Marble countertops look great, and they are becoming more and more popular. But, before you make that final decision, make sure you understand the ongoing maintenance required to keep them looking great. This is especially true if installed in the kitchen.

Marble is strong, but very sensitive to some cleaning chemicals, alcohol, juices and oils. Homeowners must be vigilant about keeping their countertops cleaned and sealed. Marble may also scratch more easily than granite, so you must be careful not to cut directly on the surface. Trivets should be used for hot pots and pans. Also, never let water sit on marble as it's a very porous stone and water can seep in leaving marks and lead to cracks. Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? Daily care is so important, some fabricators require homeowners to sign an informed consent form acknowledging they have been told about the special care required. There are several website which off tips on care of marble countertops, including Life123.

As long as you have the right expectations and understand the care, marble does look great. If you're not up to the task, consider granite options which look like marble. For example, White Vermont granite (below on the right) has that white/grey look of the popular Carrera marble (below on the left).

Silestone and Caesar stone have quartz countertops which are made to look like the Carrera Marble. Another advantage to choosing granite over marble is the price. Most marbles are "special order" prices, while similar looking granite will be a category C or D price point, which is a little less.

Doing your homework before selecting your countertop will help you make the right decision. If you don't mind a little extra work and care, marble may just be the right choice.

When you are in the thick of it, every St. Louis summer seems hotter than the last (and every winter you would swear it is colder than the one before.  According to KSDK's chief meteorologist, Cindy Preszler, you are actually right this year; there have been more days that have tipped the 80 degree mark since May than St. Louis saw the entire summer last year. These are the temperatures that have even the most faithful of poolside loungers abandoning their blankets and packing into the cool waters at local swimming pools. 

If there isn't a nice, built-in pool just off your back deck (which you may be seriously considering installing at this point) there are many municipal swimming holes throughout the St. Louis region to choose from (here is a list of St. Louis area pools), and many of them are open to residents from all over the metro-area. 

So which is the best pool in St. Louis? Everyone has their favorites, and ee want to hear yours. vote below to let us know what you think is the coolest swimming spot on a hot summer's day!

Make no waste with clever uses for your under the stairs space.