Marble Countertops

Marble has been used by humankind for centuries. It can easily be associated with beauty and elegance. Whether used as a statue in Ancient Greece, Tahj Mahal, or a modern kitchen countertop, this natural stone instantly makes a statement where it is used.

If you are renovating your kitchen and looking for a countertop material, marble is one of the most popular options in the market. It is always wise to learn more about the right material before making a purchase. You may have heard many things about marble countertops. In this post, we will take a deep look into marble countertops and give you all the information you need to determine if a marble countertop is right for your kitchen.

What is Marble?

Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from various rocks’ metamorphosis under high pressure and extreme heat. Rocks like limestone and dolomite are the main ingredients. Impurities in the limestone can recrystallize during the metamorphosis to create the marble’s color, patterns, and veining. Marble takes centuries to form and can be found all over the world.

Marble has been used to make many things, such as flooring, fireplaces, countertops, statues, and many more. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of marble countertops.

What are the Advantages of Marble Kitchen Countertops?

• Spectacular Beauty: Marble is a timeless natural stone that is by far the most beautiful among other countertop materials. If you wish to add a gorgeous design element to your kitchen, marble is a great option. A marble countertop can instantly make your kitchen stand out, providing elegance and sophistication. Since it is a natural stone, each marble slab is unique in color and veins.
• Heat Resistant: Marble countertops can withstand high temperatures. However, since a sealant is used to protect your marble surfaces, this heat can cause damage to the sealant. Using mats or trivets when using natural stone countertops is always the wisest choice.
• Temperament: The cool surface of marble makes it ideal for baking. Pastry chefs and chocolatiers have used marble as their countertops for a long time, and it is still a number one choice.
• Long Life: Marble is a durable natural stone, and with the proper care, your marble kitchen countertops last very long. After all, think of all the marvelous marble statues that have stood the test of time since ancient Greece or Rome. However, note that marble countertops are especially great for low-traffic kitchens.

What are the Disadvantages of Marble Kitchen Countertops?

• Porous Nature: Just like many other natural stone countertops, marble kitchen countertops have a porous surface. It requires sealing during installation and resealing multiple times over time.
• High Maintenance: Marble countertops require much more maintenance than many other countertop materials. If your marble isn’t appropriately sealed, you may have to deal with damage like bacterial growth, permanent stains, and scratches.
• Vulnerable to Acid: Acidic spills are inevitable in kitchens. The lemons or tomatoes you cut have acidic juices that can damage your marble countertops. We recommend using cutting boards to prevent these kinds of spills.
• Cost: Marble may not be the most expensive stone in the market, but it is still a natural stone and much more costly than other materials. Generally speaking, marble lies in the mid to high range of price. Remember that each marble slab is different and can have varying prices.

Are Marble Countertops Right for You?

The answer really depends on your personal choices. There are a lot of factors that affect your decision when purchasing a new countertop.

If you don’t have a busy kitchen, you don’t need to worry about many of the downsides of marble kitchen countertops. With proper care, your marble surfaces will keep looking beautiful and elegant. Even if your marble countertops get scratches or etch, they won’t be noticeable unless they get direct sunlight from a specific angle. The natural aging process of marble looks fantastic as well. If you enjoy small details like this, then go for marble. After all, it is the most exquisite natural stone out there.

How to Care for Marble Countertops?

As we have mentioned numerous times, you must seal your countertops first. Depending on the frequency you use them, resealing your marble surfaces every 6-12 months is a great way to protect them.

It is crucial to avoid acidic cleaning solutions for cleaning your marble surfaces. Using marble cleaners is strongly advised. However, you can always use warm water and dish soap for basic spills.

Never cut directly on your marble countertops. Sharp objects like knives can scratch the surface, making your countertops susceptible to staining. Acidic liquids like lemon juice or vinegar can damage your marble surfaces, so be careful not to spill them on your countertops. Also, it is essential to clean up spills quickly. Since marble is porous, these spills can seep into the stone, making a permanent stain. Marble is resistant to heat, but the sealant may not be as resistant. So don’t put hot pots or pans directly on your marble counters.

Conclusion

Marble countertops are among the most popular types of natural stone countertops in kitchens. Especially white marbles such as Calacatta or Carrara marble are pretty popular. Selecting a marble countertop can instantly elevate your kitchen design and add flair. Still, you should remember the costs involved in purchasing the material and the maintenance required. Marble is durable and will last a long time. However, it ranks at 5 on Moh’s scale of hardness, which is average in strength and hardness. Still, marble countertops are totally viable for domestic purposed kitchen countertops.