MARBLE

Marble is a classic architectural material and is suitable for a variety of applications from countertops to vertical applications including fireplace surrounds, shower walls, and full height splashes. While less durable than granite, marble brings with it a timeless beauty unmatched by most other natural stones.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MARBLE

Marbles are traditionally prized for their aesthetic appeal, accentuated by subtle to bold veining and available in a multitude of color options. In central and south Texas, we are heralded as having the largest and finest collection of white marbles from around the world, especially the Italian whites.

Marbles may be considered the most beautiful of all the natural stones. Their beauty was famously revealed in the hand carved statues of antiquity and more recently in the opulent bathrooms and kitchens of our contemporary homes. Their price range is also the widest of all the natural stones. These stones are calcium carbonate-based, made up principally of the calcite crystal formed during the metamorphic stage of development. Due to their mineralogical makeup, all marbles are vulnerable to either abrasion or chemical attack. Judicious use of cutting boards can help keep kitchen utensils from scratching your marble counters.  It is important to avoid cleaners with abrasives and/or acidic content as they can dull the finish and etch the surface.  Acidic foods can also etch the surface of marble – lemon juice, tomatoes, vinegar, for example.  The application of impregnating sealers may reduce the vulnerability to acidic attack but will not eliminate it. A good, ongoing sealer regimen will fend off staining. For shower applications water softening systems are often recommended in areas of the country where calcium content in the municipal water supply is high.

 

In Summary:

  • Huge inventory at our facility in San Antonio 
  • Timeless beauty
  • Wide price range
  • Durable but chemically vulnerable
  • Moderate to high maintenance required

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Marble is a porous material, which means it has pores, or tiny holes in the makeup of the stone which can absorb liquids. This can be a challenge in the kitchen, where spills are common. Marble should always be sealed, and we will always seal your marble job at the time of installation. How often you should re-seal your marble counter depends on the quality of the original sealer application and the “wear and tear” on the sealer.

We use the highest rated sealer(s) on the market and use a best-practices method of application. High exposure to non pH neutral chemicals will reduce the life of your sealer.  This includes acidic foods and acidic or alkaline cleaners. Always use pH neutral (7 pH) cleaners on marble surfaces.

When your marble is installed, you’ll receive information about the proper sealing methods for your specific product. Typically, you can seal marble yourself, the process usually involves spraying (or wiping) on the sealer agent and then using a cloth to rub it in (a lamb’s wool applicator is best because it does not absorb the active ingredient intended to be absorbed into the stone.)

Observing how quickly your marble “wets” can give you a clue as to how soon it needs a new sealer application.  Water should bead up on the marble for a significant amount of time, such as 24 hours or more.  If you see the water “bubble” flatten or the stone begin to darken, or wet, then it’s probably time to re-seal.

In Marble, etching is a corrosive chemical reaction that occurs when acids interact with the stone. Specifically, marble’s calcium carbonate reacts, and is eaten away. This is not just a discoloration, but actual physical damage to the stone. Etching appears as dull spots on marble surfaces. Theses dull spots sometimes look like small stains, or water rings, but they go much deeper and are more difficult to repair. Etching is more noticeable on polished surfaces, but it does occur on all types of marble.

Unsealed areas could etch if lemon juice or other acidic foods penetrate the stone and remain long enough for this chemical reaction to occur. This is why etching is frequently a round shape, because it’s often the result of a splash or the bottom of a container. Marble sealers do not prevent etching, so it’s a good idea to clean up messes quickly and use trivets and coasters.

Etched marble can be repaired by a professional. Usually this means polishing or refinishing an area.

Marble has a high heat tolerance, but you should not put extremely hot items directly on the stone. A pot or pan right off the cooktop for example, could cause a thermal shock that will crack the marble. Extreme heat can also cause a noticeable color change or minor burn mark on the stone. This is true of most natural stones. You’re not likely to have an issue if you do put something hot on your marble countertop, but it is recommend that you let items cool down or use trivets and coasters to be safe. If you’re looking for a stone with better heat tolerance than marble, try soapstone.

Polishing any stone will give it its most glossy finish.  Polishing closes the surface pores making the marble slightly less absorptive, but only for a short time.  Polished marble is generally easier to clean up as liquids tend to sit up on the surface a bit longer than with a honed finish. Minor abrasions, scratches and etch marks are usually more visible on polished marble because of the contrast on the mirror-like finish.  Honed marble is also called matte finish.  The shine is removed but the surface is just as smooth.  Abrasions, scratches and etch marks are somewhat less visible than with the polished finish, however, this is generally truer with lighter colored marble selections.  In both finishes, sealing the marble will help with staining.

In all cases use a pH neutral cleaner.  Never use abrasive scrub pads as they will scratch or abrade the surface.  Never use acidic or alkaline cleaners, as they will damage the surface of the marble. Soap and water and a rag or sponge, keep it simple.

All stones if impacted with enough force will chip, crack, crush or otherwise fail.  Marble is a bit softer than granite, but it is relatively sturdy.  The beauty and elegance come with some sacrifice, you will have to be careful with heavy pots and pans around the edges of your tops and sink openings.  It is not uncommon to eventually get a chipped edge or corner, luckily most chips can be repaired by a professional.

Most steel knives are stronger than marble and we recommend you use a cutting board and never cut directly on the marble surface.  It will scratch!

Granite is more dense and stronger than marble. Since granite is formed mainly from siliceous materials it is generally resistant to acid etching.  Marble has a calcium carbonate make up that makes is vulnerable to harsh chemicals.  Almost all granite has some black spotting in its matrix and generally has a spotty look.  Marble tends to have a more subtle aesthetic with wispy veins and a lighter more elegant look. Marble can etch, granite usually cannot.  That is usually the difference that can help you decide which to use, especially in a kitchen or bar area.

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

Get in touch with one of our stone experts to have all your questions about this material answered.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

ABRASION RESISTANCE

Low

Most marble has a low abrasion resistance rating; it is likely to scratch. Why does marble scratch so easily? It is much softer than other durable stones like granite because it is made up of calcium carbonate, scoring a 3-4 on Moh’s Scale of Relative Hardness. Even grazing marble with a belt buckle or long metal necklace can scratch it.

ABSORPTION/STAINING

Moderate

Most marble has a moderate absorption rating and will stain when exposed to oil and highly-pigmented liquids. To reduce the appearance of staining, always wipe up spills immediately. Liquids can penetrate and stain the stone and may need poultice to remove the stain. Always use a neutral detergent to clean marble.

ACID SENSITIVITY

High

Marble is a fairly soft stone and it is prone to marking because of its calcium carbonate makeup. Acid reacts with calcium carbonate and literally eats away a tiny bit of the surface, creating dull spots known as etches. Any splash of lemon juice, tomato sauce, wine, vinegar or cleaning product not made for marble are going to leave a mark.

HEAT RESISTANCE

Moderate

In the kitchen, marble stands up well to hot pans and pots. In the bathroom, a styling tool won’t mar marble unless it is left on hot for some time. Marble is popular for fireplace surrounds because it won’t yellow due to the heat and can withstand the occasional spark, however marble is not impervious to scorching temperatures for long periods.

What Our Customers Say

I recently used the services from Delta Granite and Marble, Inc to have two countertops installed in the bathrooms of my home and was very satisfied with how the work from them went. The people who came out and did the work were very professional and friendly while they were here and the countertops were installed without any issues and all look great. I would highly recommend their services.
Jean C., San Antonio, TX
I hired Delta Granite and Marble, Inc. to do work on my bathroom and to install kitchen counters. I was definitely entirely pleased with their service, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others! They were very well-prepared and they have a very fair price. Everything was completed properly and on time, and there were never any problems, at all. Thank you, Delta Granite and Marble, Inc.! Great work!
Caroline G., Boerne, TX

This was my first time using Delta Granite and Marble, Inc. and they did such a great job that I would definitely recommend them. I was impressed with the sales staff who were friendly and helpful, and in no way high pressured. I had an appointment set up for them to install tile in my bathroom, they showed up on time, got the job done and everything came out beautifully.

Jacklyn R., San Antonio, TX

MARBLE GALLERY

Here are a few of our favorite marble installations, click the images to learn more about each project. For our full gallery of projects click the button.