Marble countertops are exquisite natural stone that adds a distinctively elegant look to your bathroom, cooking area, and dining space. If you’re thinking about this kind of stone to complete your next home renovation, find out more about the features that make marble countertops the best option for any home. Marble countertops have pros and cons, some obvious while others will only be apparent once you’ve installed them. Find out more about the benefits and drawbacks before deciding to commit.
Marble Countertops Pros and Cons
Nothing is as beautiful as the look granite countertops. There’s something about this material’s veining, texture, and quality that other stones cannot match. In addition to the appearance of marble countertops, which give quality to your home, they’re excellent for baking and cooking. Marble stays cool naturally but is not non-stick, so you don’t need to cook hot pots directly on the countertops. If you maintain and seal them regularly, marble countertops will last a long time. Marble countertops are exclusive in every sense. They are not identical. The colors available are all over the spectrum as it’s a natural-occurring stone worldwide; it’s an excellent option to incorporate a touch of nature into your home.
However, marble is susceptible to staining by wine, juice, and oil that soaks into the stone. When this happens, it isn’t easy to reverse. Therefore, sealing the stone before use is vital. It is necessary to repeat the process every six months, especially when you’re often cooking. Extended exposure to acid can strip the sealant and polish, as marble is a soft stone; it gets recommended to employ a chopping block when cutting food. Another drawback of marble countertops is that the slabs are hefty, so you should reconsider the idea when making your kitchen. They can also be fragile; although they have an impressive heft, they’re breakable. Therefore, you should be cautious not to drop something heavy or sharp directly onto the countertops. Apart from being porous and very high-maintenance, marble countertops can also be expensive, depending on the kind of marble you select. It is available in a broad selection of qualities and prices, from budget-friendly marble countertops to smooth marble that will shine and shimmer. When you choose marble, you will get what you get for your money.
Marble vs. Granite Countertops
If you’re searching for countertops for your kitchen, there are various choices available. Granite and marble are two popular options. Both materials have their pros and cons. Choosing which is better for your requirements will depend on your needs and priorities.
Marble counters are a popular choice for homeowners because of their natural splendor. They can reproduce the colors of nature such that they appear like miniature lakes. The mosaic tiles are cut in different shapes and then added to marble countertops for a fascinating design element.
The durability of granite is more excellent than that of marble, an element of rock. Granite will withstand abuse and use far better than Marble. It is less porous, which makes it simpler to clean. The drawback to marble is that it is less porous than granite and may stain easily and damage or break. Marble countertops and granite will require sealing; however, because granite is stain-resistant, it has natural characteristics, it requires a less frequent application. Marble countertops look beautiful; however, they are challenging to keep clean. Marble is your ideal choice if you want rich shades and subtle shading. If you’re looking for more natural colors, granite is the way to take it. A differentiator between the two countertops is that granite comes with the “more well-integrated style” since it’s a single color. Marble is available in a range of colors and can get decorated.
Granite is likely the best option if you compare the cost over time. Marble may crack and fade. Granite is more resistant to this. Granite can withstand scratches, heat damage, or discoloration due to regular use, unlike Marble. It is, therefore, more cost-effective over the long run.
Quartz vs. Marble Countertops
The decision to choose countertops for your home is a challenging task. Numerous materials are available, so it can take time to choose the right one. Two of the most sought-after options are marble and quartz. Quartz is generally less expensive than marble since it needs less maintenance over time. However, marble has a more stunning and refined appearance, which usually costs more. It is essential to determine which priorities you want to pursue to choose the most appropriate option for your kitchen remodeling.
Quartz is a trendy countertop material because it is easy to maintain and doesn’t show wear and tear like marble. However, it takes more upkeep than other types of stones. Marble, on the other hand, is a long-time favorite choice because of its elegant and ageless appeal. Quartz is a non-porous rock, and marble is porous. It means that quartz is resistant to staining by water more than Marble. If you keep your surfaces clean and dry, the countertops should last long.
Quartz countertops could be an affordable alternative because they’re more maintenance-friendly than marble. Marble requires constant maintenance because it is prone to stains and spills. Water spots disappear quickly and do not require the same polish to keep them shiny as marble. Marble is an excellent choice for a lot of people. However, those who need extreme toughness should go with quartz. For families with a typical household, marble can work perfectly. If you’ve got areas with a lot of traffic or children who love to draw on the counter, there are better choices than marble.
The Most Popular Marble Countertops
Finding the perfect material to meet your requirements can take time and effort. Marble comes in a range of colors and textures, making it simple to pick the one that is most suitable for you. Marble has been used as stone material for a long time, which goes all the way to the time of ancient Greece. It’s not a burden to the environment but also an attractive element in most homes of today’s society.
Marble is a stone usually found in black and white; however, some kinds get dyed with different shades. Marble comes in myriad shades ranging from light and cream white to dark black, blue, gray, and more. Suppose you’re looking for more options in color. In that case, You can find marble with streaks of colors, swirls of various shades, and even mosaic inlays. Marble is a favorite countertop material due to its natural, earthy appearance and extensive color range.
Black Marble Countertops
Marble is among the most sought-after countertop materials. However, it is essential to determine which kind of stone you can use. The black marble comes in various shades and is versatile enough to be utilized in traditional and contemporary styles. It’s tough, has high scratch resistance, and may be polished or sealed.
Most black marbles get distinguished by their variety and the presence of fossils. The majority of black marble available on the market is dolomites or black limestone. This stone’s dark color may have resulted from its creation on continental platforms encircled by a thick layer of sediment rich in carbonate and organic material.
Marquina marble, or black Marquina, is perhaps the most popular black marble in the world due to its intense black background, distinctive white veins, and high production quantity. It’s a black limestone with refined grains and the typical white calcite veins. It’s mined from the quarries in marking.
Gray Marble Countertops
Marble is an exquisite material that can add elegance and sophistication to any area. It’s a fantastic, neutral material that can make any space appear fresher while providing a neutral backdrop for accent colors. Particularly in the case of gray marble, it gets believed to be relaxing and tranquil.
Bardiglio marble is a highly sought-after stone with an elegant appearance and excellent grain. It gets taken from the Carrara marble quarry. It has a predominant dark gray background. Bardiglio comes from Carrara and features several delicate veins in the most diverse colors of gray, ranging from lighter to darker and tiny white streaks. There are various kinds of bardiglio marbles, but the most well-known is the bardiglio nuvolato. Its primary gray hue blends with blue.
Gray marble is an excellent alternative for those looking to add color to the kitchen but still keep an uncluttered look. It is commonly referred to as Carrara and is available in various hues, including black, white, and shades of gray. This kind of stone is available in multiple forms, including honed, polished and veined. It’s an excellent choice for your house if you want something sleek and contemporary or to create a warm, classic look. Gray marble countertops are sure to work well with a wide range of kitchen and cabinet styles and are easily combined with modern and traditional fixtures and hardware.
How to Clean Marble Countertops
The countertops made of marble are sought-after because of their sleek and contemporary appearance. It is also simple to clean. However, it requires extra care. Many people believe that chemical solutions like ammonia and bleach will remove marble. However, this could result in permanent damage. It’s best to opt for natural cleaning methods, such as dish soap, water, and an extremely damp cloth to remove tough stains. The best way to keep the Marble from appearing dull is to clean it daily with a moist cloth and a cleaner such as Dawn. Avoid any acidic products such as lemon juice or vinegar. These chemicals can damage the marble’s surface, stripping away the protective sealant layer and making it more susceptible to staining.
There are three essential things to take care of periodically to ensure that your marble is in good condition. The first is to apply a sealant over the countertop’s surface frequently. It will stop water from getting in the pores and help keep it free of stains. It would help if you cleaned off any spills as quickly as they occur, so they don’t get absorbed into the surface. Also, avoid using abrasive cleaners to remove the stain; you can make a paste using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste onto the stain, wrap it in plastic wrap, and then cover the edges with tape. Allow to sit for a couple of days before washing the paste. Repeat the procedure if the stain has yet to go completely. It is essential to perform the test on a small area first to ensure that the process keeps the finish and color of the stones.
Ready to Commit to the Timeless Marble Countertops? Hire Ottawa Home Pros!
We hope we’ve answered all your important questions and motivated you to consider the dazzling option, marble countertops. You can browse our website for more ideas, inspiration, and other countertop material options. If you’re ready, contact our team to discuss your project idea! We are here and ready to help you create your one-of-a-kind dream kitchen. Contact Ottawa Home Pros today at (613) 288-9145 or email us at info@ottawahomepros.com and let’s get started.
