The Pros & Cons of Marble Benchtops

When it comes to choosing kitchen benchtops, marble has always been our preferred material. It’s hard to beat for its natural beauty and timeless look. However, like any other material, marble has its share of advantages and disadvantages that need to be carefully considered before making a decision. In fact, in our experience, most builders will try to talk you out of using marble because it’s not the most durable, nor is it the most affordable. It really does come down to your personal preferences, your requirements and the look you’re after. 

Below we will share the pros and cons of marble benchtops, along with some personal experience, to help make the decision easier for you. 

Pros:

• It’s beautiful! Marble's luxurious appearance is unmatched. The natural veining and range of colours can instantly add an elegance to your kitchen design, especially if you’re after a more traditional or even a farmhouse style. It can really be a distinctive feature in your kitchen. 
• It’s the environmentally friendly option. As a completely natural stone, marble does not undergo any chemical processes or manufacturing treatments that might lead to off-gassing of harmful chemicals or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which can be a concern with some man-made materials. As a natural resource, marble is sustainably sourced from quarries, and its extraction has a relatively low environmental impact compared to the production of synthetic materials.
• It’s timeless. Unlike trends that come and go, marble has stood the test of time. Its classic beauty ensures that your kitchen will remain stylish for decades to come.
• It’s heat resistant. Marble is a natural stone with excellent heat resistance, making it an ideal surface for baking and cooking activities. It can handle hot pots and pans without damage. 
• It’s great for bread-baking and food prep. In warm climates, marble benchtops offer a refreshing coolness, providing a pleasant surface for food preparation, and in our experience, is the best material for preparing dough for baking. 
• It’s biodegradable and recyclable. At the end of its life cycle, marble is a biodegradable material. If you ever decide to replace your marble benchtops, you can rest assured knowing that they won't end up as long-lasting landfill waste. Additionally, the stone can be repurposed or recycled, contributing to a more sustainable approach to waste management.

Cons:

• It stains more easily. Marble is a porous material, which means it is susceptible to stains and etching from acidic substances like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine. Regular sealing is essential to protect it from stains, but even then, spills should be promptly cleaned. (In our experience, some marbles are more prone to staining than others, so it’s worth doing your research.) 
• It can chip and scratch. While marble is hard, it is not as durable as granite, quartz or man-made materials. It can scratch and show signs of wear over time. Additionally, acidic foods can cause etching, leaving dull spots on the surface. In our experience, we’ve found that the area around sinks can chip from washing bigger pots and pans, and the edges of an island bench can show wear and tear, especially if young children on stools are often eating here.  
• It requires maintenance. Marble benchtops require careful maintenance. As mentioned earlier, regular sealing is necessary, and the use of abrasive or acidic cleaning products should be avoided.
• It’s more costly. Marble is a premium material, and its price reflects that. It is generally more expensive than many other benchtop options, making it less budget-friendly. There are, however, variations in cost between different marble types, and it’s worth enquiring. (Also, depending on the size of the slab you need, it’s possible to find stone off-cuts at much more affordable prices.)