An Honest Review of Marble Countertops
March 20th, 2023 | 4 min read
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or updating your cabinets and countertops, you’re likely researching countertop materials to learn which is right for you. One popular option many people choose is marble.
As a premier kitchen and bathroom designer and remodeler in Mid-Michigan, we’ve installed hundreds of marble slabs for our clients. In addition to constructing beautifully remodeled spaces, we love sharing our expertise with you so that you can make an informed decision for your kitchen or bathroom remodel.
The information in this article was provided by Jeff Schei, the owner of Superior Granite in Carson City, Mi. With over 14 years of experience in the industry, he is well-versed in all aspects of countertop materials.
In this article, you’ll read an in-depth honest review of marble including product and price info, pros and cons, and maintenance and care so that you can decide if marble countertops are worth it for you.
Marble countertop product information
Marble is an excellent choice for countertops for many reasons including:
- Durability. Marble is a strong and durable countertop material that will last your kitchen a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
- Color options. Because marble is a natural material, color options are nearly limitless to match whatever style or color palette you have in mind.
- Heat resistance. Marble countertops are extremely resistant to heat. You can place hot pots and pans directly on your countertop without fear of damaging it.
- Unique patterns. No two slabs of marble will have the same pattern or texture. This will give your countertop the most personal touch possible.
- Shape customization. Marble can be shaped through a machining process to match your cabinet layout, but it is strong enough to withstand the wear of common kitchen usage over many years.
Price/cost information
Marble prices vary based on a variety of factors including the manufacturer, exclusivity of the pattern or color selected, amount of machining required to match your cabinets, and the cost of installation.
If you’ve searched for the cost of marble countertops, you’ve noticed that price ranges can differ greatly. This frequently happens because some search results include fabrication and installation while others are priced for material only.
Prices for installed marble countertops typically start around $60 sq/ft and top around $140 sq/ft.
No matter the price you pay for your marble countertops, all marble slabs have the same high quality and durability.
Pros and cons of marble countertops
Marble comes with its own set of pros and cons. Understanding these will help you decide if the pros outweigh the cons when determining if it’s the right material for your countertops.
Pros of marble countertops
- Heat resistance: Marble is highly resistant to direct heat of up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot pots and pans can be placed directly on your countertop.
- Varying price points: Marble can be found at multiple price points to fit most budgets. The quality of the material is the same regardless of price.
- Outstanding durability: When properly taken care of, marble will last a lifetime, making it a worthwhile investment in your home.
- Color and pattern variability: Because marble is a natural product, it comes in a limitless variety of unique colors, textures, and patterns. No two marble slabs will be exactly alike.
Cons of marble countertops
- Marble etching: Marble is more susceptible to damage than other countertop materials. If highly acidic foods, liquids, or cleaners come into contact with marble it can damage the stone, leaving etch marks on the stone itself.
- Maintenance is required: Marble is a rather porous material. It’s recommended that it be sealed every 5 years to protect your countertops from color staining.
- Difficult to repair if damaged: Even though marble is durable, it can be damaged with strong enough force. If that happens, it’s very difficult to repair.
- Must be professionally fabricated: To ensure a proper fit for your kitchen, marble needs to be professionally measured and installed.
Maintenance and care
Marble will last a lifetime if you take the time to properly care for it and clean it immediately when spills and messes occur. That is bound to happen in any kitchen, especially those with kids running around.
Using a food-safe marble cleaner will take care of everyday messes without damaging the porous material. Mild dish soap and water are also appropriate cleaning solutions.
Highly acidic cleaners should be avoided. Cleaners containing lemon, vinegar, or other acids can damage marble, leaving it with visible etching. Etching is actual damage to the stone, not just a change in the color or a stain.
Other cleaners to avoid include Bleach, Windex, disinfecting wipes, and Pledge Multi-Surface Cleaner.
Additionally, regular maintenance is required to keep your countertops looking great and protect them from staining.
Sealing is required because marble is a porous material and is susceptible to stains without that extra layer of protection. This maintenance will keep your countertop looking great for a lifetime.
Is a marble countertop worth it?
Ultimately, that question can only be answered by you as you take into account your needs and wants, the characteristics of marble, and what the cost will be to install it in your space.
Even though marble requires more attention and care than some other countertop materials, it is still an extremely popular choice for very good reasons.
Marble countertops look great and match many different styles of kitchens. Whether you want a modern, minimalist kitchen, or a rustic country theme, a marble countertop is versatile enough to match all design schemes.
Next steps to purchasing a marble countertop
Reading an honest review of your material choices before purchasing is a great step to ensure you make the right selections for your project. Thoroughly understanding both the pros and cons is crucial to the success of your kitchen or bathroom remodel.
As a full-service home design and remodeling company serving the Mid-Michigan area, we have built hundreds of beautiful kitchens and bathrooms for our clients. We enjoy sharing our 15+ years of experience to help you make an informed decision for your remodeling project.
Want to see if Custom Built is right for your project? Book an appointment with our sales team about your kitchen or bathroom remodel.
To learn more about kitchen or bathroom remodeling, consider checking out the following articles:
Michael brings over 2 decades of building and remodeling experience to his position as the Owner and Visionary of Custom Built. Michael’s passion to make an impact on the home building industry has led him to serve for over ten years at the local and state Home Builders Association, culminating as President of the HBA of Michigan in 2020.
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