Marble Countertops

Marble is a natural stone product that is finding its way into more kitchens and baths as countertops and vanities. Depending on the size, quality and quarry that your marble slab comes from, the price can range from high to exorbitant. The following will break down the advantages and disadvantages to using both marble and granite in the kitchen and bath.

Advantages

Who can resist the beauty and allure of a marble or granite countertop? The smooth surface of the solid stone provides both a look of elegance and functionality.

Cultured marble is made of polyester resin with a protective gel or epoxy coat. Some are made to look like granite. Cultured marble comes in a wide range of colors and is durable in the bathroom because it’s nonporous and doesn’t require a sealer.

But if you really want natural stone for your bathroom vanity, marble will work, but granite is better because it’s more scratch resistant.

Disadvantages

An overall disadvantage is cost. You may think you got a deal on a marble or granite slab, but the labor bills for installation can run you in the thousands. It’s a fine process that must be done with precision (see comments below regarding cracks in the marble and granite). Moreover, the overall weight of the countertop requires reinforced cabinets and careful transport. Laying a granite countertop on an unleveled surface could spell disaster.

Marble is a porous material and is not scratch resistant. As such, it will not hold up to kitchen use. Granite can stain easily. Care must be taken with your natural stone to make sure it is sealed every 2-to-3 years to prevent permanent damage.

Solid Surface Versus Tile

Granite and marble tile countertops and vanities are a compromise between ceramic tile and the pricey solid granite and marble. The advantages are that the installation is much easier—translation, doesn’t require a professional—and it is much more cost effective because you can shop for discount or remnant (leftover) slabs. Savvy homeowners can mix and match slabs or mix materials to create unique countertops and vanities.

The downside is that they require the same care as standard tile countertops and vanities including grout sealing.

What Happens If Your Marble Or Granite Countertop Gets Damaged?

After installation of your new marble vanity, you discover a crack in the marble. The contractor tells you that it’s natural. Don’t believe him. Before you sign off on the final installation, contact a professional stone restoration company or local marble company to discuss options for sealing the crack.

If you chose to use tile instead of a solid countertop or vanity, the advantage is that you can pull the tile and have it restored or replaced.

Lots of elegant bathroom designs are presented in our website along their designing and the tips through which you can implement all these structure in you home. Massive usage of water in the bathroom can create trouble for your furniture and all other bathroom accessories, to prevent from these problems learn all the useful tips elaborated here on this website.