Marble Countertops – Pros and Cons

Posted on Jan 4, 2014
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Featured Image: Calacatta Borhini Italian Marble

Emperador Dark Marble Slab

For millennia, there’s been something hauntingly beautiful about marble. To geologists, it’s just a type of rock… but to us, its ethereal qualities have made it the centerpiece of buildings like the Taj Mahal in India and sculptures such as Nike of Samothrace, on display at the Louvre. No
wonder so many families have dreams of installing marble countertops! They just want to capture marble’s essence and enjoy it every day.

Before making the jump to marble, however, it’s important to understand that not all that gleams is easy care. That’s why it’s critical to talk about the pros and cons of installing marble countertops, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

The Good News about Marble Countertops…

First of all, let us just say that you probably won’t ever hate your marble countertops, nor will you feel like you can’t redecorate the walls, appliances and furnishings around them. Marble comes in so many natural patterns and colors, and they all seem to be able to find their place within just about every kitchen style. The perfect type of marble can almost always be found.

Rain Forest Green Natural Stone Marble

Additionally, marble is naturally textured, which makes it unique and interesting. Even if you and your neighbor have the exact same kitchen layout, your marble countertops will be different from one another. It’s also a great showpiece! Let’s face it – no one ever walked into a kitchen with marble countertops and said, “This isn’t impressive at all.” So for pure aesthetics, marble gets an A+ rating each and every time!

The Not-So-Good News about Marble Countertops…

Okay, so before you run out and buy some marble, you need to know that it’s ornery. Even if you have it sealed (and we always recommend that you do), you’ll have to treat it like a baby. You see, marble is a porous material, so even with sealant, it tends to stain. Water stains it. Acid stains it. Foods stain it. Leave a lemon or tomato on it for just a bit, and you’ll get a stain. If that doesn’t bother you, read on…

Marble has also been known to nick and chip. One marble lover on the Internet remarked that when she wore a metal belt, she inadvertently took a tiny chip out of her marble countertop when she leaned against the side. Plus, knife marks will show, so never use it as a cutting board! It’s much softer than you might imagine.

Alternatives to Marble Countertops…

Again, if you’re okay having a countertop that requires forethought and upkeep, marble is definitely for you! On the other hand, if you want the marble look but not marble’s downsides, you may want to go with a material that has a faux marble appearance that’s harder and more stain-resistant. Either way, you can get exactly what you want and love the finished product!

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