Marble is a wildly popular stone when it comes to interiors. Known for its unique veining and elegant appearance, it’s often a top consideration for homeowners. But is marble a good stone for kitchen countertops? We take a closer look.
If you do a search on marble you’ll see that it continues to be a popular choice for countertops—both in the kitchen and bathroom. While it’s true that marble can withstand heat (from hot pots and pans, for example), it has some other properties that aren’t so suitable for kitchens.
First of all, marble is porous. A soft stone, marble can actually absorb liquids like wine, juice, or oil leading to stains or discolouration. For the same reason, it’s vulnerable to scratching and etching—a property that should give you pause when considering it for a kitchen. Cleanliness and sanitation are also concerns. Liquids that seep into the porous stone may contain bacteria and are difficult to completely clean. All of this leads to the issue of maintenance. Marble countertops are prepared with a sealant to minimize their vulnerability but results vary, and this treatment has to be repeated frequently.
Alternatives for your kitchen countertops
Granite
With granite, you can still get that handsome natural stone look but with more durability than marble can offer. Also, because granite is quarried in slabs, each piece is totally unique.
Porcelain
Porcelain is having a moment. An engineered material made by firing a non-porous ceramic clay, porcelain is resistant to scratches, cracking, and (obviously) heat.
Quartz
Quartz is probably the top alternative for those looking for a marble look. Also an engineered stone, quartz comes in as many colours, textures, and types of veining as your can imagine. Plus, it can be produced to match your space perfectly. A non-porous stone, quartz will not trap bacteria.
It’s no mystery why people love marble. The look is classic and timeless, and adds elegance to a space. For your kitchen, however, there are plenty of alternatives that are less high-maintenance and safer.
