There is no
denying the beauty of marble countertops. Their luster and natural shine has
added value and interest to homes for generations. Marble has a natural
crystallization that occurs during its formation, and this is what causes its
marvelous sparkle and shine. This durable stone has been a preferred choice in
building material for centuries because of its long lasting nature and inherent
beauty. In more recent years however, marble has become a top pick for
countertops both in the kitchen and bathroom. Its shine creates a visual impact
that is unmatched by other materials used for these purposes. The formation of marble
causes many different patterns and colours to present themselves. It is for
this reason that it is said there are never three identical slabs of marble. You can be comfortably assured that your marble
is unique!
Is Marble Right For You?
Although marble
is beautiful, and adds a definite resale value to the home, it may not be for
everyone or every situation. Being a
natural stone does afford marble durability,
however it is also porous which makes its maintenance a little more demanding
than other stone or laminate options. When used as a kitchen or bathroom
countertop care must be taken to wipe spills immediately as they can cause
staining which could prove very costly to remove. Also when used as a kitchen
countertop, although marble is heat resistant, care needs to be taken when
placing very hot objects directly on marble as this can cause irreversible staining
that can ruin your investment. Keeping these things in mind when using your marble
countertops will help to assure their beauty and integrity for many years to
come.
Investing in Marble
If you are in
the market to renovate your kitchen or bathroom, you are probably considering replacement
countertops in to your budget. Although choosing a laminate countertop might be
a more economical option, it's not going to add resale value to your home.
Marble shows a return on investment in every application. So much so that many
new home builders are opting to install marble in their builds as a standard
option. The cost comparison for marble versus other options such as laminate is
relative. Marble costs can start at approximately $40 a linear foot and upwards
for slab, or $30 a square foot and up for tiles. Although laminate is clearly
less expensive, usually starting at approximately $20 a linear foot, you
definitely get what you pay for! Laminate doesn't carry the same visual interest
or durability of natural stone. Marble wins in visual appeal, durability, and
resale investment every single time. Keep this in mind when you are considering
the material you will use to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom.
Marble countertops have a look that matches every style. You may change the
colours of your accessories, your walls, or even your cupboards over time. The
beauty of your marble countertops will endure each transition and still come
out on top!