Is Marble Good for Kitchen Countertops?

Marble is recognizable by its colorful veining.

Marble is a hard, crystalline rock often used to create luxurious floors, pillars or countertops. When choosing a kitchen countertop material, it is important to know the characteristics of that material to ensure it is well-suited for its intended use.

The Benefits of Marble Kitchen Countertops

Marble adds character and beauty to your kitchen and is available in a wide range of colors and veining patterns. For those who love to bake, marble is the ultimate work surface. Its cool, smooth surface is perfect for kneading dough and making pie crusts.

The Drawbacks of Marble

While polished marble is stain-resistant, all marble is susceptible to etching from any acidic foods. Citrus, coffee and alcohol will leave dull markings on the marble if not wiped up immediately. To avoid permanently etching your marble countertops, you will need to use coasters and cutting boards at all times when acidic food is present. This isn't necessarily practical, therefore marble is not a recommended material for kitchen countertops.

Alternatives

There are several alternative materials that are better-suited for use as a kitchen countertop. Concrete is used for more than just walkways; it is a versatile and durable countertop material. It can be colored to any hue and can be poured to suit any design, using wood molds. It does require a sealant and occasional waxing to prevent staining. Engineered stone is an option that is both heat- and stain-resistant. Make of a mixture of rock, resin and pigment for a consistent and beautiful work surface. Its biggest advantage is its uniformity, eliminating the worry of mismatched colors and patterns, which can occur with natural stone materials.

References

• Countertop Speciality: Marble Countertops
• Tauntons: Concrete
• Tauntons: Engineered Stone

Resources

• Bob Vila: Countertop Options