Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are on a huge upswing in popularity in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. They are known for their glossy, elegant finish and quietly speak of quality and luxury. Marble can be found in homes around the world gracing kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and even floors.

Marble is a natural stone that can be polished to a very high glossy finish. Because of this, each piece is unique in color and pattern. There is also a wide choice of veins which depends on the country of origin. If your countertops are properly maintained, they will continue to add beauty and value for the life of your home.

Marble countertops require much the same care that granite countertops do. They are very resistant to heat, but are actually more porous than granite and so must be wiped quickly if a spill occurs to prevent stains. To help with this, they should also be resealed every few years. It is very wise to prevent acidic liquids such as coffee, citrus juices and wine from coming in contact with your marble to prevent damage.

Many homeowners have concerns regarding both the price and the weight of marble. One of the reasons for the high cost of marble countertops is that the solid marble countertops are usually custom-made, and while it is certainly faster to install a single large block than to put in several small pieces, the solid marble countertops cost more when it comes to fabrication and installation. Also, marble is extremely heavy and therefor it is essential to make sure that your cabinets are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the marble.

There are two wonderful alternatives to solid marble countertops that will help overcome the above concerns. One alternative is cultured marble. These countertops are made from marble dust and plastic, yet they still look exactly like the real thing. They are more resistant to cracking and other forms of damage than natural marble. Because they are partially man-made, they are naturally less expensive. They are also lighter and easier to install which will help bring the prices down on both your purchase and installation.

Another alternative is the use of marble tiles. These are installed directly onto the existing countertop. This allows a decorator to obtain the beauty of marble at a fraction of the cost and weight.

Marble is a wonderful option when either remodeling a kitchen or bathroom countertop or when constructing a new home. Whether you choose solid marble, cultured marble or marble tiles, you will have a lifetime of beauty greeting you each time you walk into your kitchen or bath.