Should I Get Marble Countertops?

01 Feb Should I Get Marble Countertops?

Marble countertops add a touch of luxury to any kitchen, and many Utah homeowners are opting for marble in their own kitchens. Wondering if marble is the way to go for you? Here are some of the major benefits to having marble countertops—along with some cons that you should be aware of.

Timeless beauty

Marble was widely used throughout Ancient Rome because of its inherent beauty, and it continues to be favored for its beauty today. Marble offers a white brightness that cannot be duplicated by granite or quartz. Tip: If you’re a food photographer or blogger, you may want to go with marble countertops—marble makes for a stunning background in food photography.

Baking friendly

Do you love to bake? If so, then marble is the perfect countertop material for you. Marble is naturally cool in temperature, making it the perfect surface to work with pastry on. As an added bonus, the naturally cool temperature of marble helps to keep your kitchen cool.

Heat resistant

Marble is also fairly heat resistant, meaning you can set hot bowls and pans on it. As with all solid countertops, though, it’s still a good idea to use trivets and hot pads to avoid temperature shock.

Easy to clean

Marble is incredibly easy to clean—simply wipe away spills with a clean cloth, and you’re done! The only major form of maintenance you need for marble countertops is to have them sealed upon installation and every few years thereafter.

The cons…

There are a few things to keep in mind, however, when you have marble countertops. These may be a dealbreaker for some, while for many they are simply something to be aware when you do have marble.

Etching

First, because marble is a softer stone, marble is more prone to scratching and etching than other hard materials. Therefore, you do have to take care when sliding bowls and pans around on your countertop. Also, be careful when acidic liquids such as lemon juice or tomato juice come into contact with your marble countertops; the acid can cause etching on the surface. Opting for honed, rather than polished, marble here can give you a more matte surface for countertops that will stand up better to everyday wear and tear.

Staining

Because marble is very porous—even more so than granite—it can also stain quite easily if you’re not careful. The solution here is to make sure that you have your marble sealed upon installation, and then every few years thereafter.