The world has evolved dramatically. These changes are inevitable and often make life more livable and enjoyable. In your kitchen, for example, there is a large number of beautiful options for your countertops. When we once only had wooden counters, today we have a wide range of granite, quartz, onyx, and even marble countertops.
However, among all countertop stone choices, marble holds a unique position. Many interior designs hold it up as the first choice in style. Due to its classiness and timeless beauty, imitators have come to market with their copies. Because it blends well with almost all decor, homeowners find it their favorite time after time.
So, why does marble continue to be the choice of buyers and designers? Here are four reasons that this is the case.
Characteristics of Marble Countertops
1. Distinction
Countertop materials that are man-made try to imitate the appearance of marble with limited success. Real marble comes from a truly natural process—sedimentary dolomite or limestone. That’s it. So it’s 100% unique.
Marble comes in a wide range of colors based on its area of origin. The beautifully distinctive veining that the stone possesses comes from the impurities that are trapped inside the limestone at the moment when the very high heat and pressure from the earth transformed it. These properties give marble a very distinctive look and make marble countertops stand out among others.
2. Aesthetic
Marble countertops are unparalleled in beauty. Its elegance makes it remain in high demand in the market. While Carrara (see right) gets most of the praise, marble actually comes in a wide variety of different colors, textures, and styles. It’s also divided into grades based on how the purity of the natural stone. The grade can be low or high, depending on the number of veins that run through them.
Luxurious marbles offer a kind of crisp, luminous brightness that other countertop materials such as soapstone and granite can’t duplicate. Also, the veining structural design makes each of these countertops different from another because they are organic. These beautiful properties make marble stand out compared to other stone types.
3. Durability
You may not know this but marble is also very durable. Marble generally has an existing record of longevity when used as a building material, visit this website for more details. It can stand the test of time. This accounts for the high durability and longevity of the marble kitchen countertop. Though best used in low-traffic kitchens, marble can stand up to high-traffic use for years if properly maintained. When properly sealed it makes it more resistant to many pressures like stains, heat, scratches, cracks, and breakage than all the available countertop counterparts.
Marble countertops can stand up to a wide range of temperatures without changing color. Proper sealing also enhances marble’s ability to be cleaned and prevents scratching or etching.
4. Cost
Marble is an appropriate example of luxury and luxury goods are never cheap. Choosing a marble for your dream kitchen will affect your budget. While the marble countertop itself is relatively expensive, you should factor in the maintenance cost as well.
Obviously, there’s the cost of installation. In all stone countertop installations, professionals are highly recommended.
Prices fluctuate with demand. As of the time of writing, marble countertops can be purchased as low as $40 per square foot. Depending on the stone quality, it can go as high as $100 per square foot. The average kitchen requires 53 square feet.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a grand statement in your new or renovated kitchen, marble countertops should at least be something to consider. You really can’t go wrong with the timeless beauty of marble. There’s a reason why there are so many imitators.
