I think the marble naysayers have jumped on the bandwagon without really living with the stone. I have statuary in my bathrooms and love it. Most stains can be removed with a simple baking soda and water poultice. Acid etching is harder to deal with since it removes the polished surface, but its part of having a living stone in your home. If it becomes too bad, you can have it repolished. With a darker stone, you won't have as many issues as a white marble. In order to really know if you can live with it, I suggest you get a small sample of the stone and do some tests. Here is an example. http://www.dohiy.com/2013/04/21/marble-countertops-the-post-acid-test/ Please note that she used bleach and oxyclean to clean the stone after her test. Stay away from both since they can etch the stone just as much as an acidic food. Instead, clean with a ph neutral cleaner like isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), and for heavy stains, the baking soda poultice mentioned above. You have to remember that marble has been used for centuries as flooring, table tops, countertops, etc. throughout the world and most of these installations are still here and aren't stained and etched to the point that it has been ripped out and replaced. Just think about all of he luxury hotels in Europe and how many times they have been exposed to Hangover type guests without any damage.

Hello Vinayak, wpc sheet with acrylic laminate will cost you the same as natural stone like green marble of common shade granite. The second option is more sturdy then the first one .

I wanted to use a shimmery pearl backsplash but it was problematic to install. Looking for something reflective. My island is deep blue (sea serpent by Sherwin-Williams), cabinets white with clear glass in second row uppers, fixtures, pulls and knobs all champagne bronze. Hoped to find something more exciting than white subway but I need help and fast so we can install the range hood and the stove!

Hello, SB you can place the same quality granite over the cut out portion, using L brackets underneath the new granite, which will hold the new granite piece in its place, then use black Silicon to cover to gaps. Regards, Urban Kitchens