Marble countertops have an air of elegance to them, but not everyone is a fan. Marble countertops certainly have their pros and cons. Some advantages and disadvantages are obvious, while others won’t show up until after you’ve had them installed. Learn more about the pros and cons of marble countertops before deciding on installing them.
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What Are Marble Countertops?
Marble countertops come in a variety of types, prices, qualities, and colors so doing thorough research will help you find the best marble for your needs. Marble has endless variations because of factors like where it’s sourced, its impurities, patterns, colors, and veining. Colors can range from white to black to pink to green. Carrara marble is the most popular option because it is often the least expensive marble, but Statuary, Calacatta, and Crema Marfil are also found in kitchens.
Marble Countertop Pros
Look:
Nothing can rival the look of marble kitchen countertops. There’s a richness to them and a character to the stone that others can’t touch. But what usually arouses people about marble countertops is the veining.
Great for Cooking: Marble remains cool naturally, which makes it a great surface for baking or other cooking. Marble, however, isn’t completely heat resistant, so don’t place hot pots and pans directly on marble countertops.
Added Value:
Some experts maintain that marble countertops have the ability to increase your home’s value. Whether it really drives an increase in value remains open to debate, but the presence of marble countertops can create a perceived sense of additional value.
Longevity:
With regular upkeep, maintenance and sealing, marble countertops will last a long time in your home.
Marble Countertop Cons
Porous:
Marble will stain and acidic liquids will stain permanently. You can avoid substantial staining by sealing marble countertops at least annually. It’s best to seal marble once it’s installed. Should you find some stains, the Marble Institute recommends a solution of 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia to clean the stain with a cloth until the stain is gone.
Etching:
Marble will scratch or if exposed to acid for a prolonged period, it will etch where the polish or sealant fades. You can hone marble to help hide etching. For light scratches and water spots, you can use dry #0000 steel wool to buff it out.
Cost:
Marble countertops run more expensive than other countertop options, so it’s not in everyone’s budget. Though there are several types of marble that can be more affordable, they’ll likely remain more expensive.
Marble Countertop Cost
Marble countertops tend to cost $40 to $100 per square foot and on average runs about $60 per square foot. Carrara marble typically costs around $40 per square foot while Calacatta marble will cost about $180 per square foot. Statuario marble comes in at around $50 per square foot. The cost to install marble countertops is usually between $1,000 to nearly $10,000. On average, marble countertop installation is $3,000.
Marble Countertop Maintenance and Care
Marble countertops need routine TLC to increase their lifespan. That means sealing them once installed to prevent any stains from settling. Sealing needs to be done at least annually, though some recommend doing so every six months if your kitchen gets frequent use. You can remove stains with a mixture of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide or refinish the countertops. Marble will also require constant cleaning and periodic polishing. It’s best to avoid any acids on marble countertops because the acid can dull the shine of marble. Marble is also susceptible to chipping, so beware of knocking things, like a belt buckle or other heavy objects, across it.
Marble Countertop Design Options
There are hundreds of marble countertop options available, but most are defined by the color and type of veining in the marble. Marble like Calacatta Michelangelo fit with minimalist design concepts, while others like Crema Valencia can be used indoors and outdoors because of its red veins. You can typically find a color and veining style for marble that will fit the design of your kitchen.
Marble Countertop Installation
Should you choose to install your own marble countertops, beware that marble is heavy. Because of this, it needs a solid and sturdy base under it to properly support it. In order to cut marble, you’ll need a diamond blade and a circular saw. You can use water to cut faster and reduce dust. You’ll need to wear a respirator, ear protection, and eye protection. A professional can typically install marble countertops in four to six hours, but if you do it yourself, expect to use up a weekend. Countertops require precise measurements and marble needs to be completely level to prevent any sags.
Marble Countertop Lifespan
Marble can last more than 100 years, according to the National Association of Home Builders. But it does need attention and maintenance. It’s not the hardest material and can suffer chips and dents. Frequent sealing of marble countertops will ensure that they last a lifetime.
Top Marble Countertop Brands
India, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Iran are some of the top marble-producing countries in the world, and they’re near the top in terms of the quality of marble, too. In India, Bhandari Marble Group is considered one of the best marble suppliers. In Spain, Levantina is a leader in the marble industry, while Italy’s leading suppliers include Marmi di Carrara Srl, Bufalini Marmi Srl, and The Italian Marble Co.
Bottom Line
If you’re a lover of marble, you’re probably well aware of the upkeep it takes. Marble is an investment, but it has an unparalleled elegance for countertops. It has a longer lifespan than other countertops and will impress potential homebuyers when it comes time to sell your home.
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