Frequently asked questions about marble
Marble stands out as a material of choice throughout history. The Greeks and the Romans made it famous in their architecture, building remarkable works, and many artists established its beauty through iconic sculptures and timeless decorative objects. If there's one material that has managed to maintain its prestige over the centuries, marble is undoubtedly one of them.
Despite being universally well-known, for some, the use of marble still raises several questions, and pertinent enquiries relating to marble are received here at MAAMI HOME every day. Some of the main questions we're asked are how to take care of it, whether it can be used in a certain product, and how to make it withstand the challenges of time.
Here are our four most frequently asked questions about marble and how best to care for it.
Where can we use marble?
Marble can be used outdoors and indoors. Certain types of marble, such as Travertine, Carrara or Grigio Nuvolato, are perfect for outdoor use thanks to their sturdiness and UV resistance. Other stones, such as Portoro, Calacatta Viola, or Calacatta Oro, are most commonly used for interior decoration on dining tables or accessories due to their striking features and exceptional beauty. To learn more about these and other marble stones, visit our raw material directory on our website.
Marble is perfectly suited for floors or walls, as well as in cladding, in bathrooms, kitchens, or furniture such as side and coffee tables, sideboards, lamps, accessories, and more. Some of the most famous monuments that celebrate marble in a unique way include the Taj Mahal in India, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, and the Lincoln Memorial in the USA. In addition to these monuments, it is important to note that many iconic sculptures, such as Michelangelo's David and Alexandros of Antioch's Venus de Milo, are made of marble, where the translucent properties of this stone stand out, ideal for working and creating realistic effects.
Is marble a durable material?
Although a natural material, marble is highly durable. This stone is known for its purity and robustness, having built a reputation for durability over hundreds of years. Each piece of marble is unique because it was created by nature — and what some call imperfections are, in fact, unique characteristics of the stone, such as lines and fissures. However, those who own marble objects should bear in mind that they require some specific care, with different recommendations for different purposes. Shiny polished marble floors, for example, show signs of wear more quickly than matt marble. But don't worry; in either case, you can always hire a service to restore the surface and give it back its original look.
Is marble heat resistant?
Yes! This means that it is not as prone to damage from hot objects. We do advise however, that you use coasters and other protective mats because very hot elements left on a surface for an extended period can mark the surface of any natural stone, leaving it discoloured and stained. Nevertheless, one of the advantages of marble is that, with the right products and professional help, you can usually remove stains or scratches and re-polish if any damage occurs.
What care should be taken when cleaning?
When it comes to cleaning marble, what not to do is as important as what to do. The improper use of products can easily damage marble. Here are some of our tips for marble care:
- We do not recommend standard cleaning products, as they may contain acids and chemical components.
- We strongly recommend choosing surface-specific products. A soft cloth and warm water can do the trick in many cases.
- If you spill something on the marble surface, try to clean it up as soon as possible.
- Marble surfaces can be treated with a special anti-stain product if necessary
- Lastly, you can apply a stone sealant product to restore protection to the affected area. If you choose to seal marble stone, use a quality product and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Marble is one of nature's most versatile materials, and it's no coincidence that it has charmed different civilisations throughout the ages — its diverse possibilities are one of the reasons for its appeal, along with its unrepeatable beauty and different shades, which can give rise to timeless works, designed for several environments, both indoors and out.
At MAAMI HOME, we love working with this stone, and our teams receive notes of appreciation and questions from customers worldwide on a daily basis. If you have any questions, share them by email or speak directly to our team. We're on hand to help you learn more about marble and the characteristics of our materials.