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.

which are the best thing dining table. which is the best place to purchase dining table in Pune. my preference are the Malaysian made marble top tables. 6 seater is the requirement

Thanks for your reply. Here if you see the picture. There is a groove at the centre, initially i was planning to place natural stone on that, thats why made a groove. but when i was having lunch , i found not enough space for keeping food/utensils. Due to small width, and if I increase the width of table top - both sides by 3 inches, it will suit me perfect. So if I place a clear glass on top, what should I place at the central part. How to manage that groove, I am thinking about putting stone pebbles. Another option - I can place glass at the center and for sides, can place stone slabs. Again, do you think, should i fix stone over there. It will fit the groove.

Hello there, If you don't want to consider wood as a countertop, there are several other options available : 1. Wrought iron jaali 2. Corian solid surfaces (susceptible to heat) 3.Marble/granite/quartz 4. Semi-precious stone slabs 5. PU paint 6. Sandstone 7. Concrete with oxide paints(IPS) 8. Glass mosaic etc.. Note : wood is timeless and lends a warmth like no other. It will end up in one form or other in every house Regards, Aurum Ideas and Spaces Bhubaneswar