Marble countertops tips

Chances are if you plan to install a marble countertops you might hire a professional since the material is quite expensive. Making mistakes during installation is not an option. You can, however, save money doing preparation work. Here are some tips to follow:

Tips

• Choose a thick marble countertop that provides better quality while resisting cracking when installing
• Dismantle your entire kitchen by removing the dishwasher after disconnecting all electrical and plumbing connections. Make sure to move the refrigerator and stove out of the way, also.
• Remove the old countertop by unscrewing it from the cabinet base. Remove the backsplash by sliding a putty knife behind it gently tapping the glue to break it loose.
• Clean up all your mess preparing a ready workplace for the new marble countertop to be installed.
• Make sure the cabinets are all level by adding shims where needed.
• You may need to move furniture or other appliances in adjoining rooms out of the way to allow for easier access when transporting your new marble countertop into the kitchen for installation.
• Complete the installation process by carefully cleaning any excessive glue that may be left by the installer.

Materials for Kitchen Countertop

Picking out countertop material used to be a lot easier when there were significantly less choices. Now there are not only more materials available, but also new patterns, and new types of countertops application. The new trend is to mix and match two different kinds of counter materials together. You might like to pair up a solid-wood counter surface with a marble insert and stainless steel.

The countertop material that you select will be a large part of your overall kitchen design. If you go with a wood countertop, then your kitchen would be set for a traditional or provincial style kitchen. A Concrete countertop, on the other hand, would be setting your kitchen for a more contemporary feel. When using concrete, you could have a prefabricated countertop or have it custom made with added colors, pieces of glass, tiles, or anything else.

There are no rules set in stone about a certain material for countertops that you would like to use, but one is prevalent no matter what rules you may follow: you must think about the material and maintenance required to maintain the look of kitchen counters. Even though marble is thought of as a very low-maintenance choice - it does have to be sealed every couple of years as to not be damaged by liquids. If you have no time for it, then you shouldn’t have to live with an expensive stained countertop.

Stone Countertops

Marble and granite are not only the most popular choices for countertops, but also the most expensive.

Marble is a very heavy stone, but it is a very soft and porous material. It can be stained very easily - even with water. Marble countertops are a very beautiful choice - usually every piece has its own little imperfections that are greatly appreciated. You should treat marble counters very gently and make sure that you keep them properly sealed.

Granite countertops are have come back with a boom - it is the new chic style. Granite counters have a cool and hard surface - but it is a lot less absorbent than marble. The downfall of granite countertops is that they show fingerprints quite easily, but granite repels anything that would permanently stain it much better than marble.

There are a few other stone materials for kitchen countertops that are popularizing themselves on the designing scene: limestone and concrete. These countertops have a much more textured look in comparison to to the refined and smooth look of marble or granite counters. They also, of course, have to be sealed to be able to withstand the elements due to the fact that they are still absorbent. Limestone could be gotten as a slab or as tiles. If you are thinking about concrete countertops, know that it could be one of the most creative countertop choices - you have a creative license that pulls out all the stops. You can mix any colors into your concrete counters, creating any patterns that you would like to see in your kitchen.

MARBLE Countertops

Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks, being either limestone or dolostone. It is quarried from various regions around the world and is synonymous with ancient times and the great halls, statues and tombs of the Greeks and Romans. It is a porous stone and absorbs moisture quite easily. It can be shaped, sculpted and polished. The marble that is used in bathrooms has been quarried from deep in the earth and then cut with a diamond saw. No two sections are ever alike and marble can be very difficult to match.

The Cost Of Marble Bathroom Countertops

Marble or any other natural stone product is not cheap. Depending on quality and grade, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150-$250 per sq ft installed.

Color & Design Capabilities With Marble

Marble never appears the same from piece to piece. It can be difficult to find any matching slabs for extensive use. This is not a product for those who want uniformity. The uniqueness, luster, texture and smoothness of marble are what make it such a desirable product.

Be sure to go and find the pieces that work best for you and your needs. Do not buy any marble product unseen.

Durability Of Natural Stone Countertops

Marble is very porous and requires discipline in ensuring its quality. Regular treatment with a stone sealer is necessary as marble can stain and scratch very easily. It is a vey cool surface and can be slippery as well

Construction & Installation Of Marble Countertops

We recommend installation by professionals only as marble can be damaged or broken if installed poorly. Visit a sanctioned installer to get the best results. Most marble suppliers will have installers available for you and inquire about their portfolio. Ensure that they do quality work. There is inset sinks in marble countertops and on top of vanities as well. This may be a cheaper option if you so need

Environment & Health Impact Of Marble Countertops

Marble is not particularly a green product as it needs to be mined from the earth and is seldom recycled. Energy costs due to transport also make this product an environmental concern. If you are going to use marble, be sure to get it from a supplier within 500 miles to reduce its energy impact.

thesexybathroom opinion

Who are we kidding, the cool touch of marble can do wonders for anyone looking to send chills up the spine of your guests... but you had better have deep pockets because repairs are costly and inevitable.

The Oops factor

Not a great choice. Because marble is more porous than other natural stones, spills need to be cleaned immediately to prevent permanent staining. Make sure you are sealing your countertop regularly to alleviate any annoying stain you won't be able to remove!