The marble countertop is a beautiful natural stone that provides a unique elegance to your bathroom, kitchen, or dining room. If you’re considering this type of stone for your next home remodel, learn more about what makes marble countertops the perfect choice for any style of home. Marble countertops do have pros and cons, some being obvious and others that won’t show up until you have them installed. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages before deciding to commit.
Marble Countertops Pros And Cons
Nothing can rival the look of marble countertops. There’s something to the veining, richness, and character of this stone that others just can’t touch. Besides the presence of marble countertops adding a perceived sense of added value to the home, they are great for cooking and baking. Marble remains naturally cool, though it isn’t completely heat resistant so you won’t want to put hot pans directly on them. With regular maintenance, upkeep, and sealing marble countertops can last a long time. Marble countertops are unique in the truest sense of the word: no two are the same. Choice of colors spans an entire spectrum, and since it’s a naturally occurring stone that can be found around the globe it’s a lovely way to bring an element of nature into your home.
On the other hand, marble can be vulnerable to staining ingredients like wine, juice, and oil that seep deep into the rock. Once this happens it’s hard to reverse so sealing beforehand is essential. Unfortunately, you’ll have to repeat this process every six months, especially if you are a frequent cook. Prolonged exposure to acid will remove the polish and sealant, and because marble is a soft stone you will want to use a chopping board when slicing food. Another con of marble countertops is that slabs are very heavy, so if you wanted to DIY your kitchen you may want to rethink it. It can also be delicate, even though it has a formidable heft it is indeed breakable, so you’ll want to be careful not to drop anything sharp or heavy directly on them. Besides being porous and high-maintenance marble countertops can get very pricey depending on what kind of marble you choose. It’s available in a wide range of prices and qualities, from affordable run-of-the-mill quality marble countertops to the perfectly smooth marble stone that will glisten and sparkle. When picking marble-you get what you pay for.
Marble Vs Granite Countertops
If you are in the market for a new kitchen countertop, there are many options to choose from. Marble and granite are two popular choices. Both materials have pros and cons; deciding which one is best for your needs will depend on what your priorities are.
Marble counters are a popular choice among homeowners due to their natural beauty. They can mimic the colors in nature so well that they look like miniature lakes of water. Mosaic tiles can be cut into shapes and added to marble countertops for an interesting design element.
Granite (which is a stone made of minerals) is more durable than marble which is a rock. Granite will stand up to use and abuse better than marble. Granite is also less porous than marble, making it easier to clean. The drawback to using marble is that it’s more porous than granite and can stain easily, as well as scratch or chip. Both granite and marble countertops will need a sealant but since granite has inherent stain-resistant properties it will require less frequent reapplication. Marble countertops are lovely but they can be very difficult to maintain. If you’re looking for rich colors and subtle shading, marble is your best bet. But if you want a more neutral palette, granite is the way to go. Another difference between the two countertops is that granite has a “more integrated look” because it’s one solid color. Marble has a range of colors and can be patterned.
The cost is a big factor, of course. Granite countertops are slightly less expensive than marble. If you choose granite, expect to pay at least 75-175$ per square foot, whereas marble will typically run about 100-200$ per square foot. With a comparison of the long-term cost, it is possible that granite is actually the better choice. Marble can crack and fade. Granite is much less likely to do so. Granite easily resists heat damage, scratches, or discoloration from everyday use, unlike marble so it can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Quartz Vs Marble Countertops
Choosing countertops for your home can be difficult. There are so many types of materials to choose from that it’s hard to narrow down the best option for you. The two most popular choices are quartz and marble. Quartz is typically cheaper than marble because it requires less maintenance over time. Marble, however, has a more beautiful and elegant appearance that often costs significantly more. Ultimately you need to decide what your priorities are in order to make the best decision for your kitchen remodel.
Quartz is a popular countertop material because it’s a low-maintenance option and doesn’t show wear and tear like marble. Marble on the other hand has always been a popular choice because of its timeless beauty and elegance, but it needs more upkeep than other types of stone. Quartz is a non-porous stone, and marble is porous. This means that quartz resists stains from water more than marble does. If you keep the countertops dry and clean, they should last forever.
Quartz countertops might be a more affordable option because they’re easier to maintain than marble – water spots fade quickly and they don’t need as many polishes to keep them shiny the way marble does. Marble has to be sealed regularly because it will absorb spills and stains. Marble is a great choice for many people, but those who need extreme durability should choose quartz. For the average family, marble will work just fine. If you have high-traffic areas or kids who like to draw on the countertop, marble might not be the best choice.
Most Popular Marble Countertops
It is difficult to find the right material that will fit your needs. You can find marble in a variety of colors and textures, making it easy to choose one that best suits you. Marble has been used as a stone material for centuries, dating all the way back to ancient Greece. It is not hard on the environment, and it is also an attractive component for many of the homes in today’s modern society.
Marble is a type of stone that is generally available in white and black, but there are also varieties dyed with other colors. Marble can be found in many shades ranging from pale creamy white to deep black, gray, blue, green, and more. If you want more color options, you can get marble with veins of color, swirls of different shades, or even mosaic inlay. Marble is a popular countertop choice because it has a natural earthy look and rich color variation.
Carrara Marble Countertops
Carrara marble is a species of white marble that has been quarried in the Italian region of Tuscany for centuries. The term “Carrara marble” refers to various types of marble of different shades from this area. Some of the existing varieties of this stone are Bianco Carrara marble, Statuario marble, Venetian marble, Arabescato marble, Calacatta marble, Bardiglio marble, and Cipollino Zebrino marble.
The most famous of these options is the White Carrara marble, at the same time it’s the most popular because of its unique characteristics of a pearly white background with intrusions and grayer points of some parts that can be more or less evident. White Carrara marble comes in the types “Bianco C” and “Bianco CD”, the first one having a whiter and the second one having grayer background. Because of its attractive, elegant white color, Bianco C is the more pricey option of the two. Typical characteristics of White Carrara marble is the compact, thin and homogeneous grain with a low reflective index. Exactly that low reflective index is what gives amazing shine and a lot of brightness to spaces where it’s used.
Photo and design: Lasley Brahaney Architecture + ConstructionCalacatta Marble Countertops
Calacatta marble is a creamy white, very pure marble that typically originates from Italy. It’s one of the most popular marbles in the world because of its age-old beauty and great durability. Calacatta marble is insanely popular among homeowners who have a lot of natural light in their living spaces. The semi-polished stone, which is quarried in Italy and imported to the U.S., offers a variety of colors, ranging from white to dark gold. One of its most attractive features is that it has a “softness” due to its added silica content, which gives it an elegant sheen with a slightly textured surface.
Calacatta marble comes in large blocks that are cut to size and polished. This type of marble is cream-colored with veins of gray and gold throughout, which gives it an amazing, natural appearance. It is easy to maintain as long as you seal it. This delicate and classy stone is a real show-stopper. The marble is not too hard, but it will require more maintenance than your average countertop. It may be prone to staining with red wine, oils, and other organic liquids. You can purchase it as either polished or honed, which is simply a rougher finish. The price depends on the size of the slab. Calacatta is best for very large spaces that need to make an impact, such as kitchens or entryways.
Black Marble Countertops
Marble is one of the most popular countertop materials, but it’s important to know what kind you should use. The black marble has intense colors and is versatile enough to be used in both traditional and modern designs. It is durable, with a high scratch resistance that can be polished and sealed.
The vast majority of black marble on the market are black limestone or dolomites (sedimentary rocks). The black color of this stone is explained by its forming on continental platforms that have received a good volume of sediment with abundant organic matter and carbonate. Most of the black marble is characterized by a wide variety and presence of fossils.
Marquina Marble or Black Marquina is possibly the most well-known black marble worldwide, due to the intensity of the black background, its characteristic white veins, and high volume of production. It’s a black reef limestone with fine grain and typical calcite white veins and it’s extracted from the quarries of Markina (Spain).
Photo by Mary CostaGray Marble Countertops
Marble is a beautiful material that adds elegance and luxury to any space. In particular, gray marble is said to be calming and soothing. It’s a cool-toned material that can make any room feel fresher, while also offering a neutral base for color accents.
Bardiglio marble is a popular option of the stone with a smooth appearance and a very fine grain that is extracted in the Carrara marble quarry and has a predominantly dark gray background color. Bardiglio from Carrara has a series of thin veins of the most varied shades of gray, from light to dark, as well as small white streaks. Among the Bardiglio marbles, there are several varieties, the best known is the Bardiglio Nuvolato whose predominant gray color blends with blue.
Gray marble is a great option for anyone looking to inject some color into their kitchen while still maintaining a neutral theme. This marble is often called Carrara and comes in colors that range from white to black with varying degrees of gray. You can find this type of marble in a number of variations including honed, polished, and veined. This can be the perfect choice for your home whether you want something elegant and modern or want to create a cozy, classic vibe. Gray marble countertops are sure to pair seamlessly with a variety of different island and cabinet options, and it’s easily combined with traditional and contemporary hardware and fixtures.
How To Clean Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are a popular design choice due to their sleek and modern look. Marble is also easy to maintain, but it does require extra care. Some people think that chemicals like bleach and ammonia will clean marble, but this can actually cause permanent damage. It’s better to use natural cleaning methods like a solution of dish soap and water with a barely damp cloth for stubborn stains. The best way to keep the marble from looking dingy is to wipe it down daily with a damp cloth and a degreaser like Dawn. Avoid anything acidic like vinegar or lemon juice. These products will damage the marble’s surface, removing the protective sealant layer and making it more prone to staining.
There are three things that are important to do every now and then to keep your marble in good shape. The first thing is to regularly ( every few months) apply a sealant to the surface of the countertop. This will help prevent water from seeping into the pores of the stone and help protect it from stains. The second thing is to wipe up any spills as soon as they happen so they don’t sink into the stone. And lastly, never use abrasive cleaners, to remove stains make a paste of baking soda (for oil-based stains) or hydrogen peroxide (for water-based stains). Apply the paste to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges. Let sit for a few days (or overnight at the very least), and then rinse off the paste. Repeat the process if the stain isn’t completely gone. Be sure to do a spot test first to make sure the method won’t affect the color or finish of the stone.
Marble Countertops Cost
Marble countertops are a beautiful and practical piece of kitchen or bathroom decor. The price can vary depending on a variety of factors such as size, type, and thickness, as well as the quality, veining, and color. Generally, it ranges from $40 – $100 per square foot installed with an average of 60$ per square foot.
At first glance, the finishing of a component seems inexpensive in itself. This includes things like openings for sockets, sinks, and taps. If you add up all of the pieces, however, it may bring the price up quite a bit. Finishing the openings in a worktop means cutting openings into the stone worktop which can be done with different methods and all at varied price points. Each cut has its own price. The average cost of cutting a stove or sink opening is up to $250 and each tap opening may cost up to $90, depending on the diameter of the tap. A socket opening can cost up to $110.
The last price component is measuring and installation. These services may add 25–50% to the price of the worktop. The price of measuring and installation depends on the location and the specific work required. For example, if slabs can’t be moved via a crane and they need to be carried to a sixth-floor apartment-that will cost extra. A stone worktop is one of the most expensive components of a kitchen. If the stone countertop does not fit into the kitchen for some reason, it’s an expensive mistake to correct.
In the end, if you take proper care of your countertops, the stone will be cheaper than wood or laminate. With the right care, a marble kitchen countertop will last a lifetime!
Ready To Commit To The Timeless Marble Countertops? Hire Savona Kitchen And Bath NJ!
We hope we’ve answered all of your important questions and motivated you to consider the dazzling option that is marble countertops. You can browse our website for more ideas and inspiration and see other countertop material options. In case you’re ready, contact our team and discuss your project idea! We are here and ready to help you create your one-of-a-kind, dream kitchen. We offer FREE consultations! Contact us today and let’s get started.
