When it comes to classic beauty, marble goes unrivaled. This natural stone creates an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication wherever it is placed and has a rich history of use in a variety of settings from flooring to outdoor fountains. Marble kitchen countertops, however, may not be an ideal choice for your home, no matter how lovely they appear. Discover the joys of using a marble slab for baking crafted pastries and delicate desserts.
Marble is not as strong as other, more popular natural stone options for your countertops like granite or quartzite, and it can be more difficult to preserve its original beauty. Take a look at the pros and cons of marble for your kitchen countertops before settling on this stone.
Pros of Marble Countertops
Marble has been used in important works of architecture and art for centuries because of its natural beauty and inherent elegance. Today, as a relatively affordable stone, marble is an obvious choice for enhancing your home.
- It is visibly appealing
- Marble works well when you want to create a European or classic ambiance
- It stands up well to heat, which is why it is a popular choice as a fireplace mantel
- Marble is available in a variety of colors and, being formed by nature, each slab is unique
Cons of Marble Countertops
To understand the drawbacks of using marble kitchen countertops, consider the origins of this stone. Marble is a metamorphic rock, created from the gradual transformation of limestone as it crystallizes from heat and pressure within the Earth’s crust. Because it is a calcium carbonate based material it is more porous and softer than other types of natural stone.
- Marble stains easily because it is more porous – vinegar, citrus, oil, wine, coffee, and other liquids can quickly cause stains
- It is more easily chipped and scratched than other, more durable options
- While beautiful, marble requires a lot of care and attention to prevent damage that can be difficult or impossible to reverse
- Marble may need more frequent sealing than granite to protect the surface
Your kitchen countertops will inevitably be exposed to spills and hard materials like coffee mugs, wine bottles, and sharp knives. For this reason, marble is often not recommended for kitchen countertops. It is simply too difficult to protect from damage.
Durable and minimally porous, granite is the best choice for kitchen countertops. Also, there are so many types of granite, it is impossible not to find a variety that you can fall in love with. Explore different granite countertop design ideas to discover the right fit for your home.
Marble is exquisite, and it is still a good choice for areas of the home that see less wear and tear than kitchen countertops. Granite is just as beautiful, and with so many color and design choices you can certainly find the look that you want, without having to sacrifice the durability, strength and longevity of appearance as you would by choosing marble.