Home Design 101: The Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops

Marble is huge in 2017, and it’s no wonder – this material is beautiful and lends a high-end, luxurious look to any space.

Marble in the kitchen is taking over. You’ll find it on the floor, walls, and countertops, and even see marble accents on implements like rolling pins and cutting boards.

So, what’s the problem?

If you’re looking for durability, marble may not be for you. That is, unless you’re ready to put a lot of work into maintaining it. Before you take the plunge and go for marble in the kitchen or bathroom, learn about the pros and cons first. You’ll save yourself heaps of trouble.

Marble Countertops: The Pros and Cons You Need to Consider

This is one of those beautiful kitchen trends, but there are hidden downfalls you should be aware of before you put marble all over your house.

1. Pro: Marble Can Be Cost-Efficient

Yes, you heard right. Marble doesn’t have to be expensive. Carrera marble from Italy is one of the least-expensive natural stone options out there. It’s grayer in tone with less prominent veining, but it’s still a beautiful option. The more expensive types of marble are whiter with lots of veins.

2. Con: Marble Is Not Low Maintenance

If you need a counter that will stand up to everyday life, marble may not be right for you. Since this material is one of the softer stones, it will most certainly get scratched. Plus, it’s porous, which means liquids can seep in and stain the surface. You can get your marble professionally sealed to help prevent this, but acids like lemon juice can wear away at the seal and make it vulnerable.

Along with these cons, marble must be continually re-sealed to stay protected. Bottom line: if you’re looking for a low-maintenance work surface, marble may not be for you.

3. Pro: It’s Heat-Resistant

Marble may not be the most durable stone, but it is heat-resistant. However, that doesn’t mean you should set hot pans or pots right on top of it, willy-nilly. This simply means that you may not damage the surface if you accidentally set something piping hot on it for a minute.

However, if you’re a dedicated baker, you may find marble is just to your taste. The surface stays cool even in the face of hot days and heat blasting from your oven. You can work with pie and biscuit dough directly on your marble countertop and it will help keep the butter from melting.

Marble in the Kitchen Can Be a Good Home Design Choice – with Reservations

If you’re ready to do the work and be careful, marble may be the right choice for you. Before you dive headfirst into marble surfaces, however, just make sure you research marble countertops and their pros and cons. This is not a decision you should make without the proper background information.