Marble countertops have been a popular countertop choice for thousands of years. In fact, marble’s popularity never loses momentum, although trends have shifted in regards to where it is installed. Granite Liquidators is proud to supply marble countertops, but we usually give a word of caution to homeowners. While marble is unarguably lovely, it is a softer and more porous stone. This makes it more vulnerable to scratches, etching and stains. Marble can also suffer from divets and dents if a hard, heavy object falls on it from a higher distance. Words of caution aside, there are many pros and cons of marble countertops.

Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops

Pros of Marble Countertops

Chef-friendly

Marble is a chef-friendly surface. It’s heat resistant and bakers can roll their dough right on it, which is why it’s often used as an “accessory” surface even if something harder, and more durable is selected for the bulk of the countertop layout. You’ll often see specialized cutting boards made out of marble or a special section specifically designed for food preparation.

Plenty of variation

Marble typically comes in white and gray tones, but it’s also available in other hues, including solid black or marbling with greens, blue-grays, brown and rose hues. We strongly recommend viewing your slab color and pattern in person. No two stones will ever be the same and natural stone will always have variations. This is why selecting your slab from Granite Liquidators is always the smart way to go, because the slab you see in the yard is the slab that will be installed in your home. No surprises and no confusion upon installation.

A Classic Look

Marble exudes a classic, upscale aesthetic that has been revered for millennia. While some unique or more dramatic patterns do occur, most marble has a more subtle patterns, with subtle grey or soft brown “marbling” or striations that add color and interest. When redesigning a kitchen, countertops are a critical component, and there is no more classic choice than marble.

Soft Feel

Marble is soft to the touch. There is something more velvety in the way it feels, compared with granite or quartz, which have a harder feel. Marble also has a softer look since marble patterns aren’t typically as bold or dramatic as other natural stones.

Cons of Marble Countertops

Warranty Limits

Because the kitchen is a higher-impact location, some manufacturer’s and installers offer more limited- or zero-warranty perks for kitchen installations. Many installers will caution homeowners against using certain chemical agents or foods on the marble surface to ensure the marble’s success over its lifetime. There are also some sealing agents that have come out recently that may be a good idea to research to see if they are best for your kitchen.

Cost

Marble is a luxury option, so it comes with a luxury price. Pricing on marble slabs can vary based on the geographical area they are coming from and rules implemented by governmental agencies. One of the most iconic and widely recognized marbles today is Carrara White Premium Marble. Its soft white background with subtle gray veins is a classic and timeless look many interior designers and homeowners desire. This beautiful marble is only found in Italy, and as a matter of quality and pride, the government requires each type of marble to be graded based on color and veining.

Prone to damage

As we mentioned above, marble is a soft, porous stone. It’s notorious for staining, etching, and scratching. For this reason, kitchens that endure heavy wear-and-tear may find that a more hard and durable option, like granite is better suited for the countertops.

Are marble countertops right for me?

Overall, marble has proven to be a beautiful and timeless stone that captures the hearts of homeowners all over the world. While there are many words of caution against using this softer stone in high traffic areas, there are still pros and ways to overcome the obstacles that marble provides. If you have any questions about whether marble countertops would be a good choice for your home, give us a call and we’d be happy to help!