Marble Pros and Cons

I will be continuing the conversation this week around countertops.  There are many yet to cover and so little time!  Countertops so so important in kitchen design I believe that this decision can either give you everything you desire or something to complain about for years.  So with that in mind here we go.

Marble countertops are a classic.   They price out similar to granite so the decision around installing this countertop usually is not made due to cost.  Usually it is the look clients wish to achieve.  Many of my clients are requesting granite that looks like marble, meaning lighter in color and less busy.  The problem is, granite is granite because of the composition so there really is not a selection I believe can duplicate the look of marble.  Marble is primarily made up of calcium carbonate, which is what gives it a light and creamy hue.  The very molecule that gives it the beautiful look also leaves this stone highly susceptible to staining from acids or wineglasses left on the surface overnight.  The general thought is that over time marble will acquire scratches, blotches and chips. 









Even with all of this in mind, marble is making somewhat of a comeback due to it's beauty.  Fabricators recommend honing it so that imperfections over time do not show up as much.  One fabricator told me he installs marble all the time in kitchens and that over time it is less likely to accept stains.  It really comes down to how you live and how much maintainance you can tolerate in exchange for the look.  If you have a busy family with small children and can not always make sure the kitchen countertops are wiped down it may not be the best choice for you.  If however, you keep a spotless house,  rarely cook in your kitchen, or, you enjoy the natural patina that marble acquires over the course of a well loved life then it may be for you. It seems there are many cons but the pros to a marble countertop include its beauty, it's waterproof and heatproof.   So think about the way you live before considering this countertop it may or may not be the best choice for you.