Natural stones are people’s go-to when it comes to countertops in the kitchen. But do all natural stones possess the same qualities or are there some that are more high-maintenance than others? Well, marble might look beautiful, but it is a material that will put you in a bind and that’s why I’m considering granite countertops. Here is everything you need to know about marble countertops and beware, because it’s not going to be good.
Reasons Why I Hate My Marble Countertops
It Is Light Colored
Even though marble is well-loved because of its very color, the light and stark color can also be the reason why it is not the best option out there. If you know anything about light colors, then they can get dirty really easily. Even the smallest, slightest speck of dust or stain will show up blaringly on the surface of marble and that is not good at all.
So, if you love natural stones but hate the fact that lighter colors need a lot of maintenance, then you need to consider something other than marble, because it will not be a good choice. Unless your kitchen is a no-dust zone, marble can get really dirty, really fast, and most of it is due to the color. So, the color of marble can be a double-edged sword.
It Is Porous
All natural stones are porous. It means that the surface of the stone, or the stone in general, has a lot of pores or holes that might not be visible to the naked eye, but they can absorb moisture and other liquids really easily. This is bad because you work in the kitchen and there is a lot of water exposure on the countertops.
This means that you either have to waterproof the countertops or you just need to keep the countertops away from water, which is honestly easier said than done. So, this is a really bad thing about marble, because higher porosity means more chances of the countertops getting stained.
It Is Fragile
Marble, even though it is a natural stone and is quite durable, can break or chip really easily, especially along the edges. The edges of the countertops are the most fragile, but when it comes to marble, you need to take extra care so that the edges don’t chip just from anyone bumping into them.
This is why you want to take care that you’re not testing the limits of this beautiful stone, because you will end up ruining the perfectly good countertops. If you’re going to get countertops for your kitchen, then they have to be strong enough to deal with minor bumps and humps.
It Needs Special Care
Marble is similar to those high-maintenance people who need everything to be the best of the best and expect the best treatment. Well, if you want to get your hands on marble and on a specific finish, then you need to know that it is going to be an uphill task to maintain this material.
You’ll need special, neutral cleaners that won’t damage the stone. They will need to be sealed and polished or waxed on a regular basis, especially if you’re going for a different finish. If you need a low maintenance material, pick quartz countertops Durham NC.
It Is Super Heavy
All natural stones are considerably weighty. This is something that is really bad, because if the material is weighty, then the installation will be really hard too. It will be hard to pick the material up and set it down without it slipping from your hands or something worse.
This is why it is better that you go for another material that is at least easier to handle. This is going to make installation a breeze and you won’t run into any unwanted problems. You know the saying “the bigger they are, the harder they fall”. Well, marble fits the saying perfectly.
It Is Expensive
This is something that literally stops people from buying Marble countertops in the first place. The stone is very expensive and it is out of reach for most people. When it comes to natural stones, especially marble, it is one of the most expensive stones out there and if you really want to get your hands on it, then you need to justify the price.
Also, since it is high maintenance, those costs will also add up over time and that is not good at all. So, in the end, people just don’t go for it, because qualities don’t matter if the price is unattainable.
It Can Darken Over Time
Marble goes through a process which is known as patina. It is the darkening or the yellowing of the material over time. You don’t have to do anything for marble to patina, but it is something that you should keep in mind.
Even if you’re maintaining the material like a pro and not letting it get damaged, this is something that will be inevitable in the long run. If you love the stark white look of marble, then this is something that will completely change your mind, because you didn’t sign up for darkened marble.
It Can Stain Easily
Marble can stain quite easily and the reasons are the fact that it is lighter in color and that it is porous. If you compare marble with darker materials, then it is easier to spot a stain or scratch on marble than on anything else.
Also, since the material is quite porous, it can cause stubborn stains and those will be hard to remove. Not to mention, the stained surfaces will look very off-putting and even though you’ve just cleaned the countertops, there won’t be any difference, which is a huge bummer.
Scratches Are A Problem
Marble is also quite a soft material. As compared to granite and even quartz, it is quite susceptible to scratches. This is why it is not advised to use sharp knives and pointy things directly on the surface of marble countertops, because that can lead to scratches and those will need to be fixed if you want your surfaces to look and feel scratch-free.
This is why marble is considered to be an average material, because even though it is expensive and extremely high maintenance, it doesn’t make up for any of these flaws with its strength. If anything, marble is a very fragile material that is unable to hold its own.
Doesn’t Stand A Chance Against Acids
If you’re thinking about cleaning your marble countertops with something like strong acid or bleach, then pump the brakes right there, because you will end up digging a grave for your marble countertops.
Marble is basically composed of calcium carbonate, so if you let it react with bleach and acid, then it is going to produce carbon dioxide, and the material will be eaten away. This will lead to the formation of holes in marble, which is not a good look at all.
Conclusion
Marble countertops might be amazing, but if you are going to spend the majority of your time trying to maintain them and take care of them, then what is the point? I think granite and quartzite countertops are better than marble, but to each their own. You can consult a granite countertop installer Raleigh NC for help in choosing a material and installing it.
