Marble kitchen countertops look great, but are they really the best choice for your home?
For starters, there’s the ever-present dilemma of marble vs. quartz. Though quartz is the more durable material, it’s also more expensive. Plus, most white quartz countertops are less stain-resistant than their marble counterparts.
Of course, there are many other suitable countertop surfaces. Granite, concrete, recycled glass, and stainless steel are all options worth considering.
That said, marble hits that sweet spot of elegance and affordability. Here’s what you should know about marble countertops.
Marble Kitchen Countertops 101
First of all, what is marble? Well, it’s a type of metamorphic stone that’s known for its crystalline nature. Due to the rich veins of mineral deposits in the stone, no two slabs of marble are exactly the same.
When it comes to sturdiness, marble is one of the harder metamorphic stones. It’s not quite as strong as granite, but it’s resistant to heat, chipping, and denting. However, its chemical makeup makes it more sensitive to acidic foods.
Unlike most of its metamorphic cousins, marble is available in a wide variety of colors. It can come in hues of white, yellow, green, pink, gray, and black. The veining is irregular, which provides a nice contrast to most kitchens.
Of course, most kitchen countertops are made of white marble. This type of marble is very adaptable, and it fits in many different kitchen styles. It comes in two main finishes: honed and polished.
Benefits of Having Marble Countertops
The main selling point of marble is its timeless beauty. Most types of marble are clean, bright, and irresistibly elegant. When it comes down to it, a marble countertop will add an element of dressiness to any kitchen.
Marble is not a big heat conductor, which makes it naturally heat-resistant. If you love baking, a marble countertop would be a great addition to your kitchen. That said, you shouldn’t place hot pots directly on it.
Contrary to what you may have heard, the cost of marble is not that high. Sure, rare marble types can get expensive. Still, some of the more common countertops — such as Carrara and Calacatta — are quite affordable.
Finally, marble is quite easy to find. Unlike quartzite and some types of quartz, marble can be found in almost every stone yard or stone fabricator. This explains why quartz countertops in Lawrenceville is so popular in construction.
Disadvantages of Having Marble Countertops
Marble is prone to scratching, especially if it comes into contact with acidic foods. Even something like a slice of lemon can do damage to a countertop if left overnight.
Stains are also a problem, but one that can be mitigated by sealing the countertop on a regular basis. That said, you do have to be on the lookout for wear and tear. If you don’t react on time, the stains could become permanent.
Conclusion
For many people, marble kitchen countertops are the only real choice. After all, you can’t get that kind of visual effect in any other stone. Still, make sure you’re prepared to put in the effort into marble maintenance.
Are you still looking for that perfect marble countertop for your kitchen? Why not take a look at our selection? Simply contact us right here — we’ll get back to you soon!
