Fantasy Brown Marble, often called Fantasy Brown Granite, is quickly becoming a popular countertop choice. And, it’s no wonder. A stone that looks like marble, but can have the durability of granite? Yes, please!
Fantasy Brown is gorgeous. It has the natural beauty of marble with wavy diagonal lines that provide an exciting sense of movement. Its color palette of warm tones in cream, grey, and tan makes it extremely versatile and it can be used as a neutral when paired with more colorful elements like cabinets, backsplashes, and accessories. It works with so many different design styles – everything from traditional to modern.
Fantasy Brown Marble really is a great option for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It can be stunning when used as a kitchen island countertop or paired with dark blue kitchen cabinets. Or, try it in a posh master bedroom dressing room style closet.
Best of all, this stone is known for its durability, which can be attributed to its layers of quartzite. However, it’s not 100% quartzite, so it’s not completely indestructible. Fantasy Brown contains calcium carbonate, which gives it some of the same qualities as marble, meaning it can stain, etch, and scratch. While it does need a bit of care and attention to keep it looking good, for some people, it’s worth it.
Is Marble Better than Granite?
Marble is not better than granite, and granite is not better than marble. They are just different. It’s like asking if a banana is better than an apple. It all depends on what you like.
Marble and granite each have their own benefits and drawbacks, and it’s best to choose a countertop based on your likes, your commitment to caring for the countertops, as well as your lifestyle.
Granite is durable and can withstand a lot of abuse. It doesn’t need to be babied. That’s why it is so often the go-to countertop for kitchens. When properly sealed and maintained, it’s practically indestructible. If you’re a messy cook or lazy housekeeper (or have a houseful of others that are!) then granite is probably the better choice for you.
Marble, on the other hand, can etch, scratch, and stain rather easily. For some people, those drawbacks are a benefit as the use creates a wonderful patina. The natural warmth of marble, combined with the patina makes marble a great choice for them. But, for others, who want the marble to look pristine, the constant effort to keep marble looking like new is too much work. So, it really all depends on you and your expectations.
The durability of the countertops will really depend on the individual slabs used. A slab with a high quartzite content is going to need less care and protection than one with a lot of calcium carbonate, and vice versa.
No matter which “patina camp” you fall into, you’ll want to take care of your counters so they last a lifetime. Keep reading to learn how.
Is Fantasy Brown Marble or Granite?
The answer to this question is a little complicated. While it contains both marble and granite, it doesn’t contain enough to be considered either one of these.
Sealing Fantasy Brown Marble Countertops
Fantasy Brown Marble, while harder than most marbles, is still a porous stone. It needs to be sealed in order to repel stains. However, the sealant will not prevent etching or scratches.
There are many marble sealers on the market, so check with your fabricator/installer to get their recommendations for your particular stone. Marble should be sealed periodically, and again, it’s best to check with your fabricator/installer as to the regularity.
Protecting Fantasy Brown Marble
Prevention is the key to protecting these countertops. Always use cutting boards, trivets and coasters. Clean spills immediately – especially citrus, tomatoes, and wine. Avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners.
Consider using a honed or leathered surface treatment. Surface damage, from staining to etching to scratches, will be the most visible on a polished surface. A honed surface will hide etching and scratches a bit more, while a leathered Fantasy Brown Marble will hide the most damage.
Cleaning Fantasy Brown Marble
For daily cleaning, use a gentle, non-abrasive dish soap and warm water on marble countertops. Be sure to rinse well, and dry the countertop completely. Leaving water on the countertop can result in etching. Never use acidic cleaners – especially those that contain lemon juice, ammonia or vinegar.
Liquid spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible. In particular, those that could possibly stain, such as coffee, wine, or juice. Dry materials, like turmeric, can also stain, so be sure to clean those up as well.
Just like sealants, consult your fabricator/installer for the best cleaning products for your particular slab.
Stains can be removed using a poultice. Several different recipes and techniques can be found online. Their methods, ingredients, and effectiveness usually depend upon the stain.
Repairing Fantasy Brown Marble
Inevitably, a marble countertop will sustain some kind of damage. Stains, etching, scratches, and even chips are part of life. Depending on the size and location, a chip can possibly be repaired. Etching and scratches can be sanded out, but this is typically best left to professionals and not really a DIY project.
While Fantasy Brown Marble is not a completely carefree countertop material, with a little care and caution, it can last a lifetime.
If you’re planning on getting new countertops in a remodel or new build, be sure to check out our FREE Countertop Cost Calculator to get an idea of which materials will fit your budget.
Pin this for later:
