Marble Countertops: Why Homeowners Should Consider Having It

Marble countertops are gorgeous and add a touch of luxury to any kitchen. It’s a high-end material but can be within reach for most homeowners. However, this beautiful natural stone requires some maintenance. It can stain easily and requires yearly resealing. It can add up to a significant cost over time.

Maintenance

Marble’s classic beauty complements many design styles, from glam and feminine when paired with gold or brass accenting to monochromatic and modern when complemented by chrome. It also works with more laid-back decor looks and can look rustic and organic when paired with wood elements. Unfortunately, this same beauty makes it a magnet for stains and etching. While regular cleaning with mild soap and water can help mitigate these issues, more stubborn stains and etching may require more powerful chemicals. The good news is that marble countertops Wexford PA, can last extremely long with little care and attention. Sealing the countertops regularly (usually annually, but more often if you live in an extremely humid climate) and using coasters for all drinks can prolong their lifespan. You can also opt for cultured marble counters made from crushed stone combined with resins to make them non-porous and less susceptible to staining.

Durability

Marble is one of the softer natural stone options available, ranking only 3 to 5 on the Mohs hardness scale (granite stands at a 6). It’s, therefore, less durable than other countertop materials, especially in busy kitchen environments. It makes it a better choice for bathrooms and offices with light traffic or in homes with children. Scratches and stains can happen with marble, but they can be less of a problem with proper maintenance and sealing.

Marble’s comparatively soft nature also makes it easier to fabricate into fancy shapes than granite, which is more brittle. This flexibility allows you to achieve a unique look for your countertops and may help hide seams in large counters requiring two separate slabs to build. You can customize your marble with various finishes, such as honed, polished, leathered and sandblasted. Each adds a different dimension to the color and veining of your marble countertops.

Aesthetics

Marble countertops offer a sophisticated, classic aesthetic that few other countertop materials can match. They can be adorned with various finishes to complement any design aesthetic, from sleek and contemporary to transitional or traditional. Different marbles have varying degrees of softness and porosity, which can affect their susceptibility to staining. Some can be more prone to stains than others, so you will want to research the type of marble you’re interested in before selecting it for your project.

If you opt for a lighter marble, such as Carrara (named after the region in Italy where it’s sourced), you will likely find that it is more resistant to stains than darker types of marble. Additionally, proper upkeep and care can lessen discoloration. These simple steps can also improve the longevity of your countertops.

Price

The classic look of marble countertops adds elegance to any room and increases the resale value of your home. However, this timeless beauty doesn’t come cheap. Marble countertops cost significantly more than other natural stone and manufactured countertop materials. When shopping for marble, be sure to work with a reputable supplier who understands the different types of marble and can assist you in finding a fit within your budget. Look for discounts or specials that may be available. Asking suppliers to fabricate the countertops from smaller pieces can also reduce costs.

Choosing a lighter marble color with softer veining will be less expensive than a dark or exotic variety. Also, opting for a caressed finish that textures the surface to hide scratches and fingerprints better will lower your overall cost. A budget-friendly alternative to marble is laminate, which is less expensive than most natural stones and offers the same aesthetics. Laminate counters also last longer than marble, saving you money in the long run.