Marble countertops don't perform well in kitchens. That being said, they are luxurious and elegant. And the veining is dramatic. Granite is the choice for kitchens. Read on to learn the differences in durability and versatility. Also to see how to perform marble countertop care.
Its beauty is timeless and will last for generations. It is versatile, finding uses throughout the home . . . floors, walls, tables, sills, fireplaces, and countertops.
Marble tops perform well in the bathroom, but can be affected by personal hygiene products or bathroom cleaning products.
Countertops
Marble Countertops ... do they work in kitchens?
What is Marble . . .
Unlike granite, marble was never a molten rock. Marble is a metamorphic rock that started out as limestone. Intense pressure and heat caused it to recrystallize.
Other materials formed with the marble giving it a variety of colors and veining. The stone industry considers any stone other than granite to be a marble if it can be polished. Marble slabs are smaller than granite and usually have a mesh material on the back to protect them from cracking.
Similar to limestone, marble is made of calcite. It is soft and reacts to acids. Vinegar, wine, and fruit juice will etch the surface of the countertop. It can be damaged by alcohol and oils as well.
Cleaning marble countertops requires non-acidic cleaners. See stone cleaning for cleaning instructions for all types of natural stone.
Compared to granite marble counters are very soft. You don't want to cut on them with knives since they can easily scratch. Some experts disagree that marble is porous and can stain. The stains you might see in marble are usually acid etched stains which means they were the result of acid reacting rather than liquid absorption into the stone. Sealing may help reduce staining and may be considered an integral part of marble care - See Sealing Marble Countertops.
Marble kitchen countertops can scratch, stain, and etch. It's really not it a good choice for the kitchen. It is heat resistant and can be used sparingly in a kitchen, such as a baking area.
As a bathroom countertop or fireplace surround, marble is wonderful. In the kitchen, instead of marble granite countertops are a better choice. It performs well as a countertop in many rooms but is not recommended as a kitchen countertop material.
Marble tops in kitchens show well in "homearama" and designer showcases. But when it comes to performance, a marble countertop will show stains and scratches in no time. Even after sealing marble, you still cannot stop the risk of stains.
If you feel you can't live without marble counters in your kitchen, consider some of the manmade natural quartz countertops. With brand names like CaesarStone, Silestone, Zodiaq, and Avanza, quartz countertops offer stone "look a likes" but have none of the drawbacks.
Acids and marble . . .
Return from Marble Countertops to Granite and Marble
As a granite countertop fabricator and installer, I was approached by Angie's List but it wasn't for a paid listing. When dealing with contractors of any kind, quality referrals are your best way to avoid the frustration and hassle. And it's why you should consider a referral source like Angie's List to help you find any kind of contractor, not just granite fabricators and installers.
Angie's List has been around for over a decade and contractors cannot pay to be listed or referred. Even though I've been in the building trades for years, I use Angie's List myself, everything from car repair to medical providers. Try the Angie's List Free Trial otherwise click here for an automatic 45% discount using this Angie's List Promo Code.
Angie's List Free Trial
Copyright © 2012 Granite Countertop Info. All Rights Reserved.
Limestone Countertops . . . where to use them
Slate Countertops - the hardest countertops you'll find
Onyx Countertops - unique uses in your home
Soapstone Counters . . . better than granite
Granite Links
What's New
