Have you always dreamt of a marble countertop for your kitchen or living room? Marble is a stunning natural stone sure to elevate any interior space. Unfortunately, it sometimes gets a harsh rep. Many believe their lifestyle or budget isn’t suited for such a “luxury” material. While marble isn’t for every homeowner, don’t be dissuaded from taking the plunge because of a few common fears, most of which are hardly rooted in reality.
So what are the top myths surrounding marble countertops? And is there truth to any of them?
One person’s negative opinion can drastically impact our own. So let’s demolish a few marble stereotypes before your dreams of installing that beautiful speckled stone are torn apart. Between price point, durability, cleanliness, and practicality, here’s everything the rumor mill gets wrong.
Marble Is Expensive
When first introduced, marble was a luxurious commodity only accessible to the wealthiest of consumers. Today, while certainly pricier than countertop options like wood, tile, and laminate, marble is far more affordable than you’d think, especially if you opt for bargain alternatives to the rarest and costliest.
Pricier marble such as Calacatta tends to be darker in color with bolder accents, but in general, if you go with something like Carrara marble, a lighter replica, you’re looking at about $40-$50 per square foot. For perspective, the average cost of granite countertop material is around $60 per square foot.
Marble Is Impractical
Love cooking? Scared your hustle and bustle in the kitchen will leave your delicate marble countertops chipped and unsightly? When you think of marble, you probably think of a soft cloud-like material unsuited for busy chefs and busy families. Think again.
Marble’s hard surface is ideal for activities like rolling and kneading pizza dough. Plus, given marble’s always a few degrees cooler than the average room temperature, your dough and other cooking materials will never melt or stick. Not to mention, greasy liquids like dressings, oils, and butter are easy to clean with a gentle household liquid cleanser.
Marble Is Dirty
Because stones like marble are naturally more porous, many believe it’s a breeding ground for bacteria. Some cite the opposite, believing marble actually contains antibacterial properties that make the surface resistant to harmful mold and bacteria. Regardless, an anti-bacterial spray and a strong sealant will do the job. In fact, many pastry chefs safely use marble countertops for chocolate work, pizza making, and bread baking.
Marble Is Time Consuming
If you’ve got a busy home filled with kids plus pets and a full-time job, the last thing you need on your to-do list is countertop cleaning. Luckily, a professional re-sealing is only recommended yearly however, there are sealants that provide years of protection so make sure to ask your contractor. Plus, your daily maintenance is quick and easy. All that’s required for countertop cleaning is a warm wet washcloth and a gentle liquid cleanser.
Of course, if you spill something that stains easily, like coffee, tomato sauce, or wine, it’s best to wipe away the liquid as quickly as possible. Sealants are incredibly helpful at protecting your tabletops but they’re not always miracle workers. Needless to say, as long as you’re semi-vigilant, caring for marble responsibly is hardly a hardship.
So before you swipe left…
Don’t let a few misconceptions stand in your way of solidifying the kitchen, living room, or bathroom you’ve always wanted. Versatile and durable, marble is a countertop to lean on for life. And not just because it’s an earthly beauty.
If you have questions on countertops such as marble, granite and quartz the specialists at Texas Granite Group are ready to answer. With more than 20 years of experience in countertop fabrication and installation our commitment to customer service and satisfaction is hard to beat. Housing hundreds of marble, quartz and granite slabs unmatched in beauty and quality, we have become one of the most sought-after countertop installers throughout the Austin area and beyond. Call to schedule or visit us for a Free Consultation today!