Marble Composite Countertops: Properties, Pros, Cons, and maintenance
Marble composite is a composite material consisting of marble granulates (90%), color pigments, and synthetic resins.
Because the granulate grains are evenly distributed, the material has a very uniform stone appearance.
Marble composite is particularly suitable for window sills and wall cladding. Marble composite countertops, like quartz composite, is not ideal for outdoor applications.
What is a marble composite countertop?
Composite marble-look countertops have traditionally been an alternative to a granite countertop. Granite is a natural product, but a composite countertop consists of small pieces pressed together under high pressure.
As a result, leftovers and splinters can be used and need to be handled slightly less carefully than with a granite countertop. You notice that in the price.
All kinds of materials are used for a composite countertop: granite, but sometimes also marble and concrete.
The components determine the sturdiness, quality, and appearance of your countertop. But a composite kitchen worktop always has a common denominator: it is composed, i.e., composed of several materials. Hence the name composite.
Marble look-a-likes countertop
Marble is gorgeous, especially when looking for a memorable and unique material that comes straight from nature.
Marble has various colors ranging from black, gray, pink, green, and white, including veins. The material has a luxurious, almost royal appearance.
However, the disadvantage of real marble is that it is porous. This can be disadvantageous for a kitchen countertop because stains and circles can occur on the worktop.
The material is also scratch sensitive and requires regular maintenance. And that’s why we are now seeing more and more marble look-a-like countertops, kitchen worktops with the appearance of marble, but with great ease of maintenance.
The best substitute for a real marble
Do you want the look of a marble kitchen countertop, but not the disadvantages such as stains and circles in the worktop? Then the marble look-a-likes, made of the materials Dekton, ceramic and composite, are a suitable choice.
However, most colors have another advantage; the vein structure continues from leaf to leaf on the sides for a harmonious whole.
The reason one has to do with technological progress; it can ‘imitate’ natural stone. The second reason has to do with our changing lifestyle.
We are busy and want the benefits of a kitchen worktop, but not the burden. In other words, we want a beautiful top with a luxurious appearance without spending a lot of time on maintenance.
Do you want to know more material for the kitchen countertops?
Marble composite background information
The binding resin in the material makes the whole more compact, and the marble composite is, therefore, harder than marble itself. It also makes the material more impact-resistant and hygienic.
The color pigment ensures that marble composite is available in many colors. There is almost no color difference between the sheets due to the even distribution, and the material is virtually stain-free.
Pros
+ Good value for money
+ Liquid-tight and stain-resistant
+ Shockproof and dimensionally stable
+ Wear-resistant and impact-resistant
+ Easy to maintain
Cons
– It is not as scratch resistant as quartz composite
– Not acid resistant
– Not suitable for outdoor use
Marble Composite Precaution & Maintenance
Marble composite is a strong and durable material. However, to avoid damage and breakage, it is essential to observe the following points:
It is advisable not to place sharp (metal) objects such as keys on the material.
Be careful with moving objects on the material (such as flower pots).
Be careful with aggressive cleaning agents, anti-limescale cleaning agents, and acids that occur, for example, in facade cleaners, acidic soft drinks, wines, and citrus fruits. These can irreparably damage the blade.
Never use an abrasive cleaner, scouring pad, or steel wool; this can damage the polishing layer and cause dull spots.
Do not use cleaning agents containing bleach or ammonia or a PH value higher than 10. So be careful with some tablets for the dishwasher;
Certain aggressive chemicals – such as oven cleaners or drain cleaners – can cause permanent damage to the surface. Trichloroethane, methylene chloride, paint stripper, and cleaning agents with high alkaline or pH value should also be avoided.
Do not use silicone-based cleaners.
Never place hot pans, cooking pots, or appliances directly on the surface, but always use a trivet! This is to prevent any discoloration of the surface.
Always use a cutting board when cutting/processing food to avoid cutting marks on the countertop.
Avoid contact with marking or printing inks.
Drinks or food should be removed as soon as possible. Coffee and tea, in particular, are difficult to remove due to their aggressive properties.
Never sit or stand on the tray; this is to avoid tearing due to extreme stresses.
The surface of marble composite is non-porous and therefore resistant to all kinds of daily stainers.
To protect
Due to the density of the pores, it is not necessary to apply a protector.
Therefore, it is advisable not to use water-repellent agents, impregnating or polishing agents, stain-stopping agents, etc. on the surface.
The shine of marble composite is the natural shine of the product itself and should not come into contact with strippers, caustic soda, or bleach.
Daily cleaning and maintenance
You can use a simple dishcloth or damp long-haired microfibre cloth for daily cleaning and a neutral residue-free colorless cleaning product.
You can easily remove the most common stains with this.
Cleaning stubborn stains
Do not use cleaning agents such as aggressive degreasers or bleach on the worktop.
Should the marble composite come into contact with such agents, remove it immediately with a large amount of water and a damp cloth, and dry the surface with a piece of kitchen paper.
Treat stains (grease, coffee, tea) with undiluted detergent. Let this soak in for a while, then rinse thoroughly with water and dry.
Food residues that harden after drying (eg chewing gum, mustard, fat) should first be scraped off using a blunt plastic scraper. Then clean, rinse thoroughly with water, and dry.
