Marble countertops are the height of beauty and luxury for a kitchen remodel, but they have some definite pros and cons especially considering their price point. While most people consider them to be well worth the investment, it’s a good idea to weigh those pros and cons to determine if marble is right for you.
Aesthetic or Durability
The first thing to consider when deciding if marble is right for you is what your priorities are. While marble is undeniably beautiful and elegant, it’s certainly not the most durable of natural stone counter choices. If your priority is a sophisticated look and you’re willing to take the care and maintenance necessary to maintain them, marble counters are absolutely worth the investment. If you’re looking for something that is super low-maintenance and not easily damaged, you may want to consider a different material.
- Heat Resistance: One big benefit to marble is that it’s very heat resistant. It will also maintain a cool temperature no matter how hot the ambient air is, making it a wonderful option for baking.
- Porous: Marble is very porou,s which makes it susceptible to staining. While professional sealing can help prevent damage, there’s no sure-fire way to avoid this staining if something spills. Additionally, sealant will need to be reapplied regularly, which makes marble counters very high maintenance.
- Scratching and Etching: Marble is a relatively soft stone and is prone to scratching and etching. Honed marble, which has more of a matte finish, makes scratching and etching less noticeable, but it won’t prevent it. Depending on the aesthetic you want in your home and the upkeep you’re willing to do, this might be a good thing or a bad thing. If you want pristine, blemish-free counters without a lot of work, marble isn’t the right choice, but it could work for you if you enjoy a more weathered, rugged look for your home.
High Maintenance
As mentioned, marble countertops can be extremely high-maintenance. If meticulous cleaning comes natural to you or is something you enjoy, marble is the perfect choice. With a great cleaning routine marble can stay looking beautiful forever. If your space is being shared with messy toddlers, careless teenagers, and counter-surfing dogs, or if you just don’t want to take the time and effort required to care for them, marble probably isn’t the best choice for your kitchen. Even so, that doesn’t necessarily make marble off limits to you. If your kitchen is too busy, but you’re still longing for the elegance of marble in your home you can find ways to use it as an accent in lower traffic areas of the home.
Cost and Distinctiveness
While marble is considered relatively expensive, it can actually be a very cost effective option. Depending on the marble you choose, marble can range from extremely expensive to one of the most affordable natural stone materials on the market. Carrara marble, for example, can fit into just about anybody’s budget with low-end prices that match higher end laminate prices. Additionally, with all the options available, you’ll be able to get a counter that’s truly unique. Because no two slabs of marble are exactly the same, you’ll be able to have a one-of-a-kind counter even with a lower budget.
Marble counters are a beautiful addition to any kitchen, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons of the material when you’re deciding if marble will work for you.
