Table tops are a fundamental part of any table and come in many different styles to suit your needs. You may be looking for a durable surface that is highly resistant to scratching, or you may want something natural that changes its appearance over time. It is important to evaluate the all-round performance of a material to ensure its suitability for the environment it is to be used in. Whatever your preference, there is a style for you!
In this blog post we will explore five types of table top: marble, manufactured quartz, granite, terrazzo and agglomerate and how their geological make up can influence their performance. Hopefully our discussion will help you decide on the right type of table top for your project!
Marble
Marble was made popular in the 1700s and is found amongst the oldest parts of the earth with each slate being completely unique. It is a metamorphic recrystallized limestone that can be supplied in an incredible array of colours and patterns. Carrara Marble, for example, consists of calcified corals and fish bones which form the white background, while the grey markings are organic matter which are not seen in fossil form.
Marble has a high heat resistance, but it should be noted that they can stain and etch due to its mineral content, which reacts to acid in everyday liquids we consume such as colas, wine, citrus juices, and vinegar-based sauces. The acid mattes the polish level of the material, and can be seen as rings from wine glasses, bottles etc. Etching cannot be reversed, but sealants can be applied to tops to help prolong the period of time available to clean up a spillage – note this is not a surface coating and will not prevent etching. Renaissance wax can be purchased and applied to re-seal the top on a 6 monthly/yearly basis dependant on how often the top is wiped.
Marble is known to be resistant to bad weather, while also being UV resistant, providing a great option for outdoor areas.
Cleaning with hot soapy water and normal trade cleaning agents is the easiest and best way to clean on a regular basis, and stubborn stain marks can be released using white spirit.
Manufactured Quartz
Manufactured quartz is made using waste Quartz and Quartzite which is the second most prolific mineral on this planet. The material is ground down to dust size particles and then glued back together, with a general containment of around 85-90% Quartz, 7% glue and 3-8% pigments.
Quartz is also non-porous and has no calcium content meaning etching does not occur, and is also more resistant to chipping, scratching and bacteria. This is a great benefit for any surface which may be exposed to spills and splashes, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Many homeowners prefer Quartz over marble, since it requires no sealing, polishing, or refinishing so you can save money on expensive maintenance costs.
Occasionally lighter colour quartz may experience stains due to tea/coffee pots being placed directly on the top. When a cup of tea/coffee is poured then liquid can run down the spout and accumulate at the bottom. When this is placed on the stone, the hot pot traps the liquid underneath and forces it into the first couple of mm of the stone leaving a mark. However, this can be removed using descalent which is a highly effective release agent – this must not be used on marble tops! The use of mats under these pots is highly encouraged to avoid this happening.
Generally, manufactured quartz is not recommended for outdoor use as it may discolour over time as the UV light reacts with the resin.
Granite
Granites are volcanic magma which are formed inside the Earth’s core and forced through the Earth’s crust. It is a highly dense material which weighs about 10% more than marble. Granites do not contain calcium and will therefore not etch. They also have a very low porosity making them highly resistant to staining and can also be used in outdoor settings.
Commonly misjudged as having a more monotonous pattern, there are some interesting granites in darker colours which make a great alternative to black marble. So, if you are hoping to use black marble in your project then do consider granite as an excellent alternative!
Terrazzo & Agglomerates
These are becoming increasingly fashionable across the market, as designers look to re-invent areas to offer a visually exciting and innovative option. These stones use marble waste which makes them a sustainable choice. This waste is ground down to graded sized chippings for Terrazzo, and a looser, larger sizing for Agglomerates. A cement or resin mixture is then used to hold these together.
Terrazzo and Agglomerates have the same behavioural characteristics as marble and therefore will etch. However, these stones do tend have bright colours and be quite busy in their designs, so the etching frequently goes unnoticed.
Why choose stone?
Firstly, in comparison to wood, stone is a much harder material to scratch but in some cases, may still occur. Generally, the worst items to cause this type of damage are items with unglazed bottoms and sharp edges.
Stone tops can also be supplied with a variety of edge profiles; Straight, Under Chamfer, and Bullnose edges are available on all stones, and Marble is also available with Du Pont and O. Gee edge profiles.
Metal edging can also be fitted around stone tops – polished/brushed brass and polished/brushed stainless steel finishes are available, in straight edge or rounded ribbed styles.
At Bourne furniture, we are in the market of providing furniture to Hotels and Restaurants across the whole of the UK. Should you need any support or advice, feel free to reach out to the team at Bourne Furniture, and we’d be delighted to help.