Palaces and statues made from marble over 1,000 years ago still stand today. The beautiful and durable stone has been consistently sought out to decorate the most elegant homes all over the world. It is a material that anyone can incorporate into their home in some manner, and fireplaces provide an excellent opportunity.
Marble Fireplace
Versatile in Design
Each piece of marble, like granite, is unique. The color options are endless, and the veining and other patterns in the stone are different in every section of the material. Homeowners can install large slabs of marble or create whatever pattern they wish with the variety of marble tiles available. The options make it simple for anyone to create a one-of-a-kind design for their home.
The elegant look of polished marble is perfect for formal homes. The addition of the natural stone adds a timeless and classic look to any room where it is installed. However, this is not a product that is only for high-end homes. Marble can easily blend with casual and even rustic interiors. Nearly any design style can be accentuated with marble.
Use the product anywhere around the fireplace. It makes an eye-catching surround, a stunning mantlepiece, and even looks beautiful on the hearth or over the chimney. Aside from the actual firebox, marble is suitable for every part of a fireplace.
Marble Fireplace
Durable Material Choice
Marble is heat and fire resistant and is safe for wood or gas fireplaces, so it is a sensible finish option. The stone is durable enough to withstand the abuse of fireplace tools and stacked firewood. Stains are avoided when the marble is properly sealed.
Marble Fireplace
Ease of Cleaning
Any homeowner that has grown tired of scrubbing soot stains from bricks or who has been forced to repaint their wood mantel each year to keep it clean will appreciate the ease of caring for marble. Dust the material weekly and wash away any soot or debris with a damp rag as needed. Mild dish detergent or marble cleaner is useful for scrubbing away stubborn stains.
It is possible to reclaim the material by having the marble polished again if it loses its sheen. Restoration of this type may be needed if the stone is not properly cleaned, if an acidic cleanser is used or if a chimney fire leaves behind heavy soot stains.
Marble Fireplace
Simple Safety Precautions
Marble is porous, so sealants are used to prevent stains. Apply the sealer to the marble, including the grout if a tile is used, after installation. Re-seal every few months as needed. There are simple tests to do at home to determine if it is time to apply a sealant.
Put a small amount of water on the material and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe up the water and look at the surface to see if the area where the water sat is darker than its surroundings. If so, it means the marble absorbed the water, and it is time apply the sealant. Perform the test with mineral oil if an oil-based sealant was originally used.
Sealing the marble is a straightforward and simple process, so there is no need to contact a professional. All that is needed is to clean and dry the marble and add a layer of acid-resistant impregnator. There are numerous brands available at hardware and home improvement stores. Follow the directions on the bottle to ensure it is applied properly.
Marble is just one of our specialties at Custom Marble and Onyx. Any homeowner that wants to boost the value and appeal of their home with natural stone should contact us for more information. It is possible to create a unique look for any home with so many options available. Visit our website or call today for more information. ?
