Marble 101

Marble is timeless.  For centuries it has been a symbol of wealth and style…a go to choice for  royalty, heads of state, and the rich and famous. In fact, luxury brand stores and hotels feature marble on a grand scale. Marble is a natural stone that comes in exquisite colors that has delighted homeowners for years. But, can it withstand your everyday life? Your spills, grease accidents and the like? The answer is yes. Yet, somewhere along the line despite all of its breathtaking, natural qualities, it has acquired a misguided stigma for being “soft” and therefore a no-no as a kitchen countertop when, in fact, marble has been beloved by many, including chefs and  bakers, for centuries because it allows them to keep dough from getting too overheated when kneading. However, there is such a thing as a “hard” marble called dolomite, a mineral which is denser, more durable and not as susceptible to staining and etching. One “hard” marble  that is insanely popular is fantasy brown. But we suggest you walk through our yard so our designers can explain and show you the difference.

While marble is regarded as porous, it is more heat resistant than its counterpart quartz. Different finishes can diminish etching and scratches. It looks beautiful in a honed or matte finish. And a brushed or textured finish is also a gorgeous way to customize your countertop. Progressive Dimensions offers a 15 year sealer that prevents staining and will give you a piece of mind.

Marble, like other natural stones, should be cleaned with mild soaps or special stone cleaners. Usually, just wiping off  dirt with a wet sponge is sufficient for daily maintenance. You can prevent stains caused by red wine or oils by using a cutting board, coasters and by wiping off spills right away.

We invite you to visit any of our four showrooms to learn more about this lovely, and highly functional stone.