If you want to improve your kitchen decor, changing your countertops is a great way to do it. One of the best and most luxurious options is marble. However, just because marble looks stunning doesn’t mean all aspects of owning marble kitchen countertops are ideal.
Although there is a lot to love about marble, there are also some things to watch out for.
So, before you take the plunge and invest in marble kitchen countertops, we’re going to fill you in on the good, the bad, and the ugly about having marble kitchen countertops is a good idea.
What’s Good About Owning Marble Countertops?
Let’s start with the good news about marble since this will ultimately be why you’re considering buying it. People that love marble have their reasons and they are good ones!
Beautiful Aesthetic
Marble is a beautiful countertop option for your kitchen. It comes in various colors and veining. Carrera marble is one of the most popular due to its color and affordability. Of all the natural stones, its richness and charm is unmatched.
Durable
Another benefit of owning marble countertops is that they are durable. If you properly clean, maintain, and seal them, they may last 50 years or more. There’s a reason why so many structures throughout history have been constructed with marble, it can withstand just about anything.
High Resale Value
If you ever plan to sell your home, those marble countertops may lure many buyers who adore them and fetch you a great return on investment. According to a recent report by Remodeling Magazine, a major kitchen remodel that includes stone countertops could recoup nearly 50 percent of a homeowner’s initial investment at closing.
What’s Bad About Owning Marble Kitchen Countertops?
Here’s the bad. Well, it may not be bad if you don’t mind the high cost of cleaning, restoring and sealing your marble kitchen countertops as needed.
Expensive
One drawback of marble kitchen countertops is that they are the most expensive stone countertops. You can expect to pay $40 to $100 per square foot for marble countertop installation. For much more high-end types of marble, such as Calcutta marble, it could cost approximately $200.
Besides the expenses you’ll encounter on the front end during the purchasing process, you’ll also have to spend plenty of money to clean, maintain, seal, and refinish marble countertops as needed. But its more than worth it!
High Maintenance
If you want a countertop that’s easy to upkeep, marble isn’t one of them. Unfortunately, this is one of the most high-maintenance countertops you can buy for your home.
Sealing your marble countertops will help prevent most of the potential damage that general use can cause. However, you’ll have to reseal your marble countertops every six to twelve months to be effective.
Now, the Ugly Part About Owning Marble Kitchen Countertops
Yes, there are some ugly parts about owning marble kitchen countertops. Here are a few common issues that could arise with them that will make your marble countertops look ugly. The following issues are easy to fix and some can even be done on your own.
Etching
If you are used to other types of cheaper countertops like laminate and porcelain, you may not have been concerned about a cloudy film forming on them. This cloudy film, or etching, is very common with marble countertops.
It typically happens when someone uses the wrong cleaning products or drops acidic foods on the surface. Over time, a cloudy film will form, making the marble kitchen countertops look less than stellar.
Staining
Another drawback to owning marble countertops that can make them appear ugly is that they readily absorb spills. It is critical to clean anything that drops on the surface of these countertops because they easily stain.
Chipping or Cracking
Some chips or cracks in your marble are part of the countertops’ intrinsic makeup. After all, marble has been formed underground for millennia, and slabs are dug out of quarries for home installation. These flaws are known as fissures. However, some chipping or cracking may come from damage to the marble. Heavy objects hitting the marble can chip or crack it. Likewise, marble countertops can crack due to exposure to high heat from pans being placed directly on them.
Scratches
Marble is a durable countertop that can last for many decades. However, it isn’t flawless. Cutting on a marble surface can scratch the countertops. This is because marble is a “soft” mineral, ranging from 3 to 5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Certain types of knives may scratch this delicate countertop.
Patina
Another ugly problem that may arise with marble is patina. This is an oxidation process that occurs on marble as it ages. While it may create a cloudy appearance similar to etching, patina is a natural phenomenon that gives marble a vintage look. Some people may find this unattractive, while others appreciate this look since it can create an aged aesthetic appeal.
Marble countertops may not be for everyone but are worth considering if you are willing to be on top of the maintenance. Aside from their compelling beauty, marble countertops are a kitchen staple because they are adaptable to any design and practical to use. Not to mention how long lasting they are. It’s an investment that can last a lifetime.
Countertop Installation is Waiting!
Let Texas Granite Group near Austin create a kitchen that will elevate your home and enhance the way you live with style and function. Our collection of countertop materials includes vast choices of marble, granite, quartz and more. We are confident you will find countertop material unique to you.
When it comes to countertop fabrication and installation, our impeccable design and crafting sets us apart from other installers and drives our growing reputation in the industry. Call to schedule a Free Consultation and visit our countertop store today!