We have samples of 8 stones for the master bath and powder room; granite, travertine, marble.

Over the weekend, we decided to do the stain test -- perfume, hair color, cleaners, etc on each piece.

Our result -- the honed marble and travertine -- horrible. Stains were noticable and deep into the stone. No way that I would use either for the counter. The polished marble -- a few shadows of stains, but none that would really bother me (its calacutta, so has greys, blacks, golds in it anyway -- that hides things I think) . The granites -- perfect --no visible stains afterwards.

So that helped the decision -- absolutely no honed marble at all. Travertine, only for the floor, if that. Will likely use polished marble in the master and granite in hall bath.

I'd say if you like the honed marble (and we did!), probably ok for a powder room, as long as you don't have kids -- wouldn't even consider to use in a master. (not if you have as much hair, face, makeup, etc stuff as seem to!!)

Thank you peteinsonj and pricklypearcactus.

peteinsonj: I like the way you tested all of these materials. Did you try any of the engineered stones like Cesarstone or Silestone? I have seen a white that has little sparkles in it and I'm attracted to the sparkles and it's a bonus that it cleans up so well.

pricklypearcactus: Thanks for sharing your experience with the Restoration Hardware vanity.

I'll have to give this a little more thought before finalizing my choices. I do like the one stop shopping with the vanity and accompanying vanity top.

We have been in our new house for almost a year and a half. We have honed marble on the vanity which is a double sink and dressing area, the tub surround, floors, walls and shower. I have to admit we are very careful. We don't put anything on the counter unless it is on a tray ( from Target) that is backed or on a towel. We always dry off any wet spots. We had everything resealed after a year. It really is beautiful. Some people had tried to talk us out of it, but we made the commitment to be very careful. I am not sorry. I would never do this in a kid's bathroom.

Also, I believe you can purchase samples from Restoration Hardware of the vanity tops. You might try purchasing a sample and setting it on your current countertop and using it as you do your current countertop to see how the marble performs.

Hi,

Well, my DH is a bull in a china shop, so I don't think we meet the careful criteria. In fact, I am careful to pick everything up around the house, otherwise, he'll trip over anything and everything in his pathway. It's one reason why we have a big dog ;-).

I like the suggestion of purchasing some samples and trying it out. This is pretty much peteinsonj did as well. Well, I guess it's good to be mulling these things over before making any selections!

Thanks for the insightful comments.

Marble stains and etches - honed or polished. However, honed etches more than polished even if you seal it. I still did honed white calacatta countertops in powder room and guest bath. I love honed and all my stone tiles are honed despite the fact that it etches more. The work in the bathrooms are done, and I saw 2 slight stains in the guest bath counter. I scrubbed and scrubbed, and the stains were probably left by the workers. The stains are still there -- sigh! If you can live with etching or if you think you will take good care of it, I say go for it. Else think twice! Honestly I would have taken care of it, but the workers left the stains.