Frequently Asked Questions: Marble Countertops
Marble is a classic building material often found in homes, museums and building lobbies. If you love classic beauty and architecture, there’s a good chance you’ll love marble countertops. However, marble has some characteristics that make it slightly more maintenance intensive in kitchen settings. The more you know about marble, the easier it will be for you to decide if this is the right material for you.
What Should You Do to Select Marble For Kitchen Counter Tops?
Spills from red wine, dark sauces and oil can discolor your marble. Darker colored marble, like green, black and red, show far fewer stains than lighter, more delicate shades of marble (like white). Before choosing a type of marble for your kitchen, consider your cooking habits, how messy (or clean) your kitchen usually is, and act accordingly.
Before choosing a particular type of marble, ask to see several samples. Hold the samples up to your kitchen cabinets, floors and walls. Look at the samples in different lights and make your choice. Don’t pick your counters from a picture, and if possible, look at the samples in the room where they’ll be installed.
Why Would You Choose Marble Over Granite Countertops?
Most people who seek out marble countertops know right away that they want marble. They love its delicate beauty, its luscious elegance, and its affiliation with luxury. That said, marble is not for everyone. Compared to granite, marble is more porous and softer. You should choose marble if it matches the aesthetic quality you seek, but be aware that marble does require regular sealing and will need regular cleaning to prevent it from staining.
What Are The Pros Of A Marble Countertop?
By far, the greatest benefit of a marble countertop is its stunning beauty. Marble comes in a variety of colors (white, gray, green, red, black, taupe) and with a variety of markings. Choosing a marble to match your kitchen is easy, because it comes in so many colors and types.
Marble is also naturally heat resistant and resistant to cracking. It’s also easy to find marble with unique edge profiles because it’s a soft stone that’s easy to shape. Marble is also 100% natural, which makes it an eco-friendly product.
What Are The Cons Of A Marble Countertop?
Marble is not as durable as some other types of countertop material. Specifically, marble is much softer than granite and can be easily scratched or marred. If you use your kitchen countertops for heavy-duty cooking and food prep, granite may be a better choice, as it is less likely to become stained or scratched.
Work with your contractor to choose the right material for your home. You can avoid these pitfalls by keeping your marble properly sealed and by using cutting boards to protect your marble from scratches.
Marble that is not properly maintained may lose its natural beauty, become scratched and dull, and may need refinishing in order to regain its former beauty.
Can You Place Hot Pans And Pots On A Marble Countertop?
Marble is not easily damaged by high temperatures. However, hot pots and pans can damage the sealant that protects marble, which could lead to discolorations and stains. You can protect your marble by placing a hot pad on your counter before putting any hot pots and pans on its surface.
Ready to Buy Marble Counters? Contact the Experts
Are you ready to purchase marble counters for your kitchen? Contact Seacoast Stone to get started with your marble installation and purchase. We help homeowners select and install marble counters for their home.