There’s no denying the sophisticated elegance of marble. It’s warmth and beauty often leads homeowners to choose marble kitchen countertops when doing a new build or a remodel. While marble countertops definitely make a statement, they can require a bit more care than some other natural stone surfaces. That doesn’t mean if you have your heart set on marble kitchen countertops, you shouldn’t have them. It just means you should understand what to expect when caring for them.
Design Versatility
Marble can be found in a variety of colors. These include rich whites and neutrals, soft yellows and oranges, deep greens, vibrant blacks and shades of pink. The natural veining in the stone provides a dramatic effect that will complement almost any design style. When shopping for marble kitchen countertops, it’s best to choose a color that is similar to your floors, walls, and backsplash for the best design results.
Durability Concerns
Marble is crystallized limestone that leans toward the softer end of the Mohs hardness scale. Depending on the limestone and the mineral combination within the marble, it can rate anywhere from a three to a five. This does cause some durability and maintenance concerns when deciding whether or not to have marble kitchen countertops installed.
Etching
This is probably the biggest concern when installing marble countertops in the kitchen. Because marble contains calcium carbonate, it reacts to the acids found in some foods and beverages such as fruit, soda, coffee, and salad dressing, resulting in etching. Etching will appear as a dull spot on the surface of the marble and is virtually impossible to prevent on marble kitchen countertops. Some cleaners also contain acidic ingredients. Make sure to choose non-acidic products that are safe for marble
Etching will be more evident on polished countertops, as it will be a sharp contrast to the glossy finish. A honed finish is often recommended when installing marble countertops in the kitchen. Because honing creates more of a matte finish, etch marks will be less noticeable.
For polished marble, there are products available that can remove etching relatively easily. It is best to consult with your countertop supplier to see what which products they recommend. For honed marble, the process is a bit more involved and will require hiring a professional.
Chips
Marble kitchen countertops, due to the stone’s softness, are susceptible to chips. They can happen anywhere on the countertop but typically happen along the edges. They are usually caused by an impact from a pot or heavy dish. Chips can be repaired by filling them in and polishing them. In most cases, you will never even know they happened.
Scratches
It is important to use a cutting board or other protective surfaces when slicing and chopping foods on marble countertops. Again, because of the stone’s softness, scratches are going to happen. These too can be buffed or polished out. Some may be so small that they are barely noticeable and don’t warrant any type of repair. With large scratches, you will probably want to have them buffed out.
Maintenance
Obviously, marble kitchen countertops will require more care than other natural stone surfaces. In addition to being a bit more cautious with heavy pots and dishes, mopping up spills as soon as possible, and always using a cutting board, marble countertops will need to be sealed regularly – typically once a year.
Marble Kitchen Countertops – Still Can’t Decide?
No matter how much you love the look of marble countertops, deciding whether or not they’re the right choice for your kitchen is entirely up to you. If your kitchen is an extremely high traffic area that experiences constant use, you may want to reconsider. Or if you’re a bit obsessive and every little scratch or imperfection is going to bother you, then you should probably choose a different material, such as granite, for your kitchen countertops.
However, if you love the beauty of marble and see all the potential little imperfections as part of a naturally aged patina, then marble kitchen countertops just might be the right choice for you. Marble can also be a great choice for bathroom vanities.
Before making a final decision, it is best to consult with a professional. Innovative Stone RSQ is South Florida’s leading natural stone installation service company. With over 12 years of experience in the marble and natural stone industry, our family-owned and operated business is known for reliable service, quality craftsmanship, and affordable prices. Use our virtual design tools to start creating your ideal countertops and contact us to set up a consultation. We have the expertise needed to ensure your installation is done correctly and looks stunning in your home.