Marble personifies beauty. And the fascination for this amazing stone can be seen through the centuries, be it in the intricate carvings of the magnificent Taj Mahal or the sculpted muscles of David, Michael Angelo’s iconic sculpture.
White marble flooring has always been a status symbol in Indian homes. But recently, Interest in marble as a kitchen countertop has revived and it is one of the hottest design trends of 2022.
But before you rush out to check marble samples, let’s find out whether a marble countertop is an ideal choice for your kitchen. Read on to find out…
What are the Advantages of Marble Kitchen Countertops?
Marble is Heat Resistant
Marble countertops can weather the heat from hot pots and pans without damaging the surface. However, it’s always advisable to use mats or pot stands for very hot utensils, whether you are using granite, marble, or quartz.
Marble has a Long Life
With the right care, marble countertops last for a very long time. For a small family with limited traffic in the kitchen, marble countertops are a great choice. However, if you are a large family or entertain a lot, you need to give marble a rethink.
Marble Veins and Colours are Spectacular in their Beauty
For a gorgeous design element in your kitchen, marble ticks all the boxes. The beauty of the colours and grains is unsurpassable, and this makes it ideal for a sophisticated, and classy kitchen design.
Since it’s a natural material, you can get slabs of marble that are unique in their colour and beauty.
Some of the shades that you can look out for? Black, green, white, rose, and yellow.
What are the Disadvantages of Marble countertop?
It Stains Easily
By nature, marble is a porous stone. And this makes it vulnerable to substances such as oil, Haldi, or wine. Once the substance is absorbed into the stone, you may end up with unsightly stains on your marble countertop.
On the plus side, you can apply sealants on your marble counter at regular intervals to protect the pristine beauty of your stone.
It’s not Scratch-Proof
Your marble countertop is vulnerable to scratching, so slicing that lemon directly on the surface is a bad idea. And as lemon is acidic it can corrode the sealant increasing the chances of scratches.
Another downside you may want to consider is chipping. Being a soft stone, the edges are prone to chipping and the impact of heavy pans can result in chipped edges.
So, How do you Maintain your Marble Countertop?
Your marble countertop may be breathtakingly beautiful, but it requires its fair share of care:
- Acid and marble are never a good combination. Once the acidic substance gets etched into your countertop, it will look dull and lifeless.
- Avoid abrasive scrub brushes and strong detergents on the marble surface.
- Use gentle soap and a sponge to clean your countertop. Wipe off spills as soon as you can to avoid staining and damage.
How much does Marble Cost?
Depending on the type of marble you choose, marble can be cost-effective. The price starts as low as Rs. 50 per square foot and can go up to Rs. 700 or more per sq. foot. For unique and vibrant grains and patterns, you will have to pay more.
To check the quality of marble keep these points in mind:
- Pure white marble doesn’t have impurity.
- Integration with minerals gives marble distinct grains in yellow, pink, green, or cream.
- If grains are vibrant in colour, it means the stone is either granite or man-made.
- Marble is malleable and bound to scratch. If the stone you are looking at has scratches, it’s the real deal. You can test the slab by running a knife on the edge to test the stone.
What are Popular Types of Marble?
There are numerous types of marble available, but the most popular are:
The Indian Green Marble: The beauty of this marble has made it popular across the globe.
The Makrana Marble: Pristine and impeccable.
Onyx Marble: Intriguing hues and grains.
The Ambaji Marble: Has excellent quality and a great look.
Carrara and Calacatta Marble: Both are Italian marbles and look similar. Carrara has deep grey soft veins and Calcutta has more veins.
FAQs
1. Are marble countertops prone to damage?
Marble scratches easily as it is a softer stone when compared to granite. The buckle on your belt can scratch the edges over time.
2. Which is a better option, granite or marble for kitchen countertops?
Marble has a huge fan following because of the sheer beauty of the stone. Marble is softer and prone to scratching and chipping. So, if the durability you are looking for, granite is a better bet.
3. Is it easier to look after darker shades of marble kitchen countertops?
The sleek look of white countertops is luxury personified. Having said that, darker shades will not show staining as easily. And they do give that magnificent sleek look.
Trending Designs and Colour Combinations
- White marble countertops are decadently rich and shout luxury. You can go for all-white kitchen decor for that classy look. And pair a wooden flooring maybe?
- Black marble is a style statement. You can pair it with white furniture for a stunning approach. Or you can opt for olive green cabinets to add a dash of colour.
- Green marble can amp your kitchen decor with its rich grains and colour. A play of jade green and cream on the cabinets and walls will make an impact.
- White marble countertops with black matte finish cabinets; an out-of-this-world gorgeous look.
Aesthetics matter. And it all depends on how much work you are ready to put in to maintain your kitchen decor. And if a slab of beautiful marble appeals to you, hey. Just go for it! HomeLane will be more than happy to guide you to make the right choice.
