An interesting trend is developing in the natural stone business and it signals a return in interest to some classic stones. More and more, homeowners and kitchen designers are calling for the use of white marble, a stone that has been used in this setting for centuries, but recently saw a decrease in interest due to the explosion of the granite market.

Many stone fabricators are hesitant to recommend marble for kitchen applications because of the fact that marble has a reputation for staining easily and because marbles are calcium based stones. Calcium is susceptible to acidic substances and as a result of the marble can etch when interacting with an acid, leaving a discolored appearance at the spot of interaction. Someone interested in utilizing marble in his or her kitchen should know that this is a possibility. However, with care and quick spill removal this should not be a great concern.

Each marble has different physical properties so aside from the aesthetic quality of any stone, one should make their final decision and choice based on the makeup of the stone, and, generally speaking, that does not mean its appearance. Absorption rate is one of the most important factors when considering which stone to use for kitchens because absorption rate refers to the percentage of moisture absorbed by weight. Generally speaking, the lower the absorption rate, the lower the risk of stains. Some marbles like Vermont’s Danby White (absorption rate of .06%) have an extremely low absorption rate. This is lower than many of the most popular granites currently utilized in the market today, making Danby White a great option for the person looking for white marble in their kitchen.

Proper care and maintenance of marble can also add to its viability in kitchen applications. Regular cleaning with a pH neutral natural stone clean along with the use a water based impregnator once per year can seriously decrease the risk of staining. If staining does occur, there are a number of poultice solutions that will draw out just about any markings including red wine.

What does all this mean?
White marbles with low water absorption rates can be an excellent, safe choice for your kitchen. If you look in any candy factory or any professional bakery around the country, most often you find that they are working on a slab of white marble. Visit Europe and you will also find many kitchens with white marble countertops. It has been this way for hundreds of years. The true beauty of white marble can increase over time. Not only does it maintain its’ natural beauty, but it reinvents itself eventually reaching the legendary Italian patina finish. White marble was and is becoming again a great choice for kitchen countertops.