132-marble-countertopsDon’t get us wrong, we love a marble countertop – the natural beauty, the veining, the richness – simply stunning and timeless.  However, there are reasons that many people don’t opt for marble when choosing their kitchen countertops.  We’re not saying you shouldn’t choose marble…just make sure you know what you’re up against before committing to it.

Think twice about marble countertops

Marble, although it seems tough, is actually a softer and more porous material than some other options, such asgranite countertops and quartz.  Therefore, it is prone to more damage through scratching, staining, cracking and dulling.  If you and your family members often find juice, coffee or red wine rings underneath glasses or bottles, you may develop a full time job trying to keep those marble tops clean.  Even something so small as a lemon wedge or a slice of tomato left on the countertop can leave a mark stained or duller than the surrounding area.  Some find this adds character to the countertops, as they develop a natural patina over time, but if you want to keep your marble countertops looking nice, you’ll need to professionally seal them (and reseal them as needed). Even after they’re sealed, it’s still important to clean up spills immediately.

Marble is also a very expensive material, when comparing to other countertop options.  Since it is a natural stone, its price depends on availability and quarry size.  Many who long for the natural beauty of a stone countertop tend to opt for granite or quartz countertops, as they can be less pricy and much less maintenance.

If you choose to go with marble countertops, your space will no doubt be beautiful and luxurious.  You can opt for a honed smooth finish, which tends to be more forgiving to marks than polished marble.  Just make sure you’re ready for the inevitable stains and marks before committing to marble.