Is real marble or marble effect better for a dining table?

Real marble for permanence and the genuine cool-stone surface; marble effect (sintered stone, porcelain, MDF print) for stain resistance and lighter weight. Real marble stains under acidic spills (wine, lemon, vinegar) within minutes if unsealed; marble effect shrugs all of it off. The real-stone look ages better; the effect-finish look stays new-looking longer.

How heavy is a marble dining table?

A 180cm rectangular marble-top 6-seater weighs 120 to 200kg. The top alone is 80 to 130kg and needs 3 to 4 people to lift on its own. Solid marble round tables (120cm) weigh 90 to 150kg. Plan delivery and room layout before ordering: once placed, a marble table is effectively permanent furniture.

Do marble dining tables need sealing?

Yes, every 6 to 12 months for honed or natural finish marble; lacquered finishes are pre-sealed at factory. Apply a stone sealer (Lithofin, HG Marble Polish, £15 to £30) with a soft cloth, leave for 5 minutes, buff off. Without sealing, red wine and tomato sauce leave permanent stains in the natural pores of the stone within hours.

Are marble dining tables child- and family-friendly?

Marble effect, yes. Real marble, less so: it scratches with cutlery, stains under acidic spills, and a heavy plate dropped from height chips the edge. Pigment-sealed marble effect (Stone International Furniture, Furniture in Fashion ranges, £400 to £900) handles family use; genuine marble (£1,200-plus) is best where the table is treated formally with placemats and coasters.

How do you remove stains from a marble dining table?

Fresh stains: blot immediately and apply a baking soda paste (3 parts soda, 1 part water), leave 24 hours, wipe off. Set stains (etching from acid): polish with a marble polishing powder (£10 to £20) and a soft cloth. Deep stains may need professional re-honing (£100 to £300 per visit). Prevention beats cure: coasters and placemats are not optional on real marble.

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