Berta Marble Design

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Choosing the best countertop for your project is a big deal. It's fun and exciting! Marble counter tops... Perhaps more than any other stone, marble evokes images of sophisticated elegance. Once found only in the homes of the wealthy, marble countertops are now a much more accessible luxury due to improved technology and availability. The dramatic veining looks spectacular on marble countertops and will easily complement most other design elements and themes. Marble is made of calcium carbonate, which is reactive with acids (fruit juice, soda, coffee, alcoholic drinks, salad dressing, etc.) and will "etch" upon contact with these acids. Granite counter top maintenance is easy... and once you understand what you are dealing with... learns the simple secrets to cleaning granite countertops correctly. Remember that your countertops and floors are made of STONE! Think Egyptian Pyramids and Roman Colosseum. Stone countertops and floors are very durable, resilient and age beautifully. In fact, they will outlast you and your house! Comparing marble vs. granite kitchen countertops is common. Many want the easy maintenance of granite countertops, but prefer the color and pattern of marble. There are two types of marble "stains". One is a true stain where a substance is absorbed into the pores of the marble. A true "stain" will make a dark spot on the marble. But true stains are not a big problem with marble. Yes, they can happen when a substance remains on the surface for an extended time; however, marble is typically not very absorbent and does not stain easy. The second kind of "stain" is called "etching". It is not actually a stain, but physical damage to the marble that leaves a light and dull spot on the marble. Etching is a corrosive reaction (like a burn) that occurs on all calcite-based stones (marble, travertine, limestone) upon contact with acidic substances like coffee, juice, soda, salad dressing, tomato sauce, vinegar, etc. Etching also can occur upon contact with harsh alkaline cleaners like nearly all common and brand-name household cleaners available in stores, which is why you must use only products safe for cleaning marble. So, people mistakenly call an etch mark a "stain" and thus arises the false reputation that marble stains easy. Many people who insist on installing a marble kitchen countertop, despite warnings against it, will opt to have the surface "honed". This finish is a more matte or some say "dull" finish compared to a shiny "polished" finish.