Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Inspiration

The pros and cons of marble countertops to know before you buy

We'll weigh the benefits and disadvantages of installing this stone

By
Kitchen with marble countertops
Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock

Marble countertops add an exquisite touch to many modern homes. However, this gorgeous stone isn’t without its faults. Today, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of marble countertops to help you make the right decision for your space.

Benefits of having marble countertops

Modern kitchen with handleless cabinets
Luciano Santandreu / Shutterstock

There are several benefits to having marble countertops in your kitchen. Let’s explore them.

Recommended Videos

Aesthetics

The allure of marble countertops makes them a highly sought-after addition to many kitchens nationwide. With various colors, patterns, and veining, marble counters offer homeowners a chance to customize their space and create luxe aesthetics.

Related

Houses with minimalist, farmhouse, glam, and modern interiors find marble to be a wonderful addition to the kitchen. Black marble is particularly enticing for many modern enthusiasts. Some marble also has shimmery or deep-toned veining, making it more appealing to potential buyers if you’re looking to sell.

Heat and cooking tolerant

Marble countertops are fairly durable if properly sealed. They’re great for all types of cooking and are easy to clean. Marble is heat tolerant, but don’t place hot pans directly on the counters. While marble is somewhat durable, it’s not completely heat resistant, and high heat or hot pans can damage the surface.

Adds value to the home

Marble is a luxe, high-end stone for kitchen countertops, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to boost their resale value. While there is no guarantee that marble will help boost your equity, it can help create a classier look to your space that many buyers crave.

Longevity

Marble is a natural stone known for its longevity. According to Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc., marble has been known to last for more than 50 years. Many experts also assert that if properly maintained, marble can last a lifetime. However, marble is prone to dents, scratches, and other blemishes or damages. It isn’t the strongest or most durable countertop material. Regular polishing and sealing can help you maintain the stone and keep it in pristine condition.

Disadvantages of marble countertops

gold kitchen sink faucet with herringbone backsplash and marble countertop
Joe Hendrickson / Adobe Stock

Each countertop choice has its faults, and marble is no exception. Find out the drawbacks here.

Porous

The greatest difficulty with owning marble countertops is maintaining them and preventing any staining from spills. If spills occur, it’s best to work quickly to clean up the mess to prevent staining. Avoid using acidic substances directly on your marble countertops. Additionally, dark spills such as wine should be cleaned quickly. If you do find a stain on your counters, a mix of rubbing alcohol and water with a few drops of dish soap can help.

Not scratch resistant

Marble is durable, but it’s not an entirely scratch-resistant material. If acidic liquids come into contact with the counter, this can dull the shine and damage the seal. Infrequent sealing and polishing might also make your countertops prone to scratches or etches.

Heftier price tag

Marble countertops are a high-end choice for the kitchen. The stone costs anywhere from $40 to $100 per square foot. Additionally, depending on the size and scope of the project, as well as paying any contractors or laborers for installation, you may expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $10,000 on marble countertop installation.

Marble countertops offer a luxurious look and feel to many kitchens. Homeowners adore the unique veining and the modern appeal of this stone. While it can require consistent maintenance, marble is a stone meant to last a lifetime, making it a popular choice in many kitchen designs.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson
Contributor
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
6 modern cabin decorating tips you need to know to avoid a kitschy design
Try these amazing tips to modernize your cabin decor
modern log cabin living room and dining room interior design

Cabins radiate a sense of coziness, warmth, and comfort for the lucky homeowners who get to experience their atmosphere. However, there is a tendency for these spaces to become dark, kitschy, and overwhelming when improperly decorated.

With so many earthy textures and dark tones to work with in the design, it can be challenging for homeowners to create a gorgeous, modern space. What you truly need is a fresh take on traditional cabin decor that will brighten the room and restore that sense of comfort and coziness that you adore.

Read more
Can you heat up Styrofoam? What you need to know to keep yourself safe
Find out if you can microwave Styrofoam
Person holding two Styrofoam carry-out containers

Sure, you may love to cook delicious, gourmet meals that your friends and family salivate over, but sometimes, throwing something in the microwave is just easier. Whether you're heating up yesterday's leftovers or reheating lukewarm takeout, the microwave can be the busy homeowner's best friend. But do you need to take the food out of that convenient Styrofoam container first? Can you heat up Styrofoam or is it unsafe to do so?

Microwaves are easy to use, but that doesn't mean every type of food container belongs in them. Depending on what you're using to reheat food, you may need to transport it to a microwave-safe plate. Metal-based materials, for instance, can't go in the microwave since the waves can't penetrate metal. With a few exceptions, most glass and ceramic dishes are microwave-safe containers, as are some forms of Tupperware, but they may not be practical for transporting or storing foods. Styrofoam is a commonly used food container, but can you microwave Styrofoam or even heat Styrofoam at all?

Read more
Are PVC kitchen cabinets a good buy? What to know before you spend any money
Considering PVC kitchen cabinets? Here are the pros and cons you need to know before you remodel
White and blue kitchen cabinets

Are your kitchen cabinets looking dated or worn? Maybe you're just tired of the style or color and need a change. If so, you've probably been researching all the different materials that you can use for cabinets. We're going to dive into one option that may be worth considering: PVC kitchen cabinets. A quick remodeling project, particularly in the kitchen, gives the space an immediate facelift, adds to your home's value, and could even make your daily life a bit more pleasant.

Let's dive into what you need to know about PVC kitchen cabinets and whether they're a good buy for your home.
How are PVC kitchen cabinets different from other cabinet materials?
You've probably heard of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, in connection to water and drain pipes. The material is used for pipes because of its durability and waterproof construction. What you may not know is that the material has actually become quite popular for kitchen cabinet construction for the same reasons. While kitchen cabinets are often made from plywood or natural wood materials, PVC cabinets don't contain any wood. Instead, they're made from plastic composite.

Read more