The Advantages Of Marble Slab Counters   by Russell Strider

in Home / Interior Design    (submitted 2012-01-04)

Marble slab counters are everywhere. They're not just in luxurious homes, high-end dining establishments and 5 star hotels but can also be seen in ordinary American homes. Gone are the days when only the wealthy could afford to pay for these kinds of kitchen countertops. These days, you can find literally thousands of kitchen countertops made out of high quality marble.

The prevalence of kitchen counters made of this material is made possible by the existence of cultured slabs. Cultured slabs are made out of natural marble dust mixed with liquid polyester. A cultured slab is manufactured from around 75% marble even while keeping the unique characteristics of the pure version. It is considerably less costly compared to the genuine material which makes it the preferred kitchen worktop of countless homes across the country.

Aside from its low price tag, using the cultured version for your worktop gives many benefits. In the pure and natural form, marble is very porous which makes it susceptible to staining. Due to the polyester raisin mixed with the marble dust in the manufacturing of the cultured marble, the porous properties of genuine marble disappear. What is developed is a non-porous marble that is able to withstand staining better compared with natural marble.

Benefits of Marble Slab Counters

Due to the relative softness of marble, it is easier to cut it into different shapes based on the design concept of the countertop. It is easier to cut when compared to granite and the danger of harming a marble slab is lower when compared to cutting a granite slab. While not quite as resilient as granite, countertops which are manufactured from marble can readily withstand the test of time. Probably the greatest advantage of marble is the fact that it is heat resistant, which makes it a really ideal material for kitchen countertops.

Care and Maintenance

Even though cultured and man-made marble make superb kitchen worktops, its relative hardness nonetheless makes it vulnerable to damage. To keep your marble countertop looking great through the years, stay away from using the marble top for a cutting board. Clean the top always employing non-abrasive commercial cleaners or you can use liquid dishwashing soap diluted in water. Avoid soap build up that could damage your kitchen worktop by rinsing it thoroughly with water and making sure that there's no soap residue left on the surface.

What to Avoid

Even though marble can stand up to intense heat, it's a good idea that you avoid putting a hot pot on your marble countertop. Doing so will keep your marble slab from warping through the years. When cleaning, don't employ abrasive cleaners as they have harsh chemicals that could damage your worktop. Never use vinegar when you are cleaning marble slab counters because the acid in the vinegar can also damage the beautiful and elegant marble.

About the Author

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