What this covers
Marble is a soft, cool, veined stone loved by bakers and designers. It is chosen slab by slab, templated and fabricated like any stone, and sealed at installation. It etches when acids such as lemon, wine or vinegar touch it and stains if oil sits on it, so it suits baking stations, bathrooms, islands and homes that accept patina. A honed finish hides etching better than polish.
When to call
- A baking area where a cool, smooth surface is wanted.
- A bathroom vanity or a fireplace surround.
- A kitchen where the owners want marble and accept that it ages.
What to expect
- ChooseThe slab is viewed and tagged; honed or polished finish chosen.
- Template and fabricateTemplating after cabinets are set; cutting, edging and finishing in the shop.
- InstallPieces are set and seamed, the sink mounted.
- Seal and careSealed at installation; the company explains cleaning and resealing.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
What is etching?
A dull mark where acid dissolved the polished surface. It is not a stain and cannot be wiped off, but honed marble shows it far less, and polished marble can be refinished.
Is marble a mistake in a kitchen?
Not if you know what you are choosing. Many owners love the patina. If you want a surface that stays uniform, quartz or quartzite with a marble look is the alternative.
How do I clean it?
A pH-neutral cleaner and water. Wipe spills promptly. No vinegar, lemon or abrasive cleaners.
Related: Quartzite countertops · Quartz countertops · Countertop sealing · All cabinets and countertops
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.