Marble is considered the most luxurious countertop material ever and one of the fastest-selling next to granite and quartz countertops. Its ageless beauty, soft veining, and association with high-end design make it highly sought-after in both modern and traditional spaces.
Since other materials are also obtained from rocks, what makes marble so special and luxurious? Is it all just hype? How does it compare to other natural stones and engineered surfaces?
Well, no, it’s not just hype. Marble really is that luxurious. Here’s why.
Breaking Down Marble Countertops: The Composition
To understand why marble is adored as much as it is, you need to first understand and appreciate where it comes from. Marble is a natural stone formed when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure deep beneath the earth’s surface. This process takes millions of years, as marble deposits push upward and become part of mountainous regions. This results in a smooth, elegant stone.
Like many natural stones, marble is not found everywhere, which makes it scarce (and more valuable). It’s mainly found in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, and the United States.
If you love marble, you’d have heard of the Carrara marble. It’s not just a marble color; it is the stone’s origin. It was cut from mountains in Carrara, Italy, where some of the world’s most iconic marble has been quarried for centuries.
What Makes Marble So Appealing? The Pros
Well, if marble is cut from mountains like every other stone, why is it so valuable and often more valuable than most other stones?
1. Ageless Beauty
Marble has been a symbol of luxury for centuries, as can be seen in works of art, architecture, and design as old as time. Every time you see a marble piece, it looks new. Not many stones have that quality. It brings a soft, classic look to any space that few other materials can match.
2. Unique, Natural Beauty
As already mentioned, marble is a naturally occurring material that gets its colors and veining from natural impurities like iron, clay, silt, or sand in the original limestone. These minerals react under pressure to form streaks, swirls, and veins.
Since it is a natural stone, the colors and patterns are limitless. You never know what to expect with every marble block. This leads to a variety of colors and patterns that you’ll never find elsewhere. If you’ve bought it, only you have it forever [well, unless you decide to sell it.]
Marble also has a subtle translucency that lets light penetrate the surface slightly before bouncing back, giving it a glowing, almost luminous effect, especially when polished.
3. Luxurious Feel
When you see marble, you can almost literally feel the luxury of that smooth, fine-grained structure and soft sheen. It’s hard to miss. Now, imagine having that level of sophistication in your home, where everyone who walks in is immediately entranced by your intention to create a masterpiece.
4. Cool, Smooth Surface
Not many kitchen countertop materials have the high thermal conductivity of marble, which is what makes it cool to the touch. Yes, even in warm rooms. It’s not just about looks. The physical feel of marble adds to its sense of quality and elegance.
Its naturally cool surface is ideal for baking, rolling dough, or simply enjoying that refreshing, smooth feel under your hand, which instantly feels high-end.
5. Works in Both Modern and Traditional Designs
Marble kitchen countertops work beautifully with many design styles. They blend well with clean, minimalist looks with sharp lines and neutral tones or more classic, detailed kitchens with warm wood cabinets and ornate finishes.
6. Can Be Easily Shaped and Detailed
Unlike other types of countertops like granite, quartzite, and quartz, marble is a softer natural stone, which makes it easier to cut, edge, and carve.
Because of this, fabricators can create custom shapes, curved edges, intricate profiles, and decorative finishes without risking damage to the material.
Understand that not all marble variants have the iconic, soft veining and clean, consistent background that designers and homeowners love. The really valuable ones are very difficult to quarry without flaws and can only be found in limited regions of the world. Which, as you may have guessed, makes them more expensive.
Before you choose a marble color for your space, here are The Best Marble Colors for Modern Kitchens.
Where Marble Falls Short. The Cons
Are marble slabs all pros and no cons? Absolutely not. The same properties that make it such a reasonably glorified stone also contribute to its downsides. So, let’s look at the drawbacks.
1. Not As Durable As Granite Countertops
Homeowners always ask us when they visit our showroom in Rye, New York, or during consultations if they can get marble as durable as granite. The straightforward answer is NO.
Granite is made from natural quartz and other minerals, and marble is made from a calcium carbonate-based mineral. While marble is strong, it is not as durable as granite or quartz.
You’ll recall that in the pros section, we said marble is easy to carve, shape, and edge. While this feature adds to its value, it also means that it can crack much more easily than other stone countertops.
2. Prone to Etching and Stain
Because marble is naturally soft, its calcium-based makeup makes it reactive, and its porosity makes it absorbent. That’s why etching and staining are common issues.
However, if you seal it properly and adhere to a few maintenance guidelines, your marble surface should live many fruitful years.
3. May Not Be Ideal For Busy Kitchens
If you cook frequently, have kids, or just don’t want to think twice before putting something down on your countertop, marble may not be the most practical choice. Marble is best for homes where aesthetics come first, and wear-and-tear is minimal. It’s not built for daily chaos.
Learn more on The Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops.
Countertop Comparison: Marble vs. Other Materials
Marble might be the showstopper in the room, but it’s not the only option. Since we’ve discussed marble extensively, here’s how it compares with other materials.
1. Marble vs. Quartz
Quartz is a manufactured surface derived from interlocking natural quartz crystals with polymer resin. It gives you consistent patterns, almost no need for sealing, and no stress about spills; perfect for busy households, unlike marble. Quartz can also be fabricated to mimic the look of marble.
2. Marble vs. Granite
Granite is your reliable workhorse. It is a natural stone countertop, more durable, heat-resistant, less prone to etching, and ideal for daily cooking. Marble is for those who want something with presence and are okay with giving it extra maintenance.
Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons
3. Marble vs. Quartzite
Quartzite is also a natural stone, so it is not to be confused with quartz. It gives you that marble-like look with the strength of granite. Now, for those homeowners looking for the beauty of marble but with the durability of granite, we recommend quartzite. If you don’t want the maintenance troubles and high costs of a marble countertop, quartzite gets the job done.
If you’re ready to begin your dream kitchen remodel, simply reach out to our experts at RMI Surfaces to see some of our gorgeous countertop options, like quartz surfaces, granite, or marble.