Before discussing marble countertops for the kitchen or the bath, it is important to understand a little about marble itself. One of the most beautiful surfaces, when polished, there are many pros and cons to using marble in an environment that gets much use.
What is Marble?
Green Marble Countertops
Simply put, marble is a rock that is the metamorphosis of limestone and dolomite, as well as other sedimentary rocks. During the process of metamorphosis, the limestone, dolomite, or other sedimentary rocks degrade, forming a solid that is marble. Some marble is almost pure white while other marble may be filled with veins or perhaps, be more colorful. The color and the veins in the various marbles are the result of clay, sand or iron oxides being in the rocks during the transformation. As such, marble is a rather porous rock.
Why is Marble so Expensive?
One of the most obvious reasons for the expense of marble has to do with the process of cutting the stone, shipping, and the final processing. Marble is a delicate rock, and much like glass should be transported on its edge rather than flat. For anyone who has attempted to move a piece of finished marble, he certainly knows the weight is prohibitive. Cutting must be precise, using a wet cut process. And, finally the polishing process brings the quality shine with which we are familiar.
As indicated below, marble is found in only four states of the United States and in limited colors.
Where Does Marble Come From?
Pink Marble Countertop
Perhaps, one reason marble is so expensive is that most marble is foreign to the United States. In the U.S. there are four states that produce marble. Colorado produces Yule Marble, a very uniformly white rock. Pennsylvania is the home of Black Marble. Georgia has Murphy Marble which is white, perhaps not as uniformly so as the Yule Marble of Colorado. And, Tennessee in the eastern part of the state produces Tennessee Marble, which runs the spectrum from pale pink to cedar red.
Other white marble comes from Italy, India, Spain, Greece, Croatia, and Macedonia. The white marble from those countries vary is shading from the very fine pure white, to the white marble with which many of us may be familiar, to a bluish-grey white. Each has a name specific to the marble itself.
Red marble is found in Belgium. Purple marble is native to Turkey. Yellow is from Tunisia and beige can be found in Egypt.
These are the predominant areas that produce marble for industrial, commercial and consumer uses.
What is Artificial Marble?
During the grinding and cutting process, marble dust is a by product. Artificial marble is created by using cement or another resin to "glue" the marble dust together to form a slab. While it is not cheap, one should not expect to pay the full premium for artificial marble. This marble may be referred to as reconstituted marble or cultured marble. As a consumer, an individual may be happy with a cultured marble countertop provided the price is right. However, one should establish whether he is purchasing authentic marble from a slab or if he is purchasing reconstituted marble.
As a note, if one should decide to purchase marble kitchen countertops during a building or remodeling of a home, he should take the time to see the marble in the raw form before agreeing to the price. Additionally, recommendations from former customers should be sought.
The Pros of Marble Countertops for Kitchen Counters
It is easy to determine that marble countertops add value to the kitchen, if only as an aesthetic. Often, homes with marble kitchen countertops also have other marble or stone work within the home, perhaps in the bath or marble flooring in a room or hallway. Generally speaking, if the home is well apportioned and can use marble without it looking too heavy or overwhelming, marble countertops can add value to the home.
Of course, it is worth mentioning that many gourmet cooks require a marble slab for rolling dough, as when making biscuits or yeast rolls. Marble is a good solid top to work on as the kitchen counter gets as much use as any other counter or table top in the home.
The Downside of Marble Kitchen Countertops
Red-tone Countertop
The first downside of authentic marble countertops is the cost. That goes without saying.
Secondly, marble is a porous rock, and even with heavy polishing from the manufacturer the surface will remain porous. If red wine is spilled on a white marble surface, the surface will stain. Of course, any other color marble will also stain, but white will definitely show the stain of the red wine. Additionally, glasses or cups left sitting on the counter could "ring" the surface. No amount of cleaning will remove the stain. Using an abrasive will only dim the polished finish. For many of us, that is definitely a downside to selecting marble.
If a slab should become broken the cost of replacement would be high as it could be next to impossible to match the other sections.
Alternatives to Marble for Countertops in the Kitchen and Bath
Black Marble Tile Countertop
One alternative to a solid slab countertop made of marble is to select marble tiles. The consumer has the high end appearance of marble, while being able to replace a smaller section should a tile break or become stained. The expense will still be higher than many other surfaces but there will better options for repair or replacement.
Of course, there is Corian, a synthetic that is not as costly as marble, but gives the overall appearance. Additionally, purchasing cultured marble should be slightly less expensive than authentic marble slabs.
Selecting marble kitchen countertops is a matter of personal preference and financial ability. That said, marble is probably better used in a home without small children who are more likely to have spills.
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