Marble has been the top choice for countertops since ancient history. The elegance and beauty they add to kitchens are priceless. Owning marble countertops is a show of class and grace. If you are in the process of remodeling your kitchen, you should consider getting marble countertops. Among the many options available, marble countertops have their advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we are going to take a close look into the pros and cons of marble countertops to help you make a more informed decision.
What Are Marble Countertops?
Before getting into the pros and cons, it is essential to understand the material itself. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed under extreme pressure and heat. This means marble’s distinguishing feature is the unique veining resulting from impurities in the original limestone. Each slab of marble becomes unique because of its veining. When a marble slab is shaped into a countertop, you will get a unique countertop.
Pros of Marble Countertops
- Unmatched Beauty: When it comes to countertops, nothing can rival the natural beauty of marble. When you get marble countertops, you get a design formed in nature. This means there will be no exact copy of your countertop anywhere else. The beautiful colors, patterns, and veins of marble will instantly elevate the beauty of any space.
- Timeless Look: Marble is always in style. Marble countertops have been the top choice for hundreds of years, offering any kitchen or bathroom a timeless and classic look. Thanks to their variety of colors, patterns, and shapes, marble countertops can fit into all styles of kitchens of bathrooms.
- Soft Yet Durable: Marble is not as hard as granite. However, they are hard enough to be used as countertops. As all natural stones, marble countertops require maintenance. When maintained properly, they will last a lifetime.
- Stays Cool: Marble surfaces are naturally cool. Your marble countertops will have a high thermal mass, which means they will be able to absorb and dissipate heat quickly. Marble countertops are perfect for rolling pastry dough and tempering chocolate. That is why marble countertops are popular among bakers.
- Easy to Clean: Marble countertops are sealed during installation, which makes them relatively easy to clean. You won’t need any special cleaning product. A soft cloth, soap, and water will be enough to clean your marble countertops. Avoiding abrasive or acidic materials during cleaning is important since they can damage the marble’s finish.
- Increase Property Value: With its natural beauty and durability, marble is a long-term investment in any home. If you plan to sell your home, having marble countertops will increase the value. Potential buyers will be pleased to see the high-end material countertops. The luxurious feel and beauty of marble countertops will create a dreamy space, making your home easier to sell.
Cons of Marble Countertops
- High Maintenance: Like all natural stones, marble is porous, making it vulnerable to permanent stains. That is why marble countertops are protected by a sealant that seeps into the pores and keeps the liquids from seeping in. You will need to reseal your marble countertops regularly. The traffic determines the period of resealing your countertops get.
- Vulnerable to Scratches and Chipping: Marble doesn’t score as high as granite or quartz on the Mohs scale of hardness. Your marble countertops can scratch or chip if handled roughly. You should avoid dropping heavy objects to prevent chipping. Also, remember to use cutting boards since cutting directly on marble surfaces can scratch them.
- Stains Easily: As mentioned earlier, marble is porous, and if it’s not sealed properly, it can absorb liquids. It is vital to keep your marble surfaces dry at all times. Even a sweating bottle of water can cause stains on your marble countertops. If something spills on your marble countertops, cleaning it quickly is the way to protect your surfaces. If the spill seeps in, it will be hard to clean.
The Most Popular Questions About Marble Countertops
Do marble countertops scratch easily?
Marble is a soft stone, so it has been a popular choice for statues. Your marble countertops can be scratched easily because of their nature. Using cutting boards is always a great idea since sharp objects like knives can scratch them.
Why not use marble for kitchen countertops?
Marble has many qualities that make them ideal as kitchen countertops. However, they are not suitable for high-traffic kitchens. Their need for high maintenance makes them ideal for low-traffic areas.
Are marble countertops worth it?
Marble is a unique, natural, and durable material which makes them ideal for low-traffic areas. If you want a unique and timeless look, marble is an excellent choice.
