Marble Countertops Have Charm – and Chips

If the white serenity of Michelangelo’s David is the kind of luster you long to see in your kitchen, then marble countertops may be the center of that dream. But, as with most dreams, it’s best to take them with a dose of reality. Many professionals would say that marble countertops are best kept to fireplace surrounds, bathrooms or offices, all areas with less traffic.

So why not enjoy the beauty of marble in the kitchen? Well, consider — Michelangelo did carve in marble. It is definitely not as hard a substance as, say, the more common granite surface. There should be no slicing and dicing on these countertops, and even leaning against them with a belt buckle may leave a mark. Marble is also very prone to “etching,” which means acids can remove the polish on the finish. For this reason, marble countertops should be professionally sealed upon installation and then sealed again every six months. Many choose marble in hues of cream and white, but, because it is porous, it may not stay that way unless you carefully safeguard against staining. Sealing can help, but often stains from red wine, for example, can be difficult to correct.

So why would someone choose marble? Most who do choose it are drawn by its classic beauty and soothing feel and find the weathering it receives from regular use makes it more natural and appealing. There are other pros as well. Marble is a naturally cool stone, very resistant to heat, so it’s wonderful for pastry and candy making, and it will not yellow when used as a fireplace surround. There are, of course, extravagant options, but as a whole, marble countertops are fairly affordable when compared with other durable stone surfaces like quartz or granite. Carrara marble is also readily available at most suppliers.

Marble countertops may be the timeless centerpiece you wish for your home. With many color choices, from black to rose to creamy white, the opportunities to personalize and create your own unique space abound. Just make sure to honor marble’s limitations and then enjoy its ageless allure.