A lot of people fall for marble, and it’s the stone we most want to talk through before anyone buys it. Granite and Marble Designs cuts real marble in our shop at 5676 N Pecos St in Denver, and our own crew installs it. Before you buy, our design consultants will go over whether it fits the way you use your kitchen or bath.
What makes marble different
Marble is a metamorphic rock made mostly of calcite, a soft mineral. It’s easy to recognize by its veining. Most marble is white, cream, yellowish, neutral or nearly colorless with random gray veining, but it also comes in bolder greens and blues. Marble brings luxury and simple elegance to a room, its natural glow brightens the space, and every slab is different, so no two marble installations look alike.
There’s also dolomite marble, which contains magnesium and is a bit more durable than calcite marble. If you want marble in a kitchen, ask to see some.
Where marble works best
- Bathrooms. Marble is most often used in bathrooms, and it’s a good way to upscale one. Vanities, shower walls and tub surrounds are classic marble spots, since it’s suitable for wet areas.
- Fireplace surrounds. Marble is highly heat resistant.
- Backlit features. Because of its natural translucence, we often suggest marble for backlit applications.
- Kitchens and any other room, if you know what you’re getting. If you’re willing to accept marble’s softness and keep it up with maintenance and the occasional refinish, it can work anywhere. Many of our customers are very happy with their marble kitchen countertops.
The honest part: marble in the kitchen
Marble is softer than granite or quartzite, and it’s porous. It’s less resistant to staining, etching and scratching than other stones and needs more maintenance, so it’s less practical in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bars. Know these properties before you choose it there. That means:
- It scratches more easily.
- Acids like lemon juice, wine, tomato sauce and some cleaners can etch it, leaving dull spots on a polished finish. Etching isn’t a stain; it’s the surface itself changing.
- It can stain if spills sit, so it needs sealing and quick cleanup.
Some people love the patina marble picks up over time, and others would notice every ring from a glass of wine. It’s worth knowing which camp you’re in before you buy. If you love the look and want less upkeep, ask about marble-look quartz or quartzite.