It’s hard to match the classic elegance of richly veined marble countertops! They turn an ordinary kitchen or bathroom into extraordinary, and when they’re combined with new cabinetry and other fresh décor, the transformation is amazing. While their popularity does rise and fall from time to time, marble countertops remain one of the classic choices where premium quality is desired. Michelangelo created some of his finest sculptures such as David and Pietà out of marble, and marble countertops bring that kind of spectacular beauty to your home. However, for all its appeal, marble has its durability drawbacks for use in kitchen and bathroom countertops. We explore all the pros and cons of marble countertops below. This marble countertops guide gives you complete information to research these products for use in your home. You might also want to read our granite and quartz countertop guides to compare marble with these other premium, popular materials.
What You Should Know About Marble CountertopsMarble is a metamorphic rock containing a high concentration of calcite or dolomite. The word is derived from Greek meaning to sparkle or gleam. There are many variations of marble based on the minerals which give it color and veining. The most popular for use in marble countertops include:
Carrara: White or blue-gray, from Italy
Connemara: Green, from Ireland
Creole: White or blue & black, from Georgia, USA
Etowah: Pink, salmon or rose, from Georgia, USA
Murphy: White, from the USA
Parian: Very white, from Greece
Purbeck: Gray/brown, from the UK
Ruskeala: White, from Russia
Sienna: Yellow with various color veins, from Italy
Swedish Green: Green, from Sweden
Vermont White: White, from Vermont, USA
Wunsiedel: White, from Germany
Makrana: White, from India
Marble varies in the size of the grains and the amount of veining, so stone quarried from different parts of the world have a unique appearance. Fine-grained marble tends to be more consistent in color. Heavier grains produce more variation in color. You’ve got finish options too. Marble surfaces popular for counters are:
Honed or Matte: The marble is sanded to be smooth, and it has almost a soft feel. A matte finish mutes the color somewhat while doing a good job of hiding scratches
Polished: The surface is grinded and buffed to produce a rich luster that sparkles. A polished surface really brings out the color and veining, but it is also the most susceptible to showing scratches.
Leather: This finish is preferred on darker marble. It textures the finish to better hide scratches and fingerprints while still offering some gleam.
Which marble style you prefer is simply a matter of personal preference. Part of the fun of shopping for marble countertops is to find the right “look” for the design you’ve got in mind for your bathroom or kitchen countertops. Marble Countertops Pros and ConsLike all materials, there are strengths and weaknesses of marble countertops. In exchange for more TLC than most materials require, you’ll receive elegance and beauty enjoyed by royalty and the rich the world over. Marble Countertop Advantages:
Every marble countertop is one of a kind
Unsurpassed beauty
A rich spectrum of colors and veining
Several premium finishes that give you just the look and feel you want
Fits well with most design styles from classic to modern
Offers outstanding durability when properly cared for
Excellent resistance to heat
Develops a light patina with time that gives it an aged, antique look (some might find this a “con”)
Marble Countertop Disadvantages:
Marble is porous and will stain unless properly sealed and conscientiously cleaned
Must be resealed as often as once per year
Scratches more easily than granite, especially in high-gloss finishes
Can be chipped or cracked by heavy items
Will etch if exposed to acidic materials such as tomato juice
More expensive than most countertops
If you buy marble countertops, be prepared for the maintenance they demand. While not overly burdensome to most homeowners, it does mean you’ll have to diligently and quickly clean up spills of oil, liquid soap and acidic foods and liquids such as citrus fruit, juice, wine and tomato products. If you’ve got kids still learning to clean up after themselves, your job will be a bit tougher. The upside is that marble countertops produce an eye-catching allure wherever installed that is unsurpassed. Cleaning marble countertops is the daily step in keeping them looking showroom new. Wipe up spills immediately with a clean, damp cloth. Use a cleaner formulated for use on natural stone for best results. It won’t contain harsh chemicals that can damage the sealer or etch the marble.
Keep these tips for marble countertop care in mind in the years ahead:
Pour juice and wine at a table instead of over the counters
Put dirty dishes and glasses into the sink or dishwasher rather than on the countertops
Wipe food and beverages off the countertops immediately
Don’t put wet items onto the countertops
Use a cutting board rather than cutting on marble
Use hot pads and trivets rather than putting hot items on the countertops
Use a cleaner formulated for natural stone
If a stain develops, use a poultice-type stain remover designed for use on marble.
Cleaning marble countertops is the daily step in keeping them looking showroom new. Wipe up spills immediately with a clean, damp cloth. Use a cleaner formulated for use on natural stone for best results. It won’t contain harsh chemicals that can damage the sealer or etch the marble.
Choosing marble is a long-term investment in the beauty and your enjoyment of your home, but it requires an ongoing commitment to proper maintenance. While polishing, sealing and repairing marble countertops seem like daunting tasks, they really aren’t when you choose the right DIY products for each step. In fact, many homeowners find the satisfaction of doing these steps themselves to be part of the pleasure of owning marble kitchen and bathroom countertops.