Wednesday, November 11, 2009

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!