Marble has always been seen as a stylish countertop material. It is the stone of choice when you want to add a touch of refinement to your kitchen or bathroom. It is also available in a wide range of options that vary in terms of colors, veining, and speckling. You can also consider installing a marble countertop island to balance with the functional benefits of other affordable materials.
Marble is widely used for creating countertops. It is still important to know what are the pros and cons of marble countertops before you choose this stone for your kitchen. This guide sheds light on these advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Choosing Marble Countertops
Some of the most notable benefits of choosing marble as your countertop material are as follows:
1. Many Colors & Finishes
As mentioned above, marble is available in a wide range of colors and finishes. While many homeowners prefer a polished white marble finish for their counters, there are many other options.
You can also select them based on the following aesthetic points:
- Shades of base colors including green, gray, brown, taupe, off-white, rose, and more.
- Veining and speckles in white, rose, gray, green, red, blue, and black.
- Finishes such as honed, polished, and leather.
You can also choose to have your marble countertop honed to have a matte finish.
2. Highly Durable
Your marble countertop, when installed properly, can last up to five times longer when compared to other natural stone alternatives. Marble is known to last a century or more. When sealed and treated properly and regularly, it stays resistant to scratches, chips, and cuts. All this translates into accumulated cost savings in the long term. Your countertop will not need replacement or repair as often as many other alternatives.
3. Perfect for Cooking
Marble has the natural property of staying cool to the touch. This makes marble countertops just the right surfaces for cooking, particularly baking. It is for this reason that many traditional bakeries use marble countertops. At the same time, it is recommended to use hot pads and trivets to protect your finish from hot pans and pots.
Marble counters also help improve your home’s value. Besides, they have a timeless aesthetic appeal, which means you may not want to replace them for a long time.
Cons of Choosing Marble Countertops
While there are endless reasons for marble to be a popular countertop material, there are many that may require special attention or care or the need to consider other alternatives. So, what are some notable cons of marble counters?
1. Marble Requires High Maintenance
Marble is a porous stone and susceptible to damage from juice, wine, and other staining substances. The stone can readily absorb spills, drips, and pigment in the absence of a sealing surface. So, it is important to ensure regular sealing and maintenance. It is recommended to get your countertop sealed every six months. You should avoid any cleaners that contain acid, vinegar, lemon, or bleach.
2. Vulnerable to Scratching
Marble is a relatively soft stone and is vulnerable to scratches if not sealed. If you want to slice vegetables or other foods, it is recommended to use a solid cutting board. You should also avoid the use of abrasive sponges or cleansers.
3. Heavier
While this may not concern you when you seek professional countertop installation, it is still worth knowing that marble is a little heavier than its other natural stone alternatives. Its extra weight also requires ensuring a stronger base to provide reliable support.
So, these are some of the most prominent pros and cons of marble countertops. It is recommended to consider all the key benefits and negatives before making the right choice.