Category: Home Improvement

  • Best 3 Ways to Upgrade Bathroom Yourself

    When you want to make an improvement to your home, there is no better place to start than the bathroom. After all, there isn’t a day that goes by when you won’t enter your bathroom. When you take the time to improve your bathroom, it really helps to improve your overall quality of life as well as the value of your home. However, not every bathroom remodeling project is one that you can tackle by yourself. You have to be smart and take on bathroom remodeling projects that you can handle. Here is a look at three bathroom upgrades that you can do yourself.

    1. Improve the Bathroom Lighting

    One thing that scares some people about bathroom remodeling is the thought of being forced to tackle plumbing projects. However, there are several DIY bathroom remodeling projects you can do without coming near the plumbing. One of the best non-plumbing bathroom remodeling choices is to improve the lighting.

    There are so many great ways that you can change up the lighting in your bathroom. You can add some LED lighting strips around your mirror. You can add pendant lights in front of the mirror, which will reflect light off the mirror and really brighten the room. If you want to go all-out, think about adding a chandelier to your bathroom for a touch of elegance.

    2. Add a Pedestal Sink

    If you are not afraid to do a little plumbing work, then one of the best DIY projects in the bathroom is to add a pedestal sink. A pedestal sink is not very hard to install, and it really adds a nice look to the bathroom. As well as the attractive look that pedestal sinks have, they are very practical as well. Pedestal sinks have a much smaller footprint than traditional sinks, which really opens up the floor space inside the bathroom when you install them.

    3. Upgrade Your Shower or Tub

    If you are very handy and good with plumbing, then you may want to tackle installing a brand-new tub or shower. If you go this route, think about installing a steam shower, soaking tub or whirlpool bath to add luxury to the bathroom.

    However, many folks are not comfortable tackling a DIY project so complex. Luckily, you can upgrade your bathtub or shower without putting in a new one. If you want to instantly breathe new life into an old tub or shower, then you can simply reglaze it. Reglazing is a chemical process in which a glaze binds with the existing surface to create a new protective surface that will look brand-new and be highly durable.

    These three projects are all great ways that you can add new life to your bathroom. The key to upgrading your bathroom is to pick a project that you can afford and tackle by yourself. When you take the time and effort to undertake a DIY bathroom remodeling job, it will provide you with a lot of happiness. Not only will it make your bathroom look great, but you will also enjoy the satisfaction of completing a project with your own two hands.

    John Wildes is the owner of Rub a Dub Tub Reglazing and has a passion for home improvement, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Hints On Creating a Gorgeous Outdoor Living Room

    Have you always imagined having an oasis of peace in your garden? And what is better than a combination of nature and a living space? The first step is to roll up your sleeves and reorganise your garden by making space for a living room in one of its corners, or by building a patio, for example. Having this done, all conditions are met for making a gorgeous outdoor living room for yourself, so here are some hints on achieving it.

    Furniture

    The basic things you will need in your outdoor garden is the furniture. On the one hand, you can find an excellent choice of garden furniture sets in your closest department store or on the web, ranging from garden chairs, sofas, and even TV sets. And on the other, you can be Earth-friendly and recycle your old living room furniture, or purchase used sets which you can upholster and voila! – you have new furniture. However, you have to think of bad weather, so it would be best to use nylon overlays for protection from the elements. And besides, if you decide on recycling, if the furniture gets a bit damaged you will not be so sorry for spending money on it.

    Outdoor Food Preparation

    An outdoor living room need not have only one purpose. If you plan spending a lot of your free time outside, why not consider installing some kitchen elements in the corner of the patio? This way, if you decide on inviting your friends over, you can organise dinner parties and include your guests in the preparation. This way, not only will you have assistants, but you will make the event fun and memorable.

    Shades

    Spending time outside will be more pleasant if you installed some kind of a shade above your outdoor living room. Not only will it protect you from the sun, but from sudden rain as well. You’d be more than pleasantly surprised at the selection of marquees for sale you can find today, and one of these structures will even protect you from hail and strong wind, since their construction is very strong and of top quality.

    Paravans

    A stylish garden living room can look much more sophisticated if you personalise it with a couple of paravans. Even though numerous colours of paravans are offered on the market, maybe the best choice would be white, since it fits almost any type of furniture style. Another great idea is growing plants around frames and having a green paravan instead. This will make you will feel like you are living in a garden of Eden.

    Lights

    The last thing on our list is the lighting. Good lighting is essential when the night comes, especially if you plan throwing parties in your outdoor living room. A good-insulated dimmer would be an excellent choice, especially if a regular day turns into a romantic evening with your significant other. Another thing you should keep in mind is the environment. You can install a garden solar panel or a small wind farm, and produce a sufficient amount of energy for your new favourite place at home.

  • Plan Easy & Trendy Style for Your Bathroom Renovation

    Keeping your bathroom clean and stylish is a requirement in our times. Bathroom renovations are a promising and hard task, which requires a pre-planned budget and design. Decorating the bathroom in an attractive and unique way will surely amaze your guests whenever they visit your bathroom. Keeping a bathroom tidy and stylish is also vital for good hygiene. Your bathroom renovations depend on your aesthetic sense and how beautifully and creatively you want to rebuild your bathroom. No matter whether you have a small or large area for your bathroom, you can still decorate it in an elegant and classy way.

    How to plan bathroom renovations

    • Calculating the space and measurements: The first and foremost job is to calculate the actual area of the bathroom that needs to be renovated. Accurate measurements help in easily buying materials and the decoration will be accurate according to calculations. This will make the renovation process fast and easy.
    • Preparing a budget: Every person has his or her budget according to their bathroom space and decoration style. Once you have prepared a budget then you can easily allocate your money for labor, tiles, mirror and extra items as required. Budget helps you chalk out your renovation style.
    • Calculating the time: Once you have started your bathroom renovations, you can’t keep the work going on for unending days. This is the reason why you need a preplanned stretch of days in which you can instruct your contractor to complete your bathroom renovation. Planning for the required time is also important to buy tiles, fixtures, custom made cabinets, mirrors and other essentials. Estimating the time is also important for the contractor as he has to make arrangements for secondary toilet and shower for the days when the bathroom is taken apart.
    • Work sequence: The sequence of renovation should be finalized before the procedure starts. A bathroom requires step by step renovation, starting from plumbing solutions, bathtub, flooring to cabinets. Creating the ceiling first, then the wall and lastly renovating the floor should be the sequence in order to cause no harm to the newly installed components.

    Tips on how to decorate your bathroom

    • Plumbing fixtures: No bathroom renovations could be complete without proper plumbing solutions which include updating or repairing the toilet, bidet, sink, faucet, shower head and even the bathtub. If the budget permits, you can also decide on changing the shower door, door handles, drawer pull which can completely change the look of your bathroom.
    • Creating the walls and floors: Any material can be used for surface walls and floors as long it is waterproof. Usually, the ceramic, marble or tile is used but it all depends upon your sense of style. Painted or stained cement and vinyl tiles can also be used and these easily fit in the budget. However, it should always be kept in mind that floors and walls of bathroom should pass the durability test and should be slip-resistant. 
    • Lighting: Bathroom lighting should always be simple yet beautiful. Plan for natural light and install artificial light where required which should be at least 4 watts of incandescent lighting per square foot.
    • Cabinets and shelving: in order to avoid storage problems and ensure complete storing facilities, the custom made cabinets and shelves should be installed according to your storage needs. They should accommodate all the stuff and should also look stylish at the same time.
    • Ventilation and bio-toilets: Ventilation is important not just to keep your bathroom free from odor but also to keep you healthy. Unplanned and wrong ventilation can leave the bathroom damp and moist. Even if you are not a ‘go-green’ person, you can still consider using low flow toilet (which uses less water), no VOC paint because the market is nowadays inclined towards environment friendly products.
  • Discover the Wonderful Themes, Ideas for Your Bedroom Furniture

    Bedroom is the place where you are all by yourself and of course you spouse where you relax after a hectic day at the work place. Bedroom is a cozy little place that needs to help you get a good night’s sleep and also help you get ready for the next day for work. So it naturally becomes a very important room that needs meticulous planning and organized furniture. It’s not the bed we will be talking here, but the whole room and what it needs and how you will be creating it so that it becomes the most favorite place to live in.

    Themes for the Bedroom

    Plenty of interior designers and architects work to provide themes that go with the personality of the owner of the house and also according to the budget. Bedrooms can also be a guest bedroom, master bedroom, teenage bedroom or kid’s bedroom. Apart from this, the bedroom may be created for a girl or a boy or for two children or a single one. Every bedroom has different needs and requirements, which are why while purchasing one has to be very careful about the themes or simply choose custom made bedrooms and furniture that are within your budget.

    Catch a theme like the Greek, Roman, Egyptian, oriental or even a modern them. For the Egyptian theme you can use lots of gold color in the bedroom and create interiors that look like pyramids or royalty of ancient period. One can also incorporate their way of writing on the walls and create furniture that was found in those times. Use colors that are contrasting and give dept to the room.

    Oriental theme is also great and one can get ideas from many Asian countries and use the concepts in the bedroom. The themes depict nature on a large scale and also comprise of scenic landscapes with low beds, cane mats, cane curtains etc. Use colors that are pastel and lamps that are tall with pictures on them.

    Modern themes can be anything that look funky and are cool. A modern theme means minimal use of materials to give scope to store more and yet, provide space. Modern theme is also related to environment friendly materials that can also be recycled as well. The chairs in the bedroom are simply made creatively and you see innovative designs on the bed, dressing table and the table.

    Planning and Layout Ideas

    Planning should be done based on what you will need in the bedroom and is also recommended by Sandbone. Many like to work in the bedroom, some love to watch TV or even the music and that is why space should be created in the furniture so that one can add these things as well. The dressing table is important and can be a separate one or if there is constraint on space, then it can be adjusted in the bedroom itself. Apart from this, paintings, artifacts, lamps shade, mirrors, etc.

  • Need Decoration Inspiration? 5 Great Bathroom Theme Ideas

    Moderate to Luxurious

    Nothing captures the warmth and comfort of a home quite like a touch of decor in the bathroom. Your bathroom is the one room that most family, friends and guests will use to freshen up, so it’s important to make it an inviting place for them and for yourself as well.

    Here are 5 theme and upgrade ideas to help you start decorating your bathrooms:

    1. Incorporate Light

    New lighting will really bring your bathroom to life, especially if your space is on the smaller side. It’s easiest if you start by picking a light fixture first. For less than $100, changing out the lighting fixture makes a huge impact on the room. Then, you can add in new matching faucets, frame the bathroom mirror, throw in some light colored items such as a white shower curtain and matching plush towels and rugs – and voila, a light, airy retreat!

    2. Tropical Paradise

    Want to make your bathroom feel like an exotic giveaway? We suggest switching up the scent – add in a hint of citrus for a fresh clean scent or lavender also works really well. Then, use warm tones in the décor. Sand is a popular color of rugs and towels, and it pairs well with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures. A plant on a shelf or on the bathroom counter helps finish off this exotic retreat!

    3. Romance in the Air

    If you’re more into the warm look, go for rounded mirrors and a pedestal sink, with colored candles (stick with a muted color for a more romantic vibe, any sort of pastel would work). Pay special attention to your shower curtain, a simple French script or damask can pattern would be a great fit for this theme. Artwork on the walls would definitely be a nice finishing touch.

    4. Dark and Exclusive

    A lot of people are afraid of dark paint, especially in a small windowless bathroom. However, studies have shown that with the proper lighting, dark paint can actually enhance a room and make it appear bigger. Try it – paint your ceiling a darker color than the walls, and bring the paint line down a foot from the actual edge. This creates an optical illusion. Most people’s eyes won’t immediately find the corners of the room, making the ceiling look higher! Add in grey walls and silver décor and hardware for a pop of contrast, and don’t forget the lighting – you don’t want it to feel like a cave.

    5. Clean and Organized

    Want to make your bathroom look like it came straight out of a magazine? Buy a few apothecary jars for your bathroom counter, and stock them with your everyday items such as cotton balls and Q-Tips. Instead of the plastic bottle it came in, put your mouthwash in a fancy glass jar with a stopper. For other items that aren’t as visually appealing, buy bins that you can label and store hidden away in bathroom cabinets.

    John Wildes is the owner of rubadubtubreglazing.com and has a passion for home improvement, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Want A Great Looking Bathroom? Think Stainless Steel Fittings!

    Stainless steel is used extensively throughout the world in every household be it for home decorations, kitchen appliances, utensils, or wall cabinets and is it also used in bathrooms. The appeal of the metal lies mainly in its sturdiness and endurance. Its non-corrosive nature ensures its longevity. The fittings made from this material have all the above-mentioned features and give relief from regular wear and tear.

    Steel Fittings for Fashionable Bathrooms

    Taps, shower heads, traps, drains, wastes, toilet roll holders and towel rails are all different types of stainless steel fittings found in a bathroom. Coordinated in patterns, they make it look very stylish and soothing to the eye. But choosing the perfect ones can be confusing because it has to look good and perform the function that it is being bought for effectively. Some things to be kept in mind while buying them:
     
    • Brand: Stainless steel is long lasting but if a branded product is bought it maintains a certain standard of quality. The designs are also better which is an added advantage. Any brand would give its best to maintain the goodwill.
    • Utility: The metal is very hard and cannot be easily damaged. Its corrosion resistance feature makes it the ideal thing to build taps, drains and other bathroom items that are constantly in touch with water. It is rust proof, so it can work well in areas of hard water.
    • Design: It is very important for the thing to be user-friendly. Taps, for instance, come in many styles like crosshead or lever taps which are the most common. But the one placed in a kitchen cannot be anything elaborate because some space is required so that the spout does not get in the way. Likewise, in smaller bathrooms, slim double lever taps would be ideal.
    • Reducing Plumbing Costs: Washer-less taps reduce the cost of plumbing. They are available in three types namely-ball, cartridge and ceramic disc taps that use a stainless steel ball, a plastic or brass cartridge and ceramic plates respectively to regulate temperature and flow of water.
    • Expense: Like all stainless steel fittings it can also come in cheaper varieties that may be enticing considering the price but would not be a good deal. Afford the best quality you can because the mechanisms of the cheaper ones may not work properly for long.
    • Temperature Resistance: Mixer taps work best with this metal because waters of different temperatures are mixed here. Since stainless steel is resistant to both high and low temperatures, it does not affect the product through long period of usage.
    • Mix and Match: Drains and wastes made of the same material can be matched with the other fittings, making the bathroom look great.
    • Everlasting Appeal: The metal and its appeal can survive renovations. The shine stands out against any background, and even when you renovate the rest of the bathroom, these fittings can be left out. Don’t forget to cover them, or else scratches are inevitable.
    Though stainless steel fittings can be bought from any hardware store, they are readily available online. Browsing through the catalogues of different online stores, they can be purchased from the comfort of your home. The information available will help you buy the best items for your bathroom. They are often available on discounts during stock clearance. You can check the store and product review before purchasing it. Payment options are easy and the delivery is prompt.
     
    These fittings are incredibly durable and can last for ages, therefore these fittings are most popular for the every house owner. Then, for what you are waiting, just grab stainless steel fittings from the hardware store and use it to give extra ordinary look to your bathroom.
  • Hints on Escaping the Clogged Drain Nightmare

    Many people don’t pay attention to the choking of their drainage system until it’s too late. Dirt from soap, toothpaste and hair make a very resistant-to-removing composition of dirt. One day we notice that the sink takes longer to drain, the water pooling around your feet in the shower and, of course, the stench. Those are the warning signs that your drain is on its way to be clogged. You need to deal quickly with this kind of problems, or face the risk that a burst pipe or a useless bathroom awaits you in the relatively near future.

    Clean to Prevent

    Prevention is better than cure and every household owner should clean his drains regularly. You don’t need to use hard chemicals or numerous commercial products, but any available physical objects (plunger) and all the green methods. Drain clogs are best prevented by good habits and basic maintenance. According to a reputed Sydney-based drain cleaning service, you should clean your sink strainers as often as you can.
    You also don’t want to dump neither food (it should go in the dustbin) nor grease (let it cool, put it in a container and throw it away) in the sink. And always run cold water while you’re grinding up food scraps, otherwise food particles will build up in the drain.  The sink stopper in the bathroom should be cleaned frequently. Avoid flushing paper towels or other paper products down toilets. To dissolve the buildups before they cause blockage, pour hot water down your drain once a week. Have your home septic system (if you have one) inspected every few years because it may need pumping.

    Get Down to It

    But drains and pipes get clogged, especially if you don’t live on your own, and it’s the most normal thing. Everyone should know a few do-it-yourself tricks for unclogging your drains.
    • The first thing that pop into everyone’s mind is touse your plunger, see if you can unclog it. If that doesn’t work, try the simplest and effective tool – the bent wire hanger. Take a regular wire coat hanger, straighten it out, and then bend one end over to create a small hook. Push that in and start unblocking, but remember that you want to pull the gunk out, not push it further in. After that, run some hot water in the drain.
    • You need some boiling water, two cups of baking soda and one cup of vinegar (alternatively, get as much of the dry baking soda as you can down the drain first, then pour on the vinegar). Pour it down the clogged drainand let it sit for at least one hour. The fizzing action will help to remove the filth that has built up in the pipe and after that flush with hot water.
    • Sometimes, only a kettle of boiling water may be of great assistance. Clogs develop because of fats and oils that get cold in the pipe, so hot water can dissolve the blockage and clear the clog. You can also mix it with salt, borax, vinegar and lemon acid.
    • If none of these works, don’t hesitate to call a drain cleaning service. They have the tools and equipment for drain cleaning allows you to save your money, and letting the process run smoothly so you can get on with your life.
    Drain blocking can be a headache. So try to prevent it with simple routines like pouring hot water in it and disposing food and grease in a trash can. On the other hand, it’s the most normal and frequent thing that happens to everybody, but when it does – act immediately by using these tips, and reduce the risk of bigger problems like pipe bursting or a stinky useless bathroom.
  • How to Shop for the Perfect Bed Mattress

    A few shoppers enter a bed mattress or furniture store with just a limited knowledge of what you are looking for. As is the case with the car shopping, this is a sad thing because often the shopper does not get either the right price or the right mattress. Whether you are buying a bed or a car, it is important to be equipped with the knowledge that you need to make the right choice. Here are a few tips that will help you to leave the store with the best mattress at the best rates: 

    Understand Your Needs

    If you are looking for a sedan, you will not look for sports cars and SUVs. The same holds true when you shop for the bed mattresses, and this is perhaps why you need to narrow down your selection.

    • Sizes: What size of bed mattress do you need? You need to have a specific idea in your mind whether you are looking for a king, queen, twin or some other size of mattress. Take your measurements beforehand to understand whether it will fit or not.
    • Types: Do not worry a lot about the details of every type of mattress. You might have preferences on the basis of your experience or you can really enjoy the benefits of a particular type of mattress. This includes the motion absorption on memory foam and the high end innerspring models.
    • Best Brands: Look around for the best brands that you will deal with while you go shopping. What are the brands which you are comfortable with? Which are the ones that offer a good warranty?

    Get the Best Price

    Getting the bed mattress of your choice at the right time can make a huge difference and help you save hundreds of dollars and more. Here are a few insider mattress shopping tips that can help to save your money to the maximum possible.

    • Check the Sales: Retailers have their mattresses on sale on a regular basis. You can keep track of these sales by regularly checking them. Strike when the iron is hot.
    • The Bottom Line: You need to look at what you will receive at the end of the transaction. A number of sales will have a free box spring or incentive similar incentive, and this will bring down the overall cost of a new bed. A bed includes a frame, box spring and mattress.
    • Mental Solace: What about the financing part? What if there is a better price or you do not like your mattress? The top brands offer a lot of flexibility and comfort in order to offer the much needed mental peace.

    Take It to the Store

    You need to take your knowledge and useful bed mattress shopping tips to the store in order to get the perfect mattress that you are looking for. The most important thing that you can do here is to experience the different types of mattresses. Test the different kinds that are available and look for yourself and then take the one that you prefer. Pay attention to the support, firmness and the overall feel of the mattress. What will be best for your sleeping position and your partner? What are the mattress materials that you really enjoy – a blend of cotton and polyester or cashmere and silk?

    While looking for a bed mattress, allow the staff to help you find the mattress that will be right for your needs. Hence, you can get the best price on a mattress that you are going to love and cherish for years. Take a step at a time in order to prepare your dream bed.


  • How Awnings Can Redefine Your Home

    Awnings have been used since ancient times. However, their popularity dwindled with the air conditioning becoming a standard in homes. With the rising costs of energy, the various ways to save money has brought them back as a simple and inexpensive home improvement project that can save a lot of money on the energy that we have to spend. The long lasting and beautiful choices of fabric make their installation not just a way to save, but also an option to add the much needed value and beauty to your property.

    Save Energy and Benefits

    Recent research states that awnings can save 50% of your cooling costs. What most of us do not realize is that there are eco-friendly ways to stay cool. While the AC can lead to higher energy bills, these shades can work with the air conditioner in order to keep the house cooler and the combination of both reduces the need for extra energy. When installed on your window, these can do more than just cooling the interiors. They protect your hardwood floors and furnishings from getting damaged by the sun. They look attractive and save a lot of energy when compared with the glass. The awning reduces the inner temperature of your house and your cooling bills.

    The heat from the sun can be reduced by around 77% with the help of window awnings. A retractable awning on your patio or deck can create an outdoor living space or entertainment area for your friends in order to have a chilled out time in the hot summer days. You have a choice of colors to consider and can turn your backyard into a beach-like oasis with the awning and outdoor furniture.

    Types of Awnings

    There are different styles for different uses at home. The high quality ones might be bit more expensive, although in the long run they will cost less every year. Here are the types to consider:

    • Retractable Patio Awnings: These could be seen on upscale homes. Nowadays these awnings are affordable and can last for many years without the need of maintenance. The shades can easily be extended or retracted with a motor or hand crank. The motors come with wind sensors and remotes which will automatically retract the awnings in case there is a sudden gale and the shade was extended. They are also ideal for outdoor entertainment and keep the French doors and sliders shaded to make your house cooler.
    • Window Awnings: These are available in traditional and modern styles. The traditional window shades have sides for more sun protection than the shades without sides. Those with sides are required for the west and east facing windows.
    • Spear Awning: These are made with wrought iron frames and spear finials. They look superb on adobe and modern homes.
    • Drop Arm Awning: Meant for windows that roll up on a roller tube and can be motor operated. The latter are good for second story windows for being easily retractable from within.
    • Porch Awning: These are around the perimeter of your porch and add protection and privacy. These can keep your porch cool and protect it from the rain and sun. You may use the window awning around your porch and also add a pulley system for the ease of operation. Porch valances can even be added to decorate your porch. While they are decorative, they do not offer much protection because they are a small accent to the porch. They are 12 inches to 14 inches tall and wrap around the porch to add color, softening the hard lines. They are a popular feature on coastal homes.

    After reading this blog you have all the necessary detail about awnings and you also have an enough idea to make decision of choosing the best awning that give stunning look to your home.

  • How to Make the Best Use of Marble in the Kitchen

    Some people think that marble as a kitchen design portrays luxury and beauty, class in fact. On the other hand, other people deem it too cold and sterile due to its heaviness and rigidness. There seems that there are no middle grounds here, you are either pro or contra. If you did set your mind on using it, here are some thoughts on what you should pay attention to in terms of size of the elements, their shape, installation and maintenance.

    Shape

    Marble is a natural and rigid material and you are somewhat limited when the choice of shapes is concerned.  Somewhat being said for a reason, since, the recommended and most common shapes of marble are oval and rectangular, practically the usual shapes of elements you would normally use in the kitchen. However, despite these limitations, a gifted hand can create beautiful works of art by carving marble and you will easily find a special place for them in your kitchen as well. Check out these splendid images for inspiration. One thing, thou, requires special attention. Make sure the edges are rounded  because if you leave them sharp you will certainly regret it. In this case, sharp does mean sharp and those edges would be a permanent danger.

    Size

    Practically all the limitations when size is the matter are due to heaviness of marble. For example, if you wish to have a thick and long countertop, make sure the legs can withstand it. The more fragile they are the thinner marble you will have to use. Other than that, you are safe, whichever length and width you choose the marble peace will be delivered.  According to the renowned Sydney-based suppliers of floor tiles, all marble tiles, as well as any other elements, are calibrated to +/- 1mm, unless you specifically note otherwise.
    Installing marble is a hassle-free activity. If you got the dimension right you basically have to put it in the desired place and forget about it. Due to its heaviness, there rarely is a need of tightening it to the surface. However, if this does not leave you at rest and you want to use tightening screws, ask the company you bought the elements from to drill all the necessary holes since it requires craftsmanship and special tools.

    Maintenance

    Marble is prone to staining and even more to etching. Almost anything you put on your countertop will leave a stain, even water. Most of them can be removed using suitable cleaners and you will have no trouble finding nonaggressive marble ones, but be prepared to clean your marble surfaces constantly if you want them to look clean.  Etching, on the other hand, is something you have to accept as unavoidable. Calcium Carbonate, the primary component of marble reacts with acid substances that are found in tomato sauce and orange juice, among others. As you can see, no matter how precautious you are, marble is bound to show signs of etching and if you are prepared to tolerate occasional stains and imminent etchings, once again, there is no reason to avoid marble.
    Hopefully, we solved any dilemma you had and reinforced your decision to choose marble. If you are prepared to tolerate its minor downsides years of enjoying its beauty and class are ahead of you.