.”
Neither is right or wrong, it’s just a matter of asking yourself what your mindset is.
3. How do you live?
Are you the type of homeowner who picks up after yourself after each use in the kitchen? Or are you a busy on-the-go homeowner, where a kitchen counter wouldn’t get wiped down until the next morning?
Acid from substances such as red wine, tomato sauce, turmeric and even lemons can tarnish the look of the marble if left to sit overnight. Keep in mind, the marble will not stain instantly! This only pertains to when substances have been allowed to soak into the surface.
Marvel at marble (and its alternatives) in the kitchen
Are you the type of homeowner who picks up after yourself after each use in the kitchen? Or are you a busy on-the-go homeowner, where a kitchen counter wouldn’t get wiped down until the next morning?
Acid from substances such as red wine, tomato sauce, turmeric and even lemons can tarnish the look of the marble if left to sit overnight. Keep in mind, the marble will not stain instantly! This only pertains to when substances have been allowed to soak into the surface.
Marvel at marble (and its alternatives) in the kitchen
Aside from simply cleaning countertop surfaces after each use and wiping down your marble walls and floors, there are a few things you can do to lengthen the life of your marble.
Marble maintenance tip 1: Have your marble sealed
A sealer won’t protect your marble completely, but it will buy you some time if you’ve left an acidic substance on your surface that wasn’t wiped up right away.
A sealer won’t protect your marble completely, but it will buy you some time if you’ve left an acidic substance on your surface that wasn’t wiped up right away.
Marble maintenance tip 2: Spot-treat your marble
Many home improvement and tile companies sell a spray cleaner that is also a sealant. You can use this cleaner periodically in high-use areas as a spot treatment. A bathroom sheathed in gorgeous marble like this could benefit from spot treatments around the bath faucets, tub entry and toilet bowl.
8 strategies to make your bathroom easy-to-clean
Many home improvement and tile companies sell a spray cleaner that is also a sealant. You can use this cleaner periodically in high-use areas as a spot treatment. A bathroom sheathed in gorgeous marble like this could benefit from spot treatments around the bath faucets, tub entry and toilet bowl.
8 strategies to make your bathroom easy-to-clean
Marble maintenance tip 3: Consider polished vs. honed
A polished marble is a little more resistant to staining, whereas a honed surface is a bit more absorbent. Many people choose a polished marble countertop for that reason.
8 things you didn’t know about Italian marble
A polished marble is a little more resistant to staining, whereas a honed surface is a bit more absorbent. Many people choose a polished marble countertop for that reason.
8 things you didn’t know about Italian marble
The bottom line is that you have to ask yourself how you live and what your preferences are. Marble has been used on countertops, floors, and other surfaces in public spaces throughout Italy, New York, and other places for decades. Many of these installations have a beautiful patina look where the veining has changed throughout the years.
If you are the type of homeowner who wants the marble to look as it did the day you bought it, a natural marble product may simply not be for you. But, if you love the character and beauty that a product develops with use, marble may be a perfect choice for your home.
TELL US
If you are considering marble in your home, where would you use it? Share in the Comments section.
If you are the type of homeowner who wants the marble to look as it did the day you bought it, a natural marble product may simply not be for you. But, if you love the character and beauty that a product develops with use, marble may be a perfect choice for your home.
TELL US
If you are considering marble in your home, where would you use it? Share in the Comments section.
Related Stories
Kitchen Guides
How Do I... Select a Kitchen Countertop?
By Niki Bruce
Get to know the different types of countertop materials and how to use them
Full Story
Renovating
Key Flooring Terms You Need to Know
By Emma Bolger
Bone up on essential flooring terms for every type of application
Full Story
Renovating
The Case for Concrete Floors
Low in maintenance, high in impact and works with home styles from traditional to modern. What's there not to love?
Full Story
Sustainability
How to Find Singapore-Made Building and Renovation Materials
By Niki Bruce
Reduce your renovation’s carbon footprint by using locally made products and materials
Full Story
Bathroom Guides
7 Countertop Materials for Bathrooms
By Lisa Kahn
Explore the pros and cons of these common countertop materials
Full Story
Renovating
Engineered Surfaces: Why They're the Material of the Moment
Dark and light hues, sophisticated veining patterns and textured finishes stood out at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
Full Story
Expert Advice
How Do I... Select Bathroom Tiles?
By Disa Tan
Popular tile supplier Hafary narrows it down to these top five considerations
Full Story
Renovating
Fibre Cement Boards: The All-Rounder Elevation Solution
Fire resistance, termite resistance, durability, good looks, eco-friendliness are just some qualities of FCB
Full Story
Renovating
Picture Perfect: 20 Terrazzo Touches You'll Want at Home
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
10 Alternative Materials for Your Kitchen Worktop
By Kate Burt
Brass, bamboo, recycled paper... There's a new raft of kitchen worktop choices worth checking out
Full Story
This was extremely helpful! Thank you!
How slippery is marble when used in bathroom & shower floors? I tend to favor ADA approved tile.
We used white marble (milk colour with no veins whatsoever was the brief from my client) from Greece for this project. I will never ever agree to use pure white marble again as it stained very easily even though it was sealed.
http://www.sugarbakers.asia/delicate-white-marble/