“These days, white marbles such as Calacatta and Statuario are currently in high demand. As such, some marble suppliers will call their white marble with veins Calacatta marble. But it won’t be authentic, rather just white stone with veins that originates from China or some other part of the world,” explains Rafauli. “True Calacatta originates from mountain quarries in Carrara, Italy. The same is true for Statuario: True Statuario marble originates from Italy.” If you’re at a showroom and sellers are offering something called carrara marble or carrara white, it’s worth confirming the stone’s origins.
9. Maintain your marble countertops by getting a sealed finish.
Finishing marble countertops with a penetrating sealer is essential for long-term performance. Acids will still etch the surface, but if the countertop has a honed finish, an etched mark can usually be removed by scrubbing with a Comet paste using a Scotch-Brite pad, he says.
If it’s a polished surface, it will require different abrasives and technical skill to clean the marble, which might best be left to a professional. If the marble does get a stain, it can often be removed with an alkaline poultice that gradually pulls the offending material out of the stone as it dries. But any of these interventions will also strip the sealer, he notes, so it needs to be reapplied after the repair.
“The good thing about marble is that you can always sand it down or polish it again,” says Groves. “With a lot of other materials, once you damage it, you can’t do that.”
Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops
Opting to use marble countertops in the home comes with both pros and cons. The pros love the luxurious look of marble and agree it will instantly add elegance and character to the kitchen or bathroom. “In addition to being a durable and enduring material, marble exudes a classic elegance that transcends design trends,” says Becky Shea, the founder of Becky Shea Design. “Its natural beauty, characterized by unique veining and patterns, adds a touch of sophistication to any space.”
That said, marble countertops are known for showing signs of wear over time. Marble kitchen countertops will patina, and additionally, as highlighted above, marble can be affected by acids, which may leave whitish marks on the material. Patina resulting from general day to day use can be seen as both a positive and negative, though, with many interior design experts considering it to be quite appealing. As Bethany Adams, the founder of Bethany Adams Interiors, says, “If you are a person who appreciates the inherent beauty of older things, marble is probably for you.”
Is marble good for a countertop?
Many designers highly recommend using marble countertops and backsplashes but note that the stone is not for everyone. “Marble for a countertop is controversial, but I love it,” says Emma Kemper, the founder of Emma Beryl. “There is nothing like a real marble countertop, so if you aren’t hyper aware of etching or little scuffs then please use marble—you won’t regret it!”
Is marble cheaper than granite?
Marble is generally more expensive than other stone countertops such as those made from granite and is thought of as a “premium stone,” Shea explains. She says, “The intricate variations present in marble contribute to its elevated status in the realm of stone surfaces, marking it as a choice that embodies sophistication and exclusivity.”
Are marble or quartz countertops better?
Marble countertops and quartz each have their own merits, designers explain. While quartz is known for its durability and cost effectiveness, the material “doesn’t quite capture the innate character and uniqueness found in natural stone,” says Lauren Sullivan, the founder of Well x Design. “There’s a reason marble was used on the Taj Mahal, Michelangelo’s David statue, and other ancient architecture—it’s very durable and its patina only grows better with age,” she adds. Kemper agrees. “It will have an awkward stage after the first few years and before it has the experience of a well loved countertop,” she explains. “However, once it is well loved and truly lived in it only gets more beautiful.”
What should you not do on marble countertops?
It is best to keep lemon and turmeric away from marble countertops. “They both leave ugly stains,” explains Laura Williamson, creative director of Cedar & Oak Homes. She also advises keeping oils away from marble countertops when possible.