Dear Madelaine,
I’m planning a kitchen renovation and am on the fence about installing marble countertops. Some people say they’re great, others say the cost and maintenance aren’t worth it. What do you think?
This is a great question and not a straightforward one to answer. The truth is, every material has strengths and weaknesses, and the best answer for each person and home will depend on how they live.
Let’s break down some of the key characteristics to determine if marble countertops are the best choice for you.
What exactly is marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone that has been transformed by heat and pressure. It is composed primarily of calcite and other recrystallized minerals, which create its signature swirling patterns and veins. Highly valued for its beauty and versatility, marble is used in everything from statuary and monuments to countertops and interior decoration.
What are some advantages of marble?
Marble countertops are genuinely unique. As a completely natural material, no two slabs have identical coloration or veining patterns, unlike manmade options that are digitally composed and reproduced.
It’s what I like to call a “simultaneously warm & cool” material – light or dark, marble always seems to emit an inner glow that draws you in, but physically always remains cool to the touch, making it an ideal surface for baking, especially pastry work.
Unlike digitally printed materials like porcelain slabs, marble is a through-body material, meaning the veining pattern goes all the way through the thickness of the slab. This is particularly important for details like the exposed edge at an undermount sink or if you want a sculptural edge profile.
What are some disadvantages of marble?
Marble is high maintenance! To prevent excessive staining and scratching (note, not all – some patina will occur no matter what) marble countertops need to be sealed every 6-12 months. And you still have to use cutting boards and immediately clean any spills or stains.
Uniqueness is both a blessing and curse. While it makes for a special space, if you ever need to replace or add a section, you will never be able to find an exact match, particularly if the existing pieces to remain have developed a patina over time (see above)
Are marble countertops family friendly?
I think this really depends on the family and the space. If there’s a lot of cooking, eating, crafts, and homework in a kitchen with young children, it wouldn’t be my first choice. If it’s a home that hosts grandkids once a week for a family meal, but the primary users are conscientious and follow a proper maintenance schedule, I say go for it!
Why have marble countertops remained so popular over time?
I think this goes back to its uniqueness, as well as its time honored status as a luxury material. Marble was considered the best of the best for a very long time, over 2,000 years. For perspective, its closest current competitor, quartz, has only been popular for about 30. That type of legacy bestows a sense of meaningful history and quality that are important for a lot of people, particularly for their forever homes, that outweigh any of its shortcomings.
Want to explore if marble countertops are right for your home?
Book a call and we can figure it out together!
Till next time…
Madelaine
PS – Do you have design questions? Send us an email at info@designbyadroit.com and we will answer it as quickly and completely as possible in an upcoming blog post!
