Marble Countertop Installation and Repair

Start-to-Finish Marble Countertop Installation

Mr. Handyman can take care of the entire installation process – we’re truly your kitchen installation and repair experts. For countertop replacements, we’ll remove and dispose of the old countertop. Next, we’ll prep the base cabinets and kitchen area for your new masterpiece. This will include leveling the base cabinets and adding reinforcements and more.

After the installation, we can take care of the kitchen backsplash, kitchen sink installation and more! With Mr. Handyman, there’s no need to call multiple contractors, saving you time and money.

Marble Countertop Sealing

Once we’ve installed the countertop, our experts will take the necessary steps to seal the marble to prevent stains and etching. This preventative maintenance is important to maintain appearance and prevent permanent stains and damage. Since this needs to happen at least once a year, we can walk you through the steps to take care of your marble countertops or we can come back when it’s time to reseal the countertops.

Marble Countertop Repair

Marble may be a durable material, but it’s not invincible. Repairing marble countertops is a difficult task. If your marble countertops are cracked, etched, chipped or stained, our experts will find a repair solution. Whether this is replacing the damaged section or using special adhesives to make a repair, we’ll make it look as if nothing happened.

Marble Countertop Installers Near Me

Marble countertops transform your kitchen. Protect your investment with professional marble countertop installation and repair services from experts who care. Give us a call or request service online.

All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about the marble countertop kitchen services offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about marble countertop kitchen services.

How is a marble countertop installed?

Due to the weight and delicate nature of the material, it's highly recommended to hire a professional for marble countertop installation. Professional installers will ensure your new marble countertop is level, secure, and a beautiful addition to your home. Here are typical steps for professional countertop installation services.

• Remove the existing countertop.
• Level the installation area with shims and other methods.
• Install a plywood substrate and secure it to the cabinet frame.
• Install additional supports for overhangs if needed.
• Dry fit the countertops to ensure the measurements are correct.
• Remove the countertop and apply a layer of adhesive to the cabinet frame.
• Place the countertop onto the adhesive and check if it's level.
• Secure the countertop with clamps until the adhesive sets.
• Apply color-match epoxy to the seams.
• Caulk where the countertop meets the wall and cutouts for the sink.
• Seal the marble with a penetrating sealer to protect it from staining.

Do you glue down marble countertops?

Yes. Because natural stone like marble can't be secured with screws, marble countertops are usually glued to the substrate with a high-quality adhesive like silicone. The adhesive must be designed for marble-to-wood applications and resistant to extreme temperatures and moisture.

It's essential that the adhesive is applied evenly and according to the manufacturer's instructions. Thin or thick spots in the adhesive can lead to an uneven marble countertop installation that is not as secure as it should be. Eventually, those new countertops could lift, shift, or crack, creating permanent damage.

Do you need plywood under a marble countertop?

Sometimes, plywood is essential under a marble countertop installation, depending on the marble's thickness and strength. Many contractors use ACX plywood beneath marble counters because of its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Plywood is also easy to cut, so it's ideal for a custom fit at seams and cutouts. Here are examples of when plywood is essential beneath marble.

Thin Marble

The most common thickness for marble countertops is 1.25 inches, which is strong enough to support itself without plywood. Thin marble can be less than half of an inch thick, requiring additional support like plywood.

Thick Marble

While a plywood substrate is typically not needed for thick marble, certain areas may require additional support. Plywood beneath the marble may be necessary around the sink, dishwasher, and other cutouts for adequate support.

How do you secure a marble table top to the base?

To secure a marble table top to a base, you can glue a plywood fixing plate to the underside of the marble, then screw the table base directly into the plywood. The plywood also serves as a substrate that will support the marble and prevent cracking and other damage. Here are the steps service professionals follow to install a marble top to a table base.

• Clean the marble and plywood and apply an even coat of construction adhesive made for wood and stone.
• Clamp the plywood and marble together until the glue has cured.
• Turn the table base upside down and install brackets onto the table legs to secure the base to the plywood.
• Flip the base and position the tabletop.
• Screw the plywood substrate to the brackets.

Why not use marble countertops in a kitchen?

There's no denying that marble is a beautiful stone that can transform a home's decor. However, this natural material isn't as durable or heat-resistant as other popular countertop installation materials like quartz or granite. Marble is less durable because the stone is porous and not as dense as alternatives, so it’s not usually the best choice for kitchen countertops. Marble is susceptible to etching, scratching, and staining, plus it requires more maintenance than most natural stone materials.

Stains

The porous nature of marble makes spills a danger. Food pigments in wine, tomatoes, and other products can quickly create staining.

Etching

Acidic foods like lemons, oranges, and others can dull the finish and cause etching in marble, ruining the finish.

Scratches

Soft stone countertops like marble can be easily scratched by cookware, utensils, and abrasive cleaners. Unlike most other natural stone materials, using a cutting board when preparing food on a marble countertop is essential.

Scorches

Marble isn't heat resistant, making it susceptible to discoloration, burn marks, and thermal shock, which can cause permanent damage. When cooking near marble, always use trivets or pot holders beneath hot cookware.

Maintenance

Cutting boards, placemats, and coasters are a must for keeping marble countertops looking new. Spills must be cleaned up immediately to prevent staining. Marble also requires resealing, sometimes every three to six months depending on usage.