Marble countertops are elegant and sophisticated and, with the right care, they can adorn your home for decades. However, this premium home addition is also quite pricey, requires a good deal of maintenance, and is prone to damage.
It may not be the best fit for some busy kitchens, but the wow factor of marble is worth it in moderately busy kitchens.
Pros of Marble Countertops
Showy and Stylish
Marble countertops are among the most elegant and visually impressive countertops out there. They’re especially desirable for their veining.
Marble comes in a wide selection of patterns and colors. Aside from a functional home addition, you could almost consider a marble countertop a piece of art in your kitchen. It’s a premium material with wide appeal, so it’s generally considered the sort of high-end finish that adds value to your home.
Stays Cool—Works Well for Baking
Many older French bakeries used marble countertops because they stayed cool naturally. However, marble isn’t completely impervious to temperature extremes, and, unlike tough granite, will get damaged with heat. Don’t put hot pots and pans directly on it.
Long-Lasting… With the Right Maintenance
Even though it’s softer and not as durable as granite, marble can last long if you install and maintain it properly.
Cons of Marble Countertops
Pricey
As one of the more attractive and desirable countertops, marble is also costly. But there are affordable options out there, like Carrara marble. Standard marble countertops typically cost $40 to $100 per square foot, although they may cost up to $200 per square foot. On top of that, labor typically costs $30 to $50 per hour. For a typical 10-hour job, that adds up to $300 to $500.
On average, that’s more expensive than laminate and less expensive than concrete. You can also get a laminate countertop that resembles marble. It’s worth noting that low-end marble can also be cheaper than high-end laminate, though (but the installation costs probably won’t be).
Sealant is a Must
Unlike options like quartz and soapstone, sealant on marble is non-negotiable. Don’t forget to seal it at least once a year. The slightest issue with your sealant is enough to make your marble stain.
Prone to Staining
Marble stains easily, especially from acidic liquids. It may etch where polish or sealant fades. Because marble is porous, moisture may also seep into the stone and get trapped. That’s why it’s so important to seal the countertop annually and clean spills immediately.
Over time, stains and etching begin to look more purposeful as marble changes and develops a natural patina. That may be desirable to some homeowners but not to others.
If you cook frequently, you can expect your marble to deteriorate over time. To most people, using marble for your countertops may be counterintuitive if you can’t cook on it. It may be more suitable as a decorative element or as an island that you use less often.
As much as I personally like the look of marble, I know it will never be for me. I cook too frequently, am too creative (and messy) with my dishes, and have five curious cats. In addition, we’re expecting our first child. Imagine how quickly the marble would get damaged.
Tip: Quartzite is a natural stone that looks similar to marble but isn’t as porous. Additionally, dark granite is usually less porous and generally more durable. It doesn’t look exactly like marble, but you can get granite with veining. Other alternatives include quartz and laminate.
Difficult to Maintain
Marble needs the right maintenance to stay beautiful. Aside from sealing it, you must also clean it regularly.
The Natural Stone Institute recommends cleaning spills like fruit juice with a solution of 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia on a cloth.
For oil-based spills like cooking oil, you can use a soft, liquid cleanser with household detergent, mineral spirits, or acetone. A dry #0000 steel wool will buff out light scratches and water spots.
Certain products, like those containing acid, may degrade your marble. Avoid using bleach, vinegar, or lemon-based products. Also, avoid using scouring cleansers and rough sponges.
Sensitive to Heat
As mentioned above, marble doesn’t stand up to heat as well as some other countertop materials. Don’t place hot pots and pans directly on marble.
Prone to Scratches
Marble scratches more easily than tougher materials like granite. Don’t cut or slice ingredients directly on marble or you may gouge it. When cleaning, avoid scouring cleansers and rough sponges.
May Crack
If you don’t take care of your marble, it may crack. Be sure to install and maintain it with care. Don’t drop heavy objects on it.
Marble Countertops vs. Other Materials
Marble is stylish, and, if you’re into baking, it’s great for kneading dough. But is marble for you? Maybe not in a really busy kitchen. It stains easily, scratches, chips, and cracks. Plus, it’s quite difficult to maintain.
As mentioned above, there are other similar-looking alternatives you can instead go for, like quartzite, quartz, or laminate. Or, you may want to reconsider your countertop design altogether. Here are resources to help:
- Concrete Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Granite Countertops Pros and Cons
- Laminate Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Stainless Steel Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Tile Countertops: Pros and Cons
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Main Image Credit: Pexels
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