The Drawbacks and Benefits of Marble Counters

There are many materials available for kitchen and bathroom counters; however, marble countertops are often viewed as the most elegant option. Boasting more than just a pretty face, marble countertops can be excellent performers and, in many cases, and if properly cared for they may be the last counters you will ever need to install. Understanding the benefits and the drawbacks of this natural stone is, of course, an important element in making your home design decision. Here are a few points that may help you decide whether marble counter installation is right for your home.

Marble Kitchen Counters

While the popularity of, granite, cannot be denied, marble kitchen counters are still regarded as the go-to luxury countertop. When it comes to performance, both granite and marble kitchen counters are at the top of the list; the real difference between the two lies in appearance. Both stones can vary dramatically in looks depending on where they are taken from, and it is generally personal taste that decides which one is a better fit for a particular situation. Each stone is somewhat porous, and must be sealed to prevent stains; this is particularly important in kitchen spaces, as the likelihood of spilling a staining liquid like juice or wine is high. It should be noted, that while they are each similar in care requirements, marble is more porous naturally and due to this, it is highly prone to staining. Marble kitchen counters are also very expensive, so installing marble over every inch of your kitchen counter space is almost always at an extremely high cost. Some homeowners save money by using this product on accent pieces within the home: install it on top of an island, a wet bar, or inset so that you can have all the benefits of the material without all the cost.

Marble Bathroom Counters

Though they won’t be quite the statement piece that marble kitchen counters are, marble bathroom counters are still beautiful. Since bathrooms are a fraction of the size most kitchens are, marble bathroom counters general should be slightly less cost-prohibitive; additionally, the type of spills you’ll see in a bathroom (water, soap, etc.) are much less likely to result in permanent stains, especially when the stone is properly sealed.

Cultured Marble Counter Installation

Cultured marble countertops are formed of marble dust and plastic, and since they are less “pure” and partially manmade they are not as expensive as true marble counter. Installation is a little easier because cultured marble is lighter, and since they’re somewhat synthetic, they’re also more durable against damage and cracking. The only real drawback to installing cultured marble counters is the fact that they are not real marble; though the look is very convincing, the material will not carry the same weight (literally and figuratively) in your home.

Marble Counter Maintenance

Though marble counters are extremely heavy and they may seem tough, they aren’t indestructible. The reality is, marble countertops take quite a lot of extra care if you are concerned about maintaining your investment. It takes a lot of protection, preservation, and prevention to have and keep beautiful countertops. Clean up spills as soon as possible, particularly when the spilled liquid has a deep color or is very acidic. Always use hot pads or pans on the surface of your marble countertops. At installation, it is always a good idea to speak to your installers about routine care and maintenance such as sealing, which will keep your marble countertops beautiful for many years to come!

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