Cutting & Scratching on Marble Countertops

Never use your marble countertop as a cutting surface because it can easily scratch and cut the marble. Marble has a powder construction and is porous. Sharp objects such as knives and cookware edges can puncture the seal of the marble, scratch or cut it, or worse, chip. Cutting on a marble countertop is like cutting on wood—that is how susceptible marble is to cuts and scratches.

Listed below are some tips on how you can protect your marble countertop from cuts and scratches:

It is ideal to have the marble countertop in a low traffic area because it can chip and get scratched even under normal use. It should be treated like a piece of fine wood and protect it from getting any kind of damage. Marble countertops with sharp edges are more susceptible to chipping than those with rounder edges because they do not get caught in objects easily.

Never drag any solid objects especially metal objects like pots and pans across a marble countertop. The metal grits can scratch the surface especially if they came directly from a high heat source. The heat from the pan expands the marble molecules. Since marble is porous, it can take scratches easily and leave a permanent dent or scar on the surface.

Make sure that you have a mat or a covering with a rubber, cloth, plastic, or wooden base that can place over your marble countertop to protect it from sharp objects. Always use place mats before setting down plates and utensils on the surface. You should use a chopping board when cutting up food on your marble countertop. However, make sure that it is large enough to accommodate what you are doing, so you do not accidentally cut and puncture the surrounding marble surface. Also remember that marble is susceptible to stains, so wipe down the marble countertop after using it and always keep it dry. Most people love having a marble countertop in the kitchen because it is perfect for rolling dough. If this is the reason why you got a marble countertop, then make sure your roller and baking utensils do not have sharp edges that can puncture the surface. Get wooden or plastic baking utensils to protect your marble countertop.

The best thing that you can do for your marble countertop to protect it from cuts and scratches is to have it sealed periodically. Sealing can make your marble countertop less susceptible to stains, reduce scratching, prevent water rings, and make the surface look brighter and clean. Manufacturers often seal marble countertops upon installation, but the seal can get dull after years of usage. If this happens, just have your marble countertop resealed to maintain its strength and beauty. Resealing can also make it more tolerable to common kitchen activities.