Are marble countertops a bad idea?

ANSWER: A marble kitchen countertop is a potential bad idea not because it cannot do the job, but because cleaning marble and the marble maintenance required will frustrate most owners to the point they regret installing marble in the kitchen.

How hard is it to take care of marble countertops?

Although marble is a beautiful and durable stone surface for countertops, it takes extra care for cleaning and maintenance. Marble is softer and more porous than granite and as a result, you may see more scratches, pitting, cracks, stains, and even dulling of the shine.

What are the disadvantages of a marble countertop?

Disadvantages

• Scratches: Scratches tend to be more of an issue with polished marble.
• Stains: This one bears repeating.
• Repairs: Repairs on marble countertops are not simple unless the countertop is marble tile.

Is marble easy to maintain?

While marble does need some tender loving care, it’s actually very easy to maintain. Your marble is sealed properly when water beads form droplets on the surface. When water stops beading, it’s time to re-seal.

Is marble OK for kitchen?

When it comes to selecting kitchen countertops, marble remains the top choice for many homeowners. “You won’t find anything as white in nature as white marble,” adds Evan Nussbaum, a vice president at Stone Source in New York. “You just don’t get that color and kind of figuring in any other type of natural stone.”

Are marble countertops scratch resistant?

Since honed marble is a matte finish it is more resistant to scratches. Even if honed marble does get scratched, it is less noticeable because the scratch won’t be as easy to see when light reflects off it, like with a polished surface.

What are pros and cons of marble countertops?

All the Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops

• Pro: Marble Countertops are Stunning.
• Con: Marble can be Incredibly Expensive.
• Pro: They’re Made of Materials Naturally Occurring All Around the World.
• Con: Marble is Heavy.
• Pro: If Well-Maintained, Marble Can Increase Property Value.
• Con: Marble Countertops Stain Easily.

What maintenance does marble countertops need?

Never use abrasive cleaners. All marble should ever need is a soft, damp cloth and pH neutral cleaner. Don’t let wet dishes, glasses, or water sit on the countertop for any length of time. In other words, use coasters on marble countertops and rugs on marble floors.

Does marble break easily?

Like most natural stone materials, marble is extremely durable. In reality, placing pots and pans directly on marble is more likely to cause scratching than cracking, discoloration or yellowing. In extreme cases, thermal shock can occur when a scalding pan is placed on a very cool surface, causing cracks.

Which is better for countertops marble or granite?

In general, granite is very durable, stain-resistant and lower maintenance than marble. Granite should be sealed after installation, and if done properly, water will bead on the surface. Marble should be thoroughly and regularly protected with a sealant designed specifically for porous stone surfaces.

Why are marble countertops not recommended for kitchens?

Concerns about Marble. There are two primary reasons that marble countertop installation is not recommended for the kitchen. These concerns are severe enough that some marble countertop manufacturers won’t warranty their counters if they are installed in the kitchen. The first concern is the porous nature of marble.

Is Carrara marble a good choice for kitchen countertops?

Some homeowners are wary about installing Carrara marble as their kitchen countertops due to its very light color and delicate appearance. As long as this stone surface is sealed and maintained regularly, it will withstand daily food preparation even if it has a polished finish.

How often should I clean my marble countertops?

If you do not cook at home, you should still dust and clean your marble counters a couple of times a week. Stained marble suggests it may be time to reapply sealant. Before doing so, there are a couple of ways to remove stubborn stains that do not come off with natural-stone cleaner and a granite cleaning pad.

Does marble etch easily?

Although marble is a beautiful and durable stone surface for countertops, it takes extra care for cleaning and maintenance. It is composed of calcium carbonate, which makes it susceptible to etching by any acids.