Is Marble Good for Kitchen Countertops? 

Marble is one of the most popular choices when it comes to kitchen countertops. As it is a natural stone, it has an elegant aura that can’t be replicated; it is loved by bakers and is a sought-after choice for interior designers as it raises the value of any property it’s installed in. But of course, marble has downsides as well.

If you are looking to remodel your kitchen and considering marble yet wondering if it’s the right choice, you are in the right place. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of marble, how and where to use it in your kitchen, how to clean it, etc. To learn the answer the questions such as “Is marble good for the kitchen?” and “How long do marble countertops last?” keep reading!

Pros of Marble Countertops for Kitchen

• Did you know that French bakers love using marble in their kitchens and have used marble countertops for a long time? You might be wondering why and there is an unexpected answer: marble is cold to the touch. As bakers work a lot with butter, cold countertops are beneficial as it keeps the butter cold and stops melting. Whether you are making crispy golden croissants from scratch or some classic chocolate chip cookies, having a cold surface to work on is a definite advantage.
• Marble kitchen countertops can add value to your property. Natural stone countertops will add an undeniable appeal to your house; if you ever decide to sell it, you can be sure that they will wow any potential buyer. Because they are timeless and will never go out of style, even if you were to sell your house 50 years from now, your gorgeous countertops are in no danger of looking outdated.
• Marble has a highly versatile appearance. It can elevate a country chic aesthetic while fitting right into a minimalist Scandinavian kitchen. Marble goes with anything and everything; therefore, if you decide to change your decorations down the line and aim for a different interior decoration style, you won’t have to worry about your countertops fitting in.
• There are so many marble options available. You can choose a design with a cream background and brown veins, or you can go for a cool white with gray veins. Choose whichever color and design of veins and backgrounds you want. You are guaranteed to find one you’ll like.
• With regular upkeep and maintenance, marble can last a very long time. As long as you adhere to a few rules of marble usage, such as frequent sealing, it can last more than 100 years.

Cons of Marble Countertops for Kitchen

• As marble has a porous composition, it is vulnerable to staining and discoloration. It will etch if it comes into contact with acidic liquids; therefore, cutting citrus right on top of marble countertops should be avoided at all costs. Similarly, other acidic liquids, such as vinegar and bleach, will have the same dulling effect.
• Marble countertops need regular care and maintenance to increase their life span. Sealing them once the installation is finished is one of the ways to avoid staining. Sealing must be done regularly, at least every six months if your kitchen gets frequent use.
• The price of marble countertops can be higher than other alternatives; therefore, it might not be in everyone’s budget. Although there are several types of marble and some types of it are more affordable than others, even the more affordable ones can be more expensive than the alternatives that aren’t natural stone.
• Marble can be hard to install. As it is a heavy material, it needs a sturdy base underneath to support it properly. Cutting it to the correct shape and size requires multiple specialty tools; therefore, it is not necessarily something you can do yourself. Furthermore, it requires precise measurements, and the marble slab has to be completely level to prevent any sags. All of this requires a lot of labor and preventative measures; therefore, it can take many hours for a professional to install marble countertops.

Where to Use Marble in the Kitchen

• Countertops: The first and the most obvious option is to use marble as countertops. But there is a reason why this is a classic option because it works. In terms of both functionality and looks, marble excels as a top choice for countertops. Not only does it ground the appearance of your design and decoration, but it also brings a touch of earthiness as it is a natural stone. That natural stone appearance makes marble so hard to replicate and recreate.
• Kitchen island: The natural conclusion of using marble as countertops is also using them for islands. Because what are kitchen islands if not extra countertop space? An oversized stunning marble island will be the best statement piece in any kitchen. Choose a delicate pattern that complements your cabinets for a chic and monochrome look, or go wild and pick a loud pattern that will demand attention and make your kitchen remarkable.
• Backsplashes: You can match your backsplashes to your countertops or pick a complementary design. Either way, vertically displaying the gorgeous patterns of marble will add a different element and texture to your space. Furthermore, its smooth surface makes it much easier to clean than mosaic or other materials with uneven surfaces.
• Bar tops: Creating designated spaces in kitchens is trendy now; furthermore, it is functional. While designating an entire corner of your kitchen can take a bit of space, creating areas for specific purposes can help with organization and cleaning. For example, a coffee or tea bar in an unused corner of your kitchen can be useful and chic. Marble countertops are the best way to spice up a corner that would otherwise look bland.

Marble Cleaning Tips

As much as marble is notoriously high maintenance, it doesn’t require any specific products, nor does it need a lot of elbow grease. Marble countertop cleaning and maintenance can be divided into two sections: preventative measures and aftercare. It is best to avoid staining, etching, and discoloration altogether with preventive measures rather than trying to remove damages afterward.

• The easiest way to avoid damage is to use coasters under glasses and trivets under hot dishes. Such a small and easy measure can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
• When an inevitable spill occurs on your kitchen countertops, do not wipe; instead, immediately blot the area and remove the liquid. Because wiping just spreads the spill and the potential stain becomes bigger. After blotting, clean the area with a mix of water and a bar of mild dish soap. Remember to rinse the area with just water and dry it thoroughly afterward.
• There will be times when you don’t get to blot the spill in time, and a stain will begin to appear. Stains from organic materials such as coffee, food, or wine are treated best with a solution of %12 hydrogen peroxide. Whereas oil-based stains like milk or cooking oil are best lifted with acetone and then should be rinsed with water.
• Never use harsh cleaners when dealing with marble. Rough and abrasive scrubbers can scratch the surface. Products containing lemon, vinegar, or other acids are entirely out of the question. Instead, marble should be cleaned with soft cotton cloths and mild cleaners.
• Both etching and hard water stains can cause damage to marble surfaces and need buffing. For water stains and light surface-level etching, you can use dry, super-fine steel wool. Make sure to be extremely gentle while using it, lightly buff the stain, and pay attention to use only on the etched area. Otherwise, you can hone marble to help improve the etching look. For deeper scratches, you may need to call in professional services to re-polish the surface.

Is Cultured Marble Good for Kitchen Countertops?

Cultured marble countertops are much harder and more durable than natural marble. This is achieved by mixing resin binders with natural marble minerals. Cultured marble mimics the look of natural marble and can offer even more choices for colors and patterns.

Furthermore, cultured marble is completely sealed, preventing stains, discoloration, and damage from happening to the surface of your countertops. Moreover, they never have to be sealed again, unlike regular marble or other alternatives such as granite and quartz. This makes cultured marble countertops incredibly easy to clean and maintain. However, cultured marble can still be scratched or etched.

Is Marble or Granite Better for Kitchen Countertops?

There is no definite answer to that question. Marble and granite both have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, although granite offers more durability, you will never get the lived-in look of marble in the long run. As marble is a natural stone, it will basically grow with you and age like fine wine.

Marble countertops after 10 years won’t look the same. Marble has personality and history. On the other hand, with granite countertops, you don’t have to worry about whether or not the salad dressing you were making will spill and etch the countertops.

Comparing marble and granite for kitchen countertops is like comparing apples and oranges. They serve the same purpose but are so different in their composition. Therefore the choice between marble and granite should be made entirely according to your needs and wants.

You might have a small child who spills a lot of orange juice, or marble may be out of your budget, so it is entirely reasonable for you to prefer granite. On the other hand, if you love the natural look of marble, are an avid baker, or want to invest in your house, marble is the right choice for you!

Conclusion

In short, yes, marble is a fantastic choice for kitchen counters. It offers elegance and functionality all in one. But of course, it has some drawbacks, like every other choice. But remember, there are different types of marble; moreover, there are different finishes.

As long as you research the type and finish of marble best suited to your needs and lifestyle, you are in no danger of disappointment with the result. If you want to learn more about the different types and finishes of marble and their qualities, you can always reach out to our expert team, who will help you find out which type of marble is the one for you. As Keystone Marble and Granite, we are here to make your dream house a reality in the best possible way.