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Marble is a beautiful natural stone with a timeless appeal that never goes out of style. This material is not only used as the flooring or wall cladding but also as a tabletop for the dining table, centre table or coffee tables. Although a marble tabletop looks good and forms the star attraction of any space, you need to think about the work involved in the maintenance of natural marble. Read on to find out whether a marble tabletop is right for your home.

What are the advantages of a marble tabletop?

• Marble is an elegant natural stone with beautiful grain and patterns that add a graceful depth to any space.
• Both Indian and Italian marble can be used as a tabletop. Italian marble is a soft stone with high lustre and crystal-like appearance, while Indian marble is a comparatively harder stone with medium lustre.
• Marble is available in a variety of colours such as white, beige, brown, green marble and so on. Take your pick.
• Additionally, marble is a highly durable material that can last a lifetime if it is maintained properly.

What are the disadvantages of a marble tabletop?

• Marble is a very porous material and is highly susceptible to stains and scratches. Acidic substances, such as vinegar or lemon juice, can easily stain and etch the marble surface, dulling its finish.
• Another minus is that marble is a soft and brittle stone and has the tendency to crack. Italian marble is very soft and will develop prominent hairline cracks over time.
• Marble tabletops require a lot of cleaning and maintenance. The cracks should be filled and the surface sealed periodically.
• These tabletops are very expensive.
• Marble feels cold in winter.

How does one install a marble tabletop?

• The marble top should be glued to a plywood base that will offer good support to the marble. Do not fix the marble directly on the table base frame, because marble is a very soft and heavy stone and might sag, develop cracks and eventually break into pieces.
• Next, the base frame of the table is screwed securely into the plywood base. The marble top should not be screwed into, because this will weaken the marble and result in cracks. Make sure that the table base is strong and sturdy so that it can take the load of a marble tabletop. Materials such as wood, steel or brass can be used for the table base.
• The most preferred finish for the marble tabletop is a mirror-polished finish. Make sure that the marble slab is polished and sealed before it is installed.
• Lastly, the edges of the table top should be bevelled, rounded or finished with a marble moulding. Avoid using a 90-degree corner because the corner may chip due to the brittle nature of marble.

How do I maintain a marble tabletop?

• Avoid keeping any objects such as plates or cups directly on the marble tabletop; it is advisable to use coasters or table mats.
• Any acidic spills should be wiped immediately.
• Only use marble cleaners to clean the tabletop. Avoid household cleaners that are acidic in nature, as they might etch the surface and dull the finish on the marble.
• It is essential to reseal and polish the marble every year to retain its shine. Use impregnating sealers, as they create a protective barrier that prevents staining.