For a touch of class, there is nothing like well-placed marble in a home. From the Elgin Marbles to the Taj Mahal to Michelangelo’s David, marble has been the choice of sculptors and architects for centuries. The natural stone has a lovely, creamy hue that adds warmth and a sense of permanence to any room. But before you start designing your own Greek Parthenon,  or purchase the marble slabs for your Toronto home, you should think carefully how and where you’ll use it. Here’s what you need to know about using marble slabs.

 

 

The most common place marble is used in a home is in the bathroom or kitchen. In the bathroom, marble can be used for shower walls, bathroom counters or floors. In kitchens, marble is used for countertops and backsplashes. Marble is also a popular choice for fireplace surrounds and mantles. Marble, being a heavy stone, adds a sense of permanence to a room, as it will last for generations. Large slabs are not inexpensive, but they are an investment in the value of your home. Marble is a softer, more porous stone that needs some care, so it is wise to place marble in less trafficked areas, or anywhere you’d like the look of aged marble patina. Here are a few ideas:

• A signature slab of marble on a tabletop, dresser or vanity.
• As an inlay on a kitchen countertop, to be used for making pastry. Marble is the surface of choice of pastry chefs for its cool, non-stick surface.
• Thick slabs used as shelves in a bathroom.

Honed (or matte) finishes don’t show imperfections as much as a highly glossed surface.

 

 

All marble should be sealed to protect the surface. Some sealants may slightly change the tone of very light coloured marbles, so be sure to discuss which sealant to use with your stone expert. If the sealant is going to be placed in an area that is used for preparing food, a non-toxic sealant should be used. Marble should be resealed at least once a year, or when water no longer beads on its surface.

 

 

While marble is a durable surface, it is not impervious to stains or damage, so common sense and a little TLC should be in play. The Marble Institute has a number of tips for cleaning and caring for natural stones such as marble.

• Don’t place red hot pots directly on marble: use trivets or mats.
• Clean the stone with a mild liquid dishwashing detergent or natural stone cleaner. Never use abrasive cleaners or those containing lemon or vinegar.
• Be careful of acidic liquids on stone, such as wine, tomato sauce or citric juices. Wipe up spills immediately.
• Do not cut directly on a marble surface.

Finding the Perfect Slab

 

Once you have found the perfect spot for placement, and decided to purchase the  marble slabs for your home, seek out a reputable dealer that specializes in natural stone. A natural stone expert should have a showroom with a wide variety of marble samples and be able to guide you through how to buy marble slabs that are perfect for your Toronto home.