For those homeowners looking to add some elegance and visual impact to their home, nothing beats the style and grace of marble countertops. Usually reserved for the kitchen or bathroom, they can actually add a dramatic aspect to the décor of any room in a house. Deciding on what type and style of marble to use is not particularly difficult, but there are certain factors that should to be considered.
For all its beauty, marble is simply a type of rock. More specifically, it is a metamorphic rock – meaning that it has been changed (metamorphosized) from its original composition of carbonate materials – usually limestone – through the effects of intense pressure and heat on the substrate and then its subsequent recrystallization.
Marble comes in a variety of colors depending on what other minerals are included in the mix. For example, limestone with a high magnesium silicate content will usually result in serpentine – a dark green marble, sometimes mottled or spotted like a snake's skin, hence the name.
Similarly, sand, clay or iron oxides will result in other colors from red and blue through brown and gray to more exotic varieties such as yellow streaked with violet. Mother Nature is truly an artist.
Marble is prized by both sculptors and interior designers for several reasons. It is amazingly resistant to heat and renowned for its outstanding durability. It does, however, require a fair degree of maintenance to retain its superb look and feel. In particular, marble must be properly sealed by professionals after installation to avoid staining. In addition, spills, especially ones involving acidic liquids, should be wiped up as soon as possible.
While most people associate marble with the brilliant white statues produced by the artists of ancient Greece and Rome, stonemasons know that there are a multitude of colors available. White or gray marble can act as a great backdrop for almost any decor but the blues, greens, dark blacks and uniquely hued pinks and yellows can provide a stunning centerpiece to any kitchen or bathroom. In addition, if you are willing to pay the price, the marble veining can even be bookmatched for a truly stunning effect.
Marble countertops are enormously popular with homeowners and for good reason. It makes for a beautiful countertop. Here are just a few other factors to consider involving this magnificent material:
Heat resistance – Due to its high heat resistance, marble is an ideal material for use around fireplaces and kitchen surrounds. One caveat, marble will discolor if heat is directly applied through a hot pot or pan. So, have some sense and use oven warmers when you remove those hot plates.
Baking surface – The smooth and usually cool surface of a marble countertop makes it perfect for preparing dough for a pie or some other tasty comestible. The dough typically does not stick. As a baker, even if you do not want to include marble in your entire kitchen, consider it for an island or other out of the way place specifically designed for rolling out dough. It is truly amazing to see some of the results.
Until the development of more modern and synthetic materials, marble was considered the de rigueur choice for countertops in any high-end home. Other types of stones are now appreciated but there is no denying that the elegance and warm sophistication of marble still delivers a very special ambiance. Marble's high tolerance for heat is also a benefit as all styling tools and other electrical devices that produce significant heat may be used without worrying about damage to the countertop.
