Pros & cons of marble benchtops

When it comes to luxurious style in your home, a lot of people think of marble. Marble has been used throughout the world for thousands of years, from the Greeks to the Romans and the Indians (the Taj Mahal has large amounts of marble everywhere!), and has always had an air of wealth about it.

These days, marble is used quite regularly for benchtops and other structures around homes, however, can be more of an investment than other options. This adds to its 'luxury' appeal and, coupled with the care and consideration needed to keep the marble in good condition, it offers a richness that not a lot of other materials can provide.

This is why we thought we'd get together some information about marble and its application for benchtops, including both the pros and cons of its use. If you have any further questions, or would like to know a little more about how a marble benchtop could fit into your kitchen renovation, give Haddon Kitchens a call at 07 3204 0399 today.

What is marble?

Marble is what is known as a 'metamorphic rock', meaning it has undergone a considerable change from its initial state to become what it is now. Marble usually has small colour variations throughout, which are caused by the way in which the rock has become soft (due to heat and pressurisation) and then recrystallised. This is why every piece of marble is unique, as each slab has undergone a slightly different process.

Marble is known as a lavish and beautiful stone, making it the perfect material for benchtops, however, this beauty usually comes with a higher price tag!

What are the properties of marble?

When it comes to the properties of marble, there are quite a few to consider:

• Strong and durable stone.
• Requires regular sealing.
• Easy to maintain when sealed.
• Luxurious.
• Porous.
• Very heavy.
• Stains quite easily.

Pros and cons of marble benchtops

When looking at the advantages and disadvantages of Marble Benchtops, just like anything, there are some points in each category. We do love Marble though!

Pros of marble benchtops

• Beautiful and luxurious-looking stone.
• Strong and durable.
• Easy to maintain when sealed.
• Broadly available.
• Heat resistant.
• Overall workability is relatively high, as it is a softer stone.
• Unique colour variations.
• A softer stone which allows the addition of 'character' (chips and scratches) through ageing.

Cons of marble benchtops

• Expensive (up to $200 or more per metre for some types).
• Not too environmentally friendly, due to extraction methods.
• Quite high maintenance as requires regular sealing.
• Porous.
• Very heavy in weight.
• Does not deal well with extreme temperatures, due to the expanding/contracting of stone.

Are marble benchtops worth it?

If you are looking for a beautiful benchtop that will remain opulent in years to come, a marble benchtop is absolutely worth it. Although they are more expensive than most (if not all) other options, you are installing something that will become the centrepiece of almost any room, which is something you are prepared to pay a little more for. To ensure you are getting the most out of your Marble Benchtop though, ensure you look after it correctly and be kind to it, otherwise, it won't last as long as you hoped.

Your knowledgeable marble benchtop experts

If you have any questions regarding Marble Benchtops, how they can complement your home, or the best choices available, call Haddon Kitchens at 07 3204 0399 today. We are specialists when it comes to Marble Benchtops for any room in your home, so get in contact now!

Resources:

BUILD (Marble Benchtops): https://build.com.au/marble-benchtops

Please note, Haddon Kitchens & Cabinets can provide a wide range of benchtops for our custom kitchen renovations. As we specialise in complete kitchen renovations, we do not supply ‘benchtops only’ for existing kitchens or DIY kitchens.