6 Reasons You Should Upgrade Your Kitchen With Marble Countertops
Offering style and durability, marble countertops are one of the best upgrades you can make in the kitchen. They also increase the resale value of your home. If you think marble countertops might be right for you, here are some pros and a few cons to consider before upgrading your kitchen.
Advantages of Upgrading Your Kitchen With Marble Countertops
Durable and Long-Lasting
Marble is very durable and will last a lifetime with regular cleaning and a little maintenance. Unlike other countertop materials, marble is more resistant to scratching and cracking.
Great For Baking
Since they stay naturally cool, marble countertops are ideal for baking. The smooth surface is also perfect for working anything from dough to chocolate.
Heat Resistant
Another advantage of marble countertops is that they are heat resistant. While you still shouldn’t put a hot pan right on the marble, the risk of heat damage or scorch marks is much lower than with other countertop materials.
Easy To Clean
Marble countertops are also very easy to clean. In most cases, soap and water will remove almost anything. However, you should quickly clean up lemon juice, wine, and soda. The acids in them can stain or etch your countertops.
Low Maintenance
Unlike other countertop materials, marble is made to last and only requires a little maintenance. To limit stains, you should reseal marble countertops once a year. Just apply two layers of sealant and then buff your counters until they shine.
Adds Value to Your Home
Marble countertops are one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home. Even if you aren’t planning to sell right away, it’s the type of investment you will pay off in the long run.
Cons of Upgrading to Marble in the Kitchen
Stains Easily When Not Maintained
If you do not reseal the marble every year, it can stain easily. While you can remove some stains using hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, stubborn stains might not come out.
Acids Can Etch the Surface
Acids can also damage the marble surface, even with regular sealing. The easiest way to protect your countertops is to clean up spills and splashes right away.
Harder to Install
Marble is heavier than other natural stone countertop materials, making it harder to install. While this isn’t a major concern when hiring a remodeling contractor, DIY home improvements are difficult.
How Much Do Marble Countertops Cost?
The average cost of marble countertops is $60 per square foot, but it depends on the type, thickness, and cut of the marble. You can get some marble for as low as $40 per square foot, while others can cost upwards of $150 or more.
- Average marble cost per square foot: $60
- Marble Price range per square foot: $40 to $200
- Installation costs: $40 per hour
- Comparable Granite Price Range per Square Foot: $40 to $100
- Comparable Quartz Price Range per Square Foot: $55 to $75
Another factor to consider is installation costs. While you can expect to pay about $40 per hour for labor, this is usually the same regardless of what kind of countertops you are installing.
