We have gathered the questions our clients ask most, with straight answers — including the points that are not always in marble's favour.

Frequently asked questions

Does natural marble stain easily?

Marble is porous, so it absorbs liquids left on it for long periods. With good sealing and wiping spills within minutes, permanent stains do not occur. The bigger issue is not staining but acids: lemon and vinegar leave a dull mark called etching within seconds.

How often does marble need resealing?

Every 6 to 12 months depending on use. A simple test: place drops of water on the surface; if they bead up, the seal is intact, and if the stone absorbs them and darkens, it is time to reseal.

Does marble scratch easily?

Marble is softer than granite and can be scratched by sharp objects or grit. Light surface scratches can be polished out; deep ones need professional refinishing. Using coasters and never dragging objects prevents most problems.

How long does natural marble last?

Decades, even generations, with proper care. Marble has been used in architecture for thousands of years and still stands today. It does not wear out like manufactured furniture, and it does not lose value.

Is marble suitable for a home with children?

Yes, with conditions. Choose lighter types that hide marks better, keep up with periodic sealing, and avoid pieces with very sharp edges. Round tables are safer for children than rectangular ones with corners.

Why do marble prices vary so much?

Price reflects the rarity of the stone type, the size of the slab and its freedom from flaws, the beauty of the veining, the hours of hand finishing, and the type of base. Large flawless slabs are rare, which is why price does not rise linearly with size.

How do I tell natural marble from engineered?

Natural is heavier and always cool to the touch, and its veining never repeats and runs through the thickness of the slab. Engineered often shows repeating patterns and may be coloured only on the surface layer. Look at the side profile — that is the clearest test.

Can I put hot things on marble?

Marble handles heat better than most materials, but sudden thermal change can cause cracking in extreme cases, and hot cookware can affect the sealant layer. Always use a trivet.

Is onyx better than marble?

Not better, but different. Onyx is rarer, more visually striking and transmits light, but it is softer and more delicate. Choose onyx for statement and illuminated pieces, and marble for heavy-use surfaces.

Is marble suitable for the Egyptian climate?

Absolutely. Marble stays naturally cool and has been a traditional material in Egyptian architecture for thousands of years. In humid coastal cities like Alexandria, periodic sealing becomes more important.

What if the piece arrives damaged?

Always ask the seller to inspect the piece in front of you before you sign for delivery, and confirm there is a clear replacement policy. Cash on delivery is your real protection in this situation.

Did not find your question?

We answer client enquiries every day. Contact us and we will help you choose the right piece for your space and use.

For more detail, see our marble care guide and buying guide for Egypt.

Does lemon really damage marble?

Yes, and faster than most people expect. Marble is calcium carbonate, and the citric acid in lemon reacts with it, dissolving a thin layer of the surface within minutes. The result is a permanent dull mark called etching, which cleaning will not remove.

The same is true of vinegar, tomato, wine, fizzy drinks and acidic bathroom cleaners.

What to do if something spills? Blot it immediately rather than wiping, rinse with clean water and dry. Speed is everything here.

Does marble scratch easily?

It sits at 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale — a key, a knife and grit under a pot base can all scratch it, while your fingernail cannot. In practice:

  • Real scratching is rare in normal use.
  • What damages marble most is acid, not scratching.
  • A honed finish hides light scratches far better than a polished one.

Is marble suitable for a home with children?

It is, with practical conditions:

  • Choose rounded edges, not sharp ones.
  • Prefer a honed finish — it hides the marks of use.
  • Check the base is stable — balance matters more than weight.
  • Use coasters, and make it a habit.

A round or oval table is clearly safer than a rectangle with sharp corners.

Is marble cold in winter?

It feels colder than wood because it conducts heat away faster, not because it is actually colder. In the Egyptian climate that is an advantage most of the year. If it bothers you, a small runner or a tray under cups settles it.

How long does marble last?

Decades, usually longer than the furniture around it and longer than the interior itself. The practical question is not "how long?" but "how will it look in ten years?" — and that depends on care and finish more than on the type of stone.

Can broken marble be repaired?

In most cases, yes. A clean crack can be bonded with a purpose-made resin to a result that is nearly invisible when done properly. A break at an edge or corner is harder, and a shattered piece may not be worth repairing.

Keep every fragment, and do not try ordinary glue — it leaves a mark harder to remove than the break itself.

Question not here? There is more in the FAQ, or ask us to call and talk it through.
Ready to choose? Browse the collection of marble tables and pieces, or order a sample to see the stone in your own light first.