13 Main Marble Countertops Pros and Cons Cost of Marble Countertops Per Square Metre
Marble Countertops Pros and Cons | Marble Countertops Problems | Marble Countertops Maintenance | Cost of Marble Countertops Per Square Metre
What is Marble?
Marble is one of the most beautiful stones that you can use to create countertops, and it is very luxurious. It is revered for its elegance and timelessness. It’s a stone that will never go out of style and never be outdated.
Marble is one of the most important stones used in interior design and exterior architecture. Its unapologetic no-nonsense look and feel is what makes marble so desirable in the design world.
It can be used in any part of a building, in both the interior and exterior. And it’s one of the most popular stones in the world.
Marble is a type of stone that is made of crystallized limestone. One of the most unique qualities of marble is its unique color.
Marble has many colors to choose from including purple, green, pink, white, black, dark brown, and yellow.
You can find it in:
- Flooring
- Kitchen countertops
- Bathroom countertops
- Bathroom backs
What is Marble Countertop?
Marble countertops are one of the most durable, elegant, and luxurious choices for kitchen countertops.
They are made with natural marble, which is very durable and looks especially stunning when matched with stylized furniture.
Marble countertops can be costly, but are usually more affordable than some other countertops.
Marble countertops are beautiful, but are they actually worth the cost?
For those who are not living paycheck-to-paycheck, marble countertops are a great investment. Marble is a tough material that resists scratches, stains, and its color can be restored to look like new.
Besides, marble looks great with any color kitchen, and adds a luxurious feel to your space.
While marble counters may be more expensive than other countertop options, they will also last longer than most other materials.
Marble countertops are an elegant type of countertop that is perfect for any kitchen. Creating a marble countertop is not an easy task.
Process can be lengthy and complicated. One of the most complicated aspects of installing a marble countertop is the cutting process because there are so many different types of marble.
The cutting process is so complicated because there are so many different types of marble including light colors, dark colors, light veining, dark veining, different shades of gray, black, and fingernail polish.
If you want to get the perfect marble countertops then you need to know how to take care of your marble.
To keep your marble looking its best, you need to use a quality sealer. You can also wipe down your countertop with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol after every use.
They are not an easy process because marble stones are not like other stones.
Marble countertops are made up of natural stone that has been cut into slabs and then polished to create a shiny finish.
Marble is found all over the world but it’s most commonly mined in India, China, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and Greece.
Marble is one of the hardest stones on earth so marble counters last for decades with proper care.
Marble countertops are a popular choice among homeowners because of their sleek, elegant appearance. They are an excellent way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without having to replace cabinets and flooring.
Marble is also very durable and can last for many years with proper care.
Marble countertops are popular because they are luxurious looking and provide durability which makes them the perfect option for kitchens or bathrooms.
Marble Countertops Pros
1. Marble Countertops are Durable:
Most Marble Countertops are made from natural stone. This means that they can be used repeatedly over the course of years.
As long as the surface is cared for, Marble will remain smooth and silky. The Stone is also resistant to changes in temperature, moisture, stains and discoloration.
This means that many Marble Countertops are very easy to clean which makes them great choices for kitchens or bathrooms.
2. Marble Countertops are available in Different Colors:
A variety of colors are available for marble countertops. This means that you can choose the color that will match your style perfectly.
Be sure to get an idea of the color options before you make any final decisions on your new surface.
3. Low Maintenance
Because marble is a natural stone, it does not require high maintenance care. Using a marble cleaner to wipe down the countertop after use will help maintain its luster.
Some homeowners enjoy using vinegar or lemon juice to shine up their marble countertops. Avoid using harsh chemicals on your marble counters as they can damage the surface of the stone.
This damage can also deteriorate your countertop over time.
4. Marble Countertops are Beautiful:
If you have a taste for beauty and elegance then you will love Marble Countertops! Not only do they look great but they are resilient and long-lasting for a kitchen area or a bathroom area.
5. Marble Countertops come in a Wide Range of Colors:
There is a wide range of colors available for Marble Countertops to choose from. This means that you can choose the color that will perfectly match your kitchen or bathroom.
Be sure to learn the different types of marble before you make any final decisions on your new surface.
6. Heat Resistance
Marble has long been appreciated by professional chefs and home bakers alike due to its ability to keep cold while rolling out pastry.
What is less well-known is that marble surfaces are also heat resistant.
Although marble will not catch fire or burn, it is best to maintain the finish by not placing a hot skillet or pot on the surface without protection.
7. Marble countertops increase the value of a home.
When it comes to house resale value, black and white marble countertops perform somewhat better than average for natural stone. Quartz, the most popular countertop material on the market, clearly outperforms it.
Of course, there are several factors that influence property resale value.
However, when a homeowner sells their house, they may recuperate up to 100 percent of the value of their quartz countertop.
Marble Countertops Cons
1. Marble is Porous and Soft
Marble this is the main disadvantages. Marble is soft and porous which means that it can scratch easily.
Be sure to take special care when using your marble countertop, especially if you have kids or pets around the home.
Also, be sure not to use metal pots or pans on your marble countertops. The acid in the foods will leave permanent marks that are difficult to remove.
2. Marble countertops can be damaged by acidic materials.
Marble is soft and porous which means that it can easily be damaged by strong chemicals or acidic foods.
Be sure to wash your marble countertops gently with a mild soap and water solution. Also, be sure to protect your countertops with a cutting board when cutting food on them.
3. Marble Stains Easily
Marble is porous and soft which means that food and other substances can easily stain the surface of the countertop.
Keep this in mind when you plan on cooking or baking on your marble countertops to avoid staining them.
4. Marble Is Subject to Damage
Many factors can damage a marble countertop, including water damage and acids from cleaning products. Be sure to use a marble protector to prevent damage over time.
5. Marble Countertops are Expensive
The initial cost of a marble countertop can be expensive. However, the long-term cost of maintenance is less expensive than with other countertop materials.
Also, with time, you can recover up to 100 percent of the original value for your marble countertops.
6. White Marble Countertops Need Constant Sealing
Some homeowners like to maintain white marble countertops with a sealer every week. However, most homeowners find that this doesn’t need to be done regularly.
Ideally, most owners will use a sealer once every six months or so.
5. Marble is Heavy
Marble is a somewhat heavier natural stone than other natural stones. While you may install it yourself, it is preferable to hire a professional.
This prevents the slab from being damaged during installation and ensures that it is correctly installed.
If you already have a counter and want to replace the top with marble, ensure sure the base is robust enough to handle the weight.
6. Marble is Expensive
Marble costs more than other natural stones like granite or quartz. However, because marble is quarried all over the world, it is feasible to obtain reasonably priced marble countertops by searching through numerous clearance sales.
Marble is a high-quality countertop material that you should strongly examine before embarking on a home renovation project.
Its benefits surpass its downsides, and with time and work, the benefits outweigh the costs. After all, who wouldn’t want a kitchen or bathroom that is well-liked by family, friends, and visitors?
You may create a dramatic and seamless design in your kitchen or bathroom with a bespoke marble countertop.
Marble Countertops Problems
The porous nature of marble is the first source of concern. Because it is more porous than granite, it absorbs liquids more quickly.
This implies that spilled oil, wine, juice, and other liquids enter the stone rapidly and are difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
Even in the bathroom, avoid using anything that might stain the tops, such as nail polish, liquid makeup, or remover.
Because of the inherent beauty of marble, many individuals are unafraid of this inevitability, but luckily, sealers are commercially accessible for the do-it-yourselfer, as well as specialists who can assist.
Marble should be sealed when first placed, and then every few years after that. Staining, on the other hand, is a “not if, but when” situation if not done properly or frequently enough.
While no solution on the market today offers a cure-all, if you stain or scratch your marble countertops, you do have some choices.
The second reason to be concerned about marble kitchen counters is that the material is not suitable for use in the kitchen.
Sharp knives have the potential to scrape the surface. Heavy pots or mugs may crack the marble or even split it in half.
These are the major reasons why some manufacturers will not warranty marble countertops used in kitchens and many countertop installers will not install them.
Too many homeowners grumble when their marble kitchen worktops discolor, scrape, chip, or crack.
Marble Countertops FAQs
1. What is the best material for kitchen countertops?
The best material for kitchen countertops is granite. It is durable and resistant to stains and scratches.
2. What is the difference between white and gray marble?
When you look at a gray marble, there may be some color variations in the marble, which may depend on supply or type of marble available in that market.
White marble on the other hand is a more uniform color with few to no variations.
3. What is a slab marble?
A slab marble is a solid piece of natural marble or onyx. This makes it perfect for placement in areas that require a high level of elegance and luxury, such as countertops, table tops, flooring and walls.
Slabs are available in many different finishes and sizes which allow you to choose the one that best matches your personal taste and style.
4. What is the price of marble slab?
The cost of a marble slab varies depending on the type of marble, size, thickness and finish. Quality marble comes at a costly price tag.
One can expect to pay anywhere between $70 per square foot for a basic slab, to over $200 per square foot for a premium finish or patterned slab.
5. What are the pros and cons of marble countertops?
Pros of marble countertops:
- It is a very popular material for kitchen countertops because of its beauty and elegance.
- It can also be used for bathroom countertops as it provides the same elegance.
- It is resistant to stains and scratches due to its hardness, unlike granite or quartz that is easily susceptible to stains or scratches.
- Marble looks good with practically any style of furniture or decorating theme, making it possible to fit any size, shape or color scheme you choose with this particular material for your countertop.
- It is a good choice for home renovations as it is easy to clean, maintain and is less prone to warping or eating into that’s why it’s the main material used in large home renovations.
- Due to its durability, marble is also a good choice for outdoor countertops because you are assured of longevity.
- It looks classy at the same time being durable so your kitchen or shower will look great any day by eating into your kitchen with its beauty and elegance.
Cons of marble countertops:
- It has to be cleaned and polished occasionally as the oils from human hands and food might damage the surface.
- It is expensive as compared to other natural stones such as granite or quartz that is used as countertops for homes all over the world.
- The fact that it contains crystalline makes it not suitable for use in the kitchen at all.
- It is very fragile and can break easily if pressure is exerted on it.
6. How can I get rid of scratches on my marble countertop?
Try to remove the scratches with a non-abrasive cleaner and polish made specifically for marble countertops.
If the scratches are deep you might want to consider using a marble repair kit to fix these.
7. How do I clean the marble countertop?
Use only warm water with a mild soap solution in it to clean the countertop. Do not use any cleaners that contain acidic, abrasive or bleach because these will cause damage on your marble countertop.
You can also use lemon juice on the surface of your marble countertop if you want it to get polished and whitened. Rinse with cold water after cleaning.
8. Marble finishes?
Marble comes in many different finishes, which are characterized by different patterning or veining when you look at them under the light or in a certain angle.
9. What are the advantages of marble countertops?
Marble countertops are very durable; they make your room classy and elegant; they are easy to clean; they are not susceptible to wear.
10. How can I install marble countertops?
When you install marble countertops, you will need to cut the marble to size, fix it on the wall or place it on the table; seal it, polish it and apply wax. Do this for both sides of the marble to protect it from stains and scratches.
11. Is marble really that bad?
A marble kitchen countertop is a potentially terrible choice, not because it cannot perform the job, but because cleaning marble and the marble care necessary will annoy most owners to the point that they will regret placing marble in the kitchen.
12. How long do marble countertops last?
It depends on the type of marble you use and how you maintain it. High-speed oiled, a granite a semi-polish, a semi-polish marble applied with a sealant wax will last anywhere from 20 to 30 years.
13. How do I care for the marble countertop?
It is important to protect your marble countertop from scratches and stains because these will crack the surface and interfere with the beauty of your kitchen.
14. Can I put hot pans on marble?
Although it is typically safe to set hot things on a marble countertop without fear of significant harm, it is advisable to be cautious.
Placing pots and pans directly on marble, on the other hand, is more likely to produce scratching than cracking, discoloration, or yellowing.
15. Do marble countertops scratch easily?
Marble is a hard surface and as such it is more scratch-resistant than softer surfaces. That said, it cannot be denied that the material is still susceptible to damage.
Marble is readily scratched, especially if it has been in contact with something acidic for an extended length of time.
A lemon slice left on a polished countertop overnight can leave a duller mark in the shape of the lemon slice than the surface around it.
16. Is marble backsplash hard to maintain?
No. Marble is not exceptionally difficult to maintain. You simply must learn how to take care of it properly.
Cleaning the surface with warm water and soap is enough most of the time. Sometimes, you will need to use a special cleaner for marble bathroom area.
Fortunately, a marble backsplash is simple to clean when necessary. Most spills may be cleaned with warm water and dish soap, while stubborn stains can be removed using a baking soda and water combination.
Another disadvantage of marble backsplashes is that they must be sealed on a regular basis.
16. Can I put marble countertops in my bathroom?
Yes, marble can be installed in bathrooms as well as in kitchens or any other part of your home that requires a high-quality natural stone countertop.
It is very resilient and can withstand moisture, hot water, and even some mild chemicals.
- What are the types of marble available for countertops?
There are many different types of marble that you can choose for your countertop project. There are three main types of marble: translucent, semi-translucent and opaque; each with its own distinct appearance.
18. Do marble countertops stain easily?
As a natural stone, marble will actually resist stains better than any other type of countertop. Marble will not stain easily, but you should note that if the marble is already stained it will be harder to remove.
19. What is the difference between granite and marble countertops?
The main differences between granite and marble at a glance:
- Granite is a harder material than marble.
- Granite naturally resists stains better than marble.
- Granite is more scratch-resistant, less likely to experience any sharp edges, and less susceptible to cracking or chipping unless exposed to physical trauma or excessive heat.
- Granite is much more common as a kitchen countertop material as compared to a marble making it cheaper as well as easier to purchase at home improvement stores or online retailers.
20. Which is better, granite or marble?
Granite is more durable and stain-resistant than marble, making it ideal for fireplaces, bars, and kitchen countertops.
Marble is softer and more porous, making it ideal for use in a bathroom or around a hot tub. Finally, granite is often speckled with a variety of minerals, whereas marble is typically veiny.
Granite is a tougher stone that lasts far longer than marble. Marble is a softer material that will likely deteriorate with time due to cracking, flaking, and eroding, especially if exposed to the weather.
It is normal to come across marble tombstones that are decades or centuries old and difficult to discern.
21. Is Granite more expensive than marble?
Granite countertops are somewhat less expensive than marble countertops. Granite starts at about $75 per square foot installed.
Marble costs around $100 per square foot installed. The greatest granite countertops may cost as much as $175 per square foot installed, while marble can cost as much as $200.
22. Why is marble bad for countertops?
Marble can be bad for countertops because it does not hold up to the harsh conditions of kitchen use. Corrosion in marble countertops is much more difficult to repair than any form of metal countertops.
However, marble does have one advantage over granite when it comes to cleaning.
Marble will not stain, even when it has been exposed to harsh detergents or acidic substances for extended periods of time.
Kitchen marble worktops are more prone to scratching and scuffing than other surfaces, such as granite or quartz.
Because marble is a porous stone, it is more prone to discoloration from strong cleaning agents or acidic substances.
23. What is better quartz or marble?
Quartz is the more durable of the two materials in general: it resists scratches and germs better and requires less care and upkeep.
However, marble outperforms quartz in terms of heat resistance. Because marble is not a conductor, it provides a cool work surface.
Quartz is less expensive than marble, ranging in price from $40-100 per square foot, while marble can range in price from $50-150 per square foot.
Marble is more scratch-resistant, but it can be slippery, which makes it harder to clean.
Quartz is less expensive than marble.
24. What are the advantages of granite countertops?
Granite countertops are hardwearing and resistant to stains. The surface has a natural characteristic that will not allow any grease or oil to penetrate the stone, making for a less messy cooking surface.
25. What is the difference between marble and quartz?
Marble and granite are rocks, but quartz is a mineral. Quartz is the primary component of engineered stone, which is used to build countertops and backsplashes.
Powdered quartz is combined with resin before being shaped into slabs. As a result, unlike porous granite or marble, engineered quartz stone does not require sealing.
26. How to tell the difference between granite and marble?
Granite is a gritty, igneous rock made up of a variety of minerals. Because of the high proportion of calcite in marble, it has a softer appearance.
Marble is often found in light white or pastel tones; however darker slabs are available. It’s difficult to find a hue of granite that doesn’t exist.