Marble Dining Table
Actually, marble tops should never be used for heavy duty usage because it is prone to etching and scratching.
It is a sensitive material. Thankfully, dining tables don't require heavy usage like kitchen countertops do.
Therefore, you can safely buy and use a marble dining table. The main reason people go for marble
is its unprecedented natural beauty.
Marble is a natural product that derives from calcium carbonate. Like all other stones, it has to go through
millions of years before they crystallize into solid stones. The marble kitchen table remains one of the top
choices when it comes to stone dining tables.
Features
Depending on the quarry state, the colors will vary. But the majority of marbles are based on the color
white.
There are veins all over it. This gives the marble table a rich-looking texture, giving an impression that it
holds much more value underneath its surface.
Mosaic features. Mosaic is a design element that can be applied onto the table surface, giving them more
character and detail. Often times, mosaic features on the table are illustrations or motifs. A simple word to
describe mosaic is patterns.
One disadvantage is it can react negatively if it comes in contact with acidic liquids. These include coffee,
lime juice, acidic fruits, alcohol, etc.). The negative result is etching, a process that discolors the marble
surface, creating light spots.
Types
In the market, you will find these types of marble dining tables to be common.
Counter height dining table
What is counter height? Counter height tables are taller than the average, standard tables. It's that
simple.
The measurement for a counter height table is 36" (inches). Having this said, whenever someone says a table is
counter height, you can assume the table has a height of 36". The stools for such tables (counter height) are 24"
to 26" high.
White marble dining table
The white marble top dining table is arguably the most common type. When someone says marble, you will
immediately think of the white marble. A variation of this would be the grey marble table.
Round marble dining table
The round shape is the most common table shape when we talk about table form, especially in Asian countries.
However, you can still find rectangle and square marble dining tables as easily.
Black marble dining table
If you didn't touch it yourself, you would have easily mistaken it as a plastic table due to its extremely
strong black tone! This is because it has one color tone throughout the entire marble area with some texture.
However, at closer look, you will notice the many fissure lines occurring on the surface.
Italian marble dining table
Tables made from Italian marbles are slightly brownish or yellowish in color with variations. Call them the
European marble if you will. Many people think Italian marbles are very elegant and stylish apart from the
constantly-praised natural aesthetics.
Benefits
Like the travertine dining table, it is an absolute natural beauty. If you ever need a beautiful table, this
will be the one to get.
Low table temperature. When you run your hand against the marble tabletop, it feels cooling to touch.
Suits modern contemporary homes very well. They are geared towards the futuristic-looking homes where people
want both contemporary and natural elements at the same time.
Tips
You have to use table pads in order to protect your tabletop against etching and scratching. Which table pads to
use? It is up to you. You are free to buy any types. These include vinyl table pads, plastic table cloth or even
paper table cloth.
How to buy marble dining tables
First, you must look at the marble finish. A new table unit should look shiny and polished. If the seller tells
you that it's new but the marble tabletop appears to be dull and light, do not trust the seller. Move on.
Always go to a physical store instead of buying online. This way, you can see for yourself whether the marble
tabletop quality (shiny or dull). Photos are not accurate for determining the marble finish.
What happens if your marble dining room table appears to be cracked when you first buy it? Firstly, you have to
understand that it could be a fissure. What are fissures? Fissure is the random lining that can be found on the
marble rock in its natural state (before factory processing). They look like "wide cracks" on the marble, but they
are not real cracks. Actually, the presence of fissures are normal. This means it is fine if you buy a marble table
with fissures. No problem. But the real problem can appear when the fissures turn into real cracks if the
installation or factory processes did go well. In short, it is fine to see those fissures. Your best bet is to ask
a qualified person to assess the marble tabletop for you to help you differentiate and certify it. Never assume
based on appearance alone.
Next, you have to determine a suitable marble tabletop thickness. There are two measurements; 2 cm and 3 cm.
2 cm thick tabletops are the most common. It is cheaper than the 3 cm one. For a dining table purpose, you
rarely need to go anywhere beyond 2 cm. Thus, 2 cm tabletops are a great choice. They are also cheaper than the 3
cm ones. It is recommended that you go for 2 cm thick tabletops for marble kitchen tables.
3 cm thick tabletops are more durable but more expensive. There is no need for a tabletop this thick unless you
need to store heavy items on the table!
Installing or repairing is a tough job. It is recommended that you hire a stone furniture specialist if there
are any defects or damage. You should never attempt to repair the marble table yourself because it is easy to make
things worse. This is also true for other stone dining tables.
How to clean marble dining tables
You must quickly clean any spills on the table. This is because any liquid which is acidic in nature can etch
your beloved marble surface. Worse, the spill can get penetrate deep into the marble tabletop, creating a permanent
stain. Act fast.
Use a sponge to do the cleaning. An alternative is a soft cloth.
Mix with warm water (whenever possible, use hot water) and stone cleaner liquids.
What NOT to do
Never use a common household cleaner to clean marble dining tables. You will only etch your table surface and
create ugly light spots. Chances are, those common cleaners are acidic. Therefore, only use specialized stone
cleaners.
Don't sit on the table. If a considerable amount of weight is applied on the table, the marble tabletop can
crack. Generally, this advice applies to all stone dining tables. If you have kids at home, you should prevent them
from being mischievous on the table.
As a conclusion, look for both marble dining table and chairs at the same time so you can get the best
discounts. Don't just settle on the table just because you want to save some money by skipping on the dining
chairs. A marble dining set is supposed to be a timeless and everlasting dining furniture that lasts for
generations for your home.
Back to Stone Dining Tables
Back to Dining Table Guide
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