Marble Re-Cap

I’m going to attempt to recreate the post on marble I wrote last week .  Sheesh, technology and I aren’t always on the best terms.  Sometimes, technology wants to see other people.  It’s fine.  We were on a break last week.  We’re back together for now, until this baby takes over my life.  So if the blog goes dark for a while, you’ll know why.  ‘Til then, I hope to have some more posts for you, and of course I’ll plan to be back eventually.

On to marble.  I received a reader request the other day from a homeowner who wishes to install marble countertops in her kitchen (swoon).  The question- honed or polished?  As much as I’ve gone on and on about my love for marble, I’d honestly never really considered the issue.  So, this required some research.  I did some online investigating and I visited a local kitchen and bath showroom so I could see for myself.  Here’s what I found:

First of all, marble is a type of metamorphic rock (remember those three types of rock: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) meaning it has changed form from its original composition.  In the case of marble, it results from the metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks (most likely limestone or dolomite rock).  One of the reasons I probably like marble so much is that it’s cousin is limestone, my other favorite rock!

Moving on, because of marble’s crystalline structure, it’s extremely soft compared to other rocks, though relatively shatter-proof.  This makes it ideal for sculpture.  Heck, the entire Taj Mahal was carved from marble.  Varieties of marble can be found all over the world, and I love that there are Georgia and Tennessee varieties so close to my roots. 

So, honed versus polished?  Both are finish levels of production, honed being just one step before polished at the  factory.

Honed = matte finish

Polished = shiny (polished) finish

While polished marble is actually less absorbent than honed, and therefore less vulnerable to stains from dark liquids like wine, juice or coffee, it is more likely to show scratches or etches which can occur from sharp objects or acids.  These are actually probably more of a risk, since with a liquid spill there’s  a little leeway time for clean-up before the stain sets in.  Honed marble, on the other hand, already has a somewhat etched finish and will be less likely to show the everyday wear and tear that comes from kitchen use.  Whichever finish is used, it’s important to periodically seal the marble (sealant products can be found easily at places like Bed Bath and Beyond) to ward off stains.  Sealing will not prevent stains, but it will buy you some time for clean up after a spill.

So, in my world, honed wins as far as finishes.  I was further convinced when I visited the kitchen and bath showroom and naturally gravitated towards the honed marble anyway.  And now for another question for the homeowner:  what type of edging?  1/4”  bevel?  Dupont edge?  Bullnose?  So many decisions.  Now let’s look at some beautiful marble applications.

(from Coastal Living)

(from Cote de Texas)

(from House Beautiful)

(from House Beautiful)

(from the Washington Post)

Aren’t those green fixtures amazing?

Do you have any burning questions about home products or design?  Let me know.  If I don’t know the answer, I promise I won’t make one up.  I’ll do some research and hopefully write an interesting post about it.