Marble is one of the most beautiful and luxurious materials available to install in your custom home. However, this pretty stone is also known for being high maintenance. There are certain realities that come with having real marble, so here are some things you should know before you put marble countertops in your custom home.

 

No Two Slabs are the Same

Marble is a natural stone, meaning each slab is unique like a snowflake. Each marble slab has its own veining, so you won’t ever walk into a home and see the same marble design. This is part of the charm, but it can also pose issues for design, especially if you need multiple slabs for a kitchen countertop. When selecting your marble countertops, always make sure that you see and select the actual slab that will be installed in your home.

 

There are Different Types of Marble

Not all marble is the same. There are actually a few different types, but Carrara is the most common type people use. Other popular marbles include Calacatta, Statuary, Giallo Antico, Crema Marfil, Danby, and more. Each type is from a different area and has a slightly different look, so be sure to research beforehand.

 

It’s a Live Material

Marble is what custom home builders refer to as a “live” material. What this means is that it will change throughout time. Marble is prone to scratches and stains, and even if you take amazing care of it, it will eventually patina with age. This is part of what makes marble so great, but if you’re someone that doesn’t want any imperfections you should look at a marble-look alike rather than the real thing.

 

Be Careful when Cleaning

Like we said, marble is prone to stains and etching, and it’s also high maintenance when it comes to cleaning. You should only ever clean marble countertops with products you would also use on your hands. Strong chemicals can ruin or stain it, so be sure to research marble-friendly products before you install it in your custom home.

 

It’s Not Super Durable

Marble has been around for a long time, but it’s not as durable as people like to think. It’s not heat-resistant, it’s prone to etching and chips, and it stains easily. This means that if you put a hot pot on the countertop or ding it with a plate there’s a very real chance it will chip or scorch. Certain foods, chemicals, or dyes will also cause it to stain, so really think about whether you want to use it as a bathroom or kitchen countertop.

 

It’s Pricey

There’s a reason people equate marble with luxury- it’s a pricey material! Marble can be quite expensive, so if you’re looking to install marble countertops or flooring in your custom home be sure you budget accordingly for it.

 

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