Do Marble Coffee Tables Stain? (Explained for Beginners)

Marble coffee tables can stain due to the porous nature of the crystalline structures in the stone. 

You can prevent staining and damage with impregnable sealants and proper cleaning.

If you want to learn how to care for your marble coffee table, you’ve come to the right place. 

How to Clean Stains Off a Marble Coffee Table?)

The best way to clean a marble coffee table with a stain is to use hot soapy water and a non-abrasive rag. Repetitive motions on the area with the stain will help lift it out of the porous surface. You can also use baking soda and hot water for nasty stains. 

marble coffee table spice spoon

Some cleaners you should never use on your marble coffee table are: 

  • Citrus fruits or juices
  • Essential oils
  • Vinegar 
  • Abrasives 
  • Sand or salt 

You must be very gentle when cleaning your marble furniture.

According to the eHow at home YouTube channel, marble furniture is easily scratched and absorbent. 

Cleaners such as essential oils and harsh chemicals may discolor and distort the appearance of your marble surface.

Abrasive cleaning devices such as abrasive sponges, brillo pads, and sandpaper can permanently scratch and break the marble’s surface. 

Some cleaners you can use on your marble coffee table are: 

  • Dish soap 
  • Soft hand soap 
  • Hot water 
  • Baking soda 

For persistent stains that won’t lift, try using baking soda. Baking soda is soft and non-acidic, so it won’t scratch or break the marble’s surface or stain it.

However, it will also break down the compounds which stain the marble and lift it from the surface. 

This is because baking soda is alkaline and is an effective agent against grease, acid, and other harsh substances. Allow the baking soda to break down the stain, and then clean the area with a soft rag and hot soapy water. 


Related:

How To Protect A Marble Coffee Table From Stains?

coffee-table-cookies-cup

The best way to protect your marble coffee table from staining is to seal it with an impregnating sealer. This sealant prevents the marble top from exposure to the elements and harsh stains. You should reapply the sealant at least every 6-12 months. 

Marble stone is a naturally porous rock. It forms from hardened stones, including limestone, quartz crystal, and sandstone deposits. As these stones undergo intense pressurization, they harden into the crystal we call marble. 

However, this process leaves weak spaces and open portions. Since marble is a collection of various substances pressed together, some parts are much harder than others. 

This is because while quartz crystal is a seven on Moh’s hardness scale, limestone is only three. Marble is susceptible to erosion, degradation from acidic substances, and staining from dark-colored liquids.

The porous nature of the rock makes it act like a sponge to the various substances that touch it. 

To seal your marble coffee tables, follow these steps: 

  • Test your counter or table’s current seal strength
  • If a new coat is necessary, clean the surface with warm water and soap 
  • Use a separate dry rag to dry the surface completely
  • Apply an impregnable sealant 

Although you should reapply sealant every 6-12 months, you can apply it as often as once a month.

If your table is used a lot or comes into contact with rough handling, you should reapply it every month. 

Additionally, you should always keep your marble table clear of wax, copper, and spilled liquids.

Avoid candles or copper containers, and be careful what kinds of beverages you keep on these tables. 

If wine, coffee, or other acidic drinks spill on your coffee table, wipe it up immediately! 

Drinks like coffee and wine have high acidic content and can leach through the sealant. Use hot, soapy water to clean it up rather than a harsh chemical or simple water. 

Water is unlikely to pick up all the residue, damaging the table’s surface. Similarly, harsh chemicals can cut through the cover and harm the marble beneath. 

Are Marble Coffee Tables Practical and Durable?

marble coffee table cup spoon

Whether a marble coffee table is practical and durable depends somewhat on your use. Marble coffee tables are durable and will last for many decades when properly cared for and treated. However, they require considerable care and maintenance, which can be time-consuming. 

Marble coffee tables are durable and can last for decades, if not centuries, when properly maintained. However, proper care and maintenance are essential for the longevity of these types of furniture. 

Marble was used in ancient Greece as early as 300 BCE. Many of their statues, furniture, and other marble artifacts still exist today! This speaks volumes about how long a marble piece of furniture can last. 

Marble chips, stains, and damages easily when handled roughly. On a practical scale, they’re less appealing. It’s not ideal furniture for families with young children or large dogs. 

Coffee tables are durable but may require more care and maintenance than you’re comfortable with. 

How Long Do Marble Coffee Tables Last?

marble coffee table laptop notebook

Marble tables last an average of 50-100 years in good condition. They can last much longer when well cared for, including keeping them indoors. The cold weather can cause the marble to get frail and chip. 

Many people claim marble furniture lasts forever. It’s more durable than wooden furniture and more aesthetically appealing than most metallic furniture. 

Some marble coffee tables have wooden or Formica legs and frames with only a marble table top. These don’t last as long as coffee tables made entirely of solid marble. 

Marble coffee tables should be kept inside and out of the rain to prevent damage and staining. Keeping them inside will also prolong their life span and prevent them from cracking or chipping in the cold weather. 

How Much Does A Marble Coffee Table Cost?

Marble coffee tables can cost anywhere between $350.00 to over $4,000.00. The price variety is based on the table’s size, design, and quality. When selecting your coffee table, evaluate how you desire to use it and the space you wish to fill. 

Most marble coffee tables priced below $200.00 aren’t made with natural marble. This marble is usually called faux marble. It might be manufactured with glue, plastic, and some crystal dust. 

Faux marble is a good choice for countertops and heavily used home spaces. Faux marble is more durable than real marble since it resists cracking, scratching, and chipping. This is useful for kitchens but isn’t preferred for living rooms and dining areas. 

Although you can potentially find plain marble coffee tables for as low as $100.00, they’re relatively basic. These small, short, and simple tables make a great accent table for a new apartment. But, we don’t recommend these for a long-term investment. 

Spending at least $300.00 guarantees you an authentic marble coffee table. Additionally, remember that the more marble is used in the product, the more it will cost. 

Marble Coffee Table Pros and Cons?

A marble coffee table’s main appeal and benefit are its durability and elegance. Marble is colorful yet classy and makes any room appear fancy and welcoming. However, the level of care and maintenance they require isn’t for everyone and can be inconvenient. 

Marble coffee tables have several timeless and durable attributes, including: 

  • Strong 
  • Last forever 
  • Stylish 
  • Easily refurbished
  • Easily repaired 

Proper cleaning and sealing are vital for your marble’s life span and appearance. However, this can make for an inconvenient and intense caretaking routine. 

Therefore, marble coffee tables are durable but not necessarily practical. Some cons of a marble coffee table include: 

  • Heavy maintenance 
  • Constant care 
  • Expensive 
  • Chip easily 
  • Scratch easily

This maintenance level depends on how often you use this table and wear and tear. If you rarely use it to host tea parties, it may only need to be sealed once every 6-12 months. 

If you use it all the time, the marble coffee table will need consistent cleaning and sealant.

Conclusion

Marble furniture can seem hard to maintain. This can be a turn-off for someone unwilling to go through this level of care. 

However, compared to wooden furniture, maintenance, and care for your marble furniture aren’t much more intense. All furniture, excluding cheaper furniture, requires maintenance and care. 

Wooden furniture requires consistent cleaning, polishing, and waxing. Otherwise, the wood can become dry and crack. 

Therefore, don’t allow the care and maintenance to inhibit you from getting a marble coffee table. This care and maintenance will keep your investment fresh, beautiful, and lasting forever. 

Sources

How to Clean Marble Tabletops Safely: Smart Cleaning Methods

Grove: We tried it: Cleaning 5 common stains with baking soda.

ThoughtCo: Marble Rock: Geology, Properties, Uses

Encyclopedia Britannica: Moh’s Hardness 

WikiHow: How to Protect a Marble Countertop

Delta Marble: Marble from Past to Present

Apartment Therapy: High/Mid/Low: Best Marble Coffee Tables for Every Budget