Is marble a good countertop?

When you consider the numbers (marble is cheap! ), it's natural to want to grab a chunk of it and never let go in this age when marble is ubiquitous, even on our walls. If you're planning a kitchen renovation, don't be fooled by marble's elegant appearance; it has some unpleasant undertones. Honesty is a key factor in our investment decisions (ha, rock jokes).

After spending enough time on social media, it's easy to develop a pathological fascination with marble surfaces, namely those featured in kitchens. Marble's elegance comes at the cost of a high level of upkeep. Marble is easily scratched and should be handled with care; a cutting board is recommended. Since stone has a porous texture, it will absorb liquids and stain easily (hello, red wine).

Yes! Marble is fantastic. Marble countertops should be kept safe from hot cookware by using a trivet, kitchen towel, or other appropriate heat-resistant surface. It is recommended to seal a marble countertop once a year to protect it from stains and minor scratches. There are numerous marble varieties to choose from. Listed here are some of our favourites.

Reasons Why Any High-End Kitchen Needs Marble Countertops

The Beauty of Marble Countertops Lasts Forever

Quartz countertops and other artificial solid surfaces just can't compete with the timeless elegance of marble.

Marble's popularity as a tabletop material has led to several businesses' attempts to mimic its look. There is nothing on the market that comes close. Man-made stones are smooth and lifeless. They do not convey the sophistication and grace of genuine marble.

Despite technological advancements, the texture, flaws, and veining of natural stone remain unachievable in reproduction.

The striking beauty and natural warmth of marble make it a popular choice for high-end residential and commercial applications. It's standard equipment in most five-star hotels. Floor tiles, wall cladding, elevator cabs, and vanity and kitchen counters also use quartz. It's used for adornment in entryways, corridors, facades, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Marmor that can bend. Shapes like curves, arches, squares, and ovals are all feasible. You can modify the contours of its edges to suit your needs. Marble is an elegant choice for both classic and contemporary design schemes. Traditional style that goes well with a contemporary twist. Marble can be used in any style of kitchen, from traditional to industrial to ultra-modern.

Marble is a neutral material that will complement any existing finishes in your kitchen. It's a multicoloured gem with shades of brown, black, pink, and emerald green. You can pick a countertop that complements your kitchen design among the various available.

Although there is a wide range of marble colours, the majority of countertops and vanity tops in homes nowadays are white. White marbles like Carrara White (Italy) and Volakas White (Greece) are versatile materials. Because of its adaptability, it can be used in many different contexts. It looks well next to metal, wood, and ceramic. It can be honed and polished without damage (matte).

In contrast to manmade stones, marble's patterns fluctuate naturally. Visible veins and thin lines characterise the majority of slabs. Because of these nuances and the enormous variety of marble colours, the possible colour and pattern combinations are practically endless. There isn't a duplicate marble slab anywhere in the world. Patterns of veins, colour, speckles, and swirls, all of which vary. The marble slab you have in your kitchen is one-of-a-kind and cannot be replaced.

Manmade stones are made in large quantities by machines. Each slab is uniform in appearance over its whole surface area.

The elegance and durability of marble are on display at many historical landmarks. The Washington Monument, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Taj Mahal are all constructed entirely of stone.

 

The Kitchen Benefits Greatly From The Versatility That Marble Offers

Stone may be admired for its aesthetic value, but it also serves as a practical material in the home's culinary arts.

Marble kitchen counters are practical because of their flat, smooth surface. A properly sealed container can withstand regular use in the kitchen.

Baking is simplified when using a marble countertop or pastry board. In the kitchen, a marble slab is a must-have. There's room to chop, knead, and roll.

It's superior to other materials in terms of heat absorption. Don't worry, a dozen warm, homemade cookies won't scratch your precious stone. Its superiority over plastic and wood is due to its high thermal conductivity. It's like magic in a marble kitchen.

For starters, it helps maintain the dough's temperature, thereby keeping the butter from melting. It renders the dough crumbly and unworkable. Refrigerating marble boards is very recommended.

Furthermore, it aids in chocolate tempering, which results in tastier treats. It forms tiny crystals and a handful of white spots.

Last but not least, it maintains the temperature of ice cream while toppings are being applied. One positive effect of this is that it inspires novel flavour combinations. It's a delightful bonus.

Cooks, bakers, and chocolatiers all find this stone to be indispensable. It's an essential ingredient for most kinds of baked goods.

Is it simple to clean? All you really need is a dry paper towel. Marble may be cleaned effectively with warm water and a little soap.

Marble's Appeal Grows More Striking With Age

How about a clean kitchen? If that's the case, marble might not be the ideal choice for a kitchen counter.

The sophistication of marble has its drawbacks. Much like any other natural stone, marble is susceptible to damage and deterioration over time.

Stone is acidic and easy to stain due to its crystalline structure (etching). The kitchen should be cleaned after each time it is used. Marble can lose its lustre and even change colour if it is constantly exposed to water. Marble should be sealed once or twice a year to protect it from staining.

Even if you seal the stone, someone may be able to break through. The liquid's ability to permeate the stone is only slowed. For a short period of time, it facilitates the cleanup of drips and spills on your marble counter top. This could be anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on the brand. Marble countertops should be wiped down and dried after each usage. Never let wine, juice, or coffee sit out for more than a few hours. It will leave ugly stains on your kitchen counter if you do.

Do you take pleasure in the culinary arts? What about the odd smudge or splash? If the answers to these questions are affirmative, marble is a good option for your kitchen.

Compared to granite and quartz, marble requires greater upkeep. And yet, this "inconvenience" really isn't that horrible. Marble counter tops may be sealed in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, it's only required twice yearly. Your counter top can be easily kept dry and clean. Marble may be protected from spills by using coasters or trays. You may make your counter last longer if you wipe it down after each usage.

In the kitchen, marble is a splurge. Maintenance is key to retaining its attractiveness and usefulness.

Damage to your marble may result with prolonged use. Stains form over time when liquids are left on stone. Leftover drinks like coffee and juice stain marble countertops in the morning.

The durability of stone is diminished by its susceptibility to damage. Due to its different mineral composition, marble is more delicate than granite or quartz. Marble should never have a knife placed directly on it. Use a chopping board whenever you prepare food. In order to prevent scratching your marble countertops, avoid dragging dishes, trays, and other kitchen items across them.

Acid can eat away at marble's surface. If you have a marble counter, never put acidic foods like tomato sauce or lemon juice directly on the surface. Acids can dissolve the calcium carbonate in marble. The stone's surface becomes etched as a result of the erosion. Despite common assumption, etching does not cause staining. The reaction of calcium carbonate and acid is to blame. It reduces sheen and does not leave any lasting stains.

Damage to marble surfaces such as staining and scratching. Stone with these cosmetic defects can nevertheless be used for kitchen countertops. Flaws like these are only noticeable up close. The stories of a family become quietly etched into these tattoos.

Eventually, flaws in marble are disguised by the marble's lovely patina. Etchings and scratches become part of the marble's unique personality. They will no longer be imperfections, but rather chapters from your life's story that float above your kitchen counter.

You may rest assured that we have all the tools and equipment you need to polish stones.

Marble Raises The Resale Value of a Property

Why is marble the material of choice for high-end establishments? It's hard to believe the reception areas and bar tops of these opulent structures are made of low-quality ceramic tiles.

The use of marble in construction lends an air of sophistication. Despite its drawbacks, it is the material of choice for international architectural and interior design projects. Superior to both engineered quartz and solid surface in terms of elegance.

Even if your home isn't a 5-star hotel, a marble slab might make it look like one. Purchasing a house is a good financial move. In the event that you ever decide to sell your property, doing so with marble countertops installed can increase the speed and profit of the sale. Buyers and guests alike will be impressed by a well-designed kitchen.

Advantages of Marble for Countertops

Elective Aesthetics

In spite of competing materials, marble's popularity persists due to its timeless elegance. This volcanic rock comes in an eye-popping palette of hues and a dizzying assortment of various finishes. It is impossible to find two marble countertops that look exactly same. The grade of a marble slab is determined by how well it is free of veins, lines, and spots.

Quality of marble increases with increasing grade. A higher number of veins or lines means the marble is of inferior quality. Cultured marble, which is made by blending marble dust and plastic, is a cheaper alternative to real marble.

Seams

In stone, the seams will always be visible because of the way the stone is textured. Since every stone has its own unique veining pattern, finding a suitable match between two pieces of stone and joining them without leaving a seam visible can be difficult.

One of the many things you can do with marble is to use the book matching technique to highlight the joints between slabs.

Seams are more noticeable in lighter stones, especially those with greater patterns, than in darker stones with smaller patterns.

Protected From Spills And Stains

It is crucial to seal marble countertops before using them because of their porous nature. Some substances, such as citrous juices, coffee, and alcohol (like the red wine you like to sip as you cook), can etch or dull marble if left in touch with it for too long. To avoid unsightly ring marks, use coasters under your glasses. Put coasters or mats under hot plates, and wipe up spills immediately to preserve the marble counter surface you have.

Immunity to Heat

Marble's resistance to heat is unparalleled. Not even cooking in really hot pans or pots can cause it to discolour or turn yellow. In the kitchen, marble is a great choice for countertops due to its durability and resilience in high temperatures.

Protection From Scratches

Marble isn't the most durable material to begin with, and its porous nature just makes it weaker over time. Stone surfaces need to be sealed so that they don't get scratched. Additionally, the corners of the countertop are weaker than the remainder of the surface, making them more prone to chipping and cracking.

Cleanliness

Due to its high porosity, marble often absorbs stains and so necessitates professional sealing prior to use. The sealing process makes the countertop significantly less porous and easier to clean. For the marble's lustre to remain intact for a longer time, it's important to adhere to a few basic rules.

Marble can be cleaned with warm water and a light dishwashing liquid soap or marble soap. It is important to rinse the marble countertop completely after cleaning. Avoid using acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, bathroom cleansers, grout cleaners, or tile cleaners on marble surfaces. These products can dull the natural stone's finish.

Problems With Marble

There are two main reasons why you shouldn't use marble on your kitchen counters. Because of these issues, several suppliers refuse to provide warranties on marble countertops for use in the kitchen.

To begin with, marble is porous. Liquids are absorbed more quickly than in granite because of its porous texture. Spills of oil, wine, juice, and the like are particularly difficult to clean from stone because they seep deep into the material. Stains from liquid cosmetics, nail paint, and makeup remover are common in bathrooms. Because of marble's inherent beauty, They highly doubt it. DIY sealants and expert services are both readily accessible.

Marble needs to be sealed when it's first laid and then again every few years. Inevitable staining will occur if not done properly or frequently enough. It is possible to repair marble countertops that have been stained or scratched.

To add insult to injury, marble countertops won't hold up to the wear and tear of a busy kitchen. You can cut yourself with a knife. Marble can easily be chipped or broken by heavy mugs or pots.

Marble kitchen countertops are not often installed because not all manufacturers will back them up. Marble countertops are a source of frustration for far too many homeowners due to their susceptibility to stains, scratches, chips, and cracks.

In need of tools for shaping stone? If you're looking, you can stop right here. Get all you need for your stonework at CMP.

Is Marble a Good Choice For a Home Kitchen?

You shouldn't rule out utilising marble for your home's surfaces just because marble countertops demand more cleaning and maintenance than other types of countertop materials. Many of our customers already know this. To put it plainly, this entails taking a little more time to clean your countertop after each use.

If the look of marble pleases you and you are confident that you can handle the higher level of upkeep that marble takes, there is no reason not to have marble installed in your home. Make your own kitchen look as elegant and refined as the ones you've pinned on Pinterest.