My first natural stone table: 5 things you need to know

The decision to buy a natural stone table is not only a commitment to style and elegance, but also an investment in sustainability and longevity. Natural stone, with its unparalleled beauty and uniqueness, offers unmatched aesthetics in your home or office. But to ensure the best experience with your natural stone table, there are some important aspects you should consider.

We have put together five essential points in our “My first natural stone table” guide that every future owner of a table made of marble or other natural stone should know:

1. Natural stone requires maintenance

Although natural stone is known for its durability, it still requires some care to maintain its beauty. As a pure natural material, it can be compared to materials such as leather or wood, which become more beautiful with age but also require a little care .

Materials such as limestone are known for their ability to absorb water quickly, which can lead to stains and watermarks if the table has not been waterproofed, the liquid has been left on for too long, or the table has not been cleaned regularly. 

Regularly and quickly wiping up spills and using coasters can help protect the surface of your table. However, the be-all and end-all to protect your natural stone table is impregnation, which leads us to point number 2 in our guide.

2. The necessity of impregnation

To preserve the natural beauty of your stone table, you should impregnate marble and all other natural stones 1-2 times a year . This protective treatment helps to seal the pores of the stone, reducing the absorption of liquids and the formation of stains . Some of our natural stone tables are already impregnated when delivered. Please ask our customer service whether this is also the case for your unique piece.

Impregnation is a simple process that helps to increase the longevity of your table and improves its ease of maintenance . Our natural stone care set includes such an impregnating agent.

3. Longevity and Sustainability

In contrast to cheap furniture and plastic products, natural stone offers unparalleled durability and sustainability. With proper care, natural stone tables can last for many, many generations without losing their beauty or functionality. The marble works of art from antiquity bear witness to this.

This timelessness and robustness make natural stone an environmentally sustainable choice that generates less waste and eliminates or at least reduces the need for replacement purchases. A natural stone table therefore reduces your ecological footprint and is an investment in the collective well-being of our society. 

4. The historical emergence of natural stone

You're not just buying a natural stone table, you're buying a true work of art from Mother Nature. Natural stone is a product of our planet and its geological processes, with the formation of a natural stone taking millions to billions of years. Marble and other natural stones are mined in quarries around the world, with each stone telling a unique story of its geological formation. Some natural stones are formed from prehistoric sands and other natural stones are a result of the “mixing” of different minerals through pressure. 

If you would like to learn more about the history of the different types of natural stone and how the formation of a natural stone determines its characteristics, then we recommend this article .

The use of natural stone dates back to antiquity and Ancient Egypt, where it was used in monumental buildings, temples, pyramids and sculptures that still exist today. This deep historical rooting gives natural stone tables not only aesthetic beauty, but also cultural and historical value of our human history.

5. Different types of natural stone have different requirements

Not all natural stones are created equal. Some varieties, such as limestones (e.g. our black Nero Marquina and our beige Crema Marfil), are more delicate and require more attention in care. These stones may not be the best choice for absolute beginners in the world of natural stone tables.

Marble is a little denser and harder than limestone. Lighter types of marble like Olympus White or Bianco Carrara are therefore a little more forgiving when it comes to water stains or scratches. Additionally, a satin finish (matte and structural in appearance) can be easier to maintain than a highly polished surface - this applies to both marble and limestone. 

On the other hand, quartzites (such as Copacabana, Venom, and Patagonia) are known for their hardness, scratch resistance, and ease of care, making them an excellent option for those who value both beauty and functionality. Quartzite is harder and more scratch-resistant than marble and limestone. 

Especially easy to care for:

Quartzite and dense marble varieties

Need a little more attention: 

Limestones such as Nero Marquina, Crema Marfil and Grigio Marquina

Keep this in mind if you have young children at home or know you want a natural stone variety that is easy to maintain. When choosing your first natural stone table, it is important to consider both the aesthetic and practical aspects.

Knowing these five basic points will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your natural stone table is an addition to your home that you will treasure for years to come.