Marble
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.
Marble What you should know?
Marble 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.
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.
Are Marble Countertops Right for Your Home?
Your answers to these questions should help you decide whether marble is the best choice for your building or renovation project.
- Is the higher cost of marble over material like laminate or tile in your budget? While you might find discount marble available, we suggest you stick with higher grades to ensure beauty and performance. You really do get what you pay for.
- Do you plan to sell your home in the near future? Marble becomes more cost-effective the longer you’re in your home.
- Are you committed to the higher maintenance demand in return for premium beauty? Not everyone has the time or energy to keep marble clean, sealed and polished.
- Do you have kids? Children don’t always have the same level of awareness as you do about following the tips to keeping marble clean and free of stains.
- Do you value eco-friendly building materials? Marble is a good choice for green homeowners because it is a natural material that is quarried and cut without the use of chemicals harmful to the environment.
