Marble counters

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take a look at quartzite - it's a natural stone that can have the look of marble but is resilient like granite. East West marble in Chantilly had quite a bit of it when we were looking a few months ago. Some of it is "busier" than others - but we found one that really looks like calacatta (sp?) marble.

Some quartizite is labeled as that and is actually a form of marble with marble issues....

[Anonymous]

I was about to buy a Carrera marble vanity top at Dominion Marble and Granite. They have a pre-treatment they recommend for marble that doesn't prevent the etching but makes it so any etching that happens is less noticeable. The finish looks more honed than polished but it is something in-between.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Take a look at quartzite - it's a natural stone that can have the look of marble but is resilient like granite. East West marble in Chantilly had quite a bit of it when we were looking a few months ago. Some of it is "busier" than others - but we found one that really looks like calacatta (sp?) marble.

Some quartizite is labeled as that and is actually a form of marble with marble issues....

+ 1. This thread on gardenweb about Super White quartzite is quite the eye-opener: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg1019015624007.html

[Anonymous]

PP who used quartzite in the bathroom. We were nervous about the gardenweb etc comments too. But we took home a sample to test before we purchased and it did very well and has performed similarly now that it's installed. It does not stain or etch and is harder than marble.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Marble does not stain easily. I can guarantee you that no one who claims that actually has marble counters. We cook all the time. I have a DH who loves to cook and is a total slob, plus two messy sons. We spill- red wine, balsamic vinegar, tomato sauce, soy sauce, mustard- you name it. And we drink red wine all the time too. You will not find a single stain on my marble.

My contractor tried talking me out of the marble because of the "staining." I'm so happy I ignored his advice and instead relied on the experiences of all my friends with stain-free marble. We are looking at moving and the first thing I'd do to any new house would be to tear out the granite (or quartz or whatever is in the old kitchen) and replace it with marble. It's a beautiful, easy look.

PS- Personally, I cannot stand the look of Silestone. It looks like fake marble, granite or limestone, plus it's full of triclosan, which is toxic. Just use the real thing.

And to answer your question, yes, I think marble will look great with IKEA cabinets. Enjoy!

You should learn the definition of guarantee. My marble counters have watermarks and rings from cups all over the place. It is definitely high maintenance - it can be maintained, but if one is not vigilant it WILL become stained/etched.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP who used quartzite in the bathroom. We were nervous about the gardenweb etc comments too. But we took home a sample to test before we purchased and it did very well and has performed similarly now that it's installed. It does not stain or etch and is harder than marble.

What kind of quartzite did you use? I'm very curious as I think it's stunning, but the potential maintenance issues concern me.

[Anonymous]

We've had danby marble for a month now. Two little boys and a messy husband. It's stunning. It won't stain if it's sealed properly. It will etch. I baby it a bit but not a ton.

Honed is more forgiving than shiny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP who used quartzite in the bathroom. We were nervous about the gardenweb etc comments too. But we took home a sample to test before we purchased and it did very well and has performed similarly now that it's installed. It does not stain or etch and is harder than marble.

What kind of quartzite did you use? I'm very curious as I think it's stunning, but the potential maintenance issues concern me.

Super White from Granite Grannies.

[Anonymous]

We have polished carrera white marble countertops in our kitchen and they are stunning. They don't stain but etch (water marks) very easily. Sealing prevents staining but does NOT prevent etching. I'm borderline OCD so I make sure we use cutting boards when cooking, but even the smallest cooking oil splotches will etch the counter. If you don't want to worry all the time about protecting your countertops you're probably better off with another stone but, then again, you can't see the etches unless you're looking at the right angle. I've conceded that they'll etch over time but they still look terrific all things considered.

[Anonymous]

We have leathered Namibian Granite on our islands and I love it! looks like marble, but its granite. From Luck Stone.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/8322251/House-transitional-kitchen-dc-metro
backsplash is subway marble.
outercounterops are Virginia Mist Granite

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have leathered Namibian Granite on our islands and I love it! looks like marble, but its granite. From Luck Stone.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/8322251/House-transitional-kitchen-dc-metro
backsplash is subway marble.
outercounterops are Virginia Mist Granite

How is your marble backsplash doing (any etching or staining?) I'm considering using marble for my backsplash. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have leathered Namibian Granite on our islands and I love it! looks like marble, but its granite. From Luck Stone.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/8322251/House-transitional-kitchen-dc-metro
backsplash is subway marble.
outercounterops are Virginia Mist Granite

THe kitchen looks nice. I've always wanted to know this, though: why are there 2 islands in a relatively small space?