How to Look After Natural Stone Table Tops | Furniture Care

NATURAL STONE

Natural stone has been used to make furniture for hundreds of years and when compared with other materials used for table tops, such as wood, metal, glass and laminates, it will perform well. Stone has a very high heat resistance, a good resistance to scratching and staining and offers an easy, wipe-clean surface. As a natural product, each piece of stone will be different and may have slight variations of colour and markings from photographs on website or samples seen. Irregularities in tone or veins are are part of stone's natural appeal.

MARBLE

Marble and sandstone are more porous than granite, and can absorb liquids if allowed to rest on the surface long enough. Pigment staining can happen when coloured substances – tea, red wine etc – come into contact with light-coloured marbles and stones. Acid etching happens if the acid in consumable liquids and foods – while wine, Champagne, lemon juice etc – strips the polished surface of the stone. In order to help prevent both types of marking, we recommend waxing the surface of the table with clear wax in a tin (not a spray wax). Spills should be wiped up immediately with a damp cloth.

GRANITE

Granite is one of the hardest materials in general use. A table top of the same size and thickness as marble will weigh about 10% more. The additional density of granite gives a virtually maintenance-free surface. It will not etch with acids that are in normal foods and the density makes it difficult to absorb liquids that might stain it. Cleaning should be done with a cloth and warm soapy water. Stubborn marks and mild stains can be removed using white spirit. This may remove the wax as well, so re-wax after using white spirit.

INDOORS OR IN YOUR GARDEN

Natural stone tables are ideally suited to the conservatory or garden room, or your outdoor dining room. Online or in our Worcestershire showrooms, discover our collection of marble and granite dining tables and bistro tables, and explore our marble and granite garden dining tables.