Marble countertops are a blessing in the world of interior design. Among all natural stones, marble has this unparalleled glamour to it – especially the light-colored variations, whose brilliance reminds us of royal sculptures and Greek gods of antiquity. Either way, white marble countertops have been around for decades now, and for a good reason.
If you’d like to know all the pros and cons of this product for your home – as well as some tips and design ideas at the end – keep reading the article!
You may also like: Is Granite the Same as Marble? How to Tell the Difference?
The beauty of white marble countertops
Although white is not a complex color, there are several white marble stones available on the market today. When people think of marble, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Carrara – which ranges from a bluish-gray to pristine white – or Calacatta, a much brighter surface with thicker veins and darker hues.
Check out some fascinating advantages of white marble:
- Unique veining: This is the pattern that every marble stone has – and white ones, in particular, offer incredible contestants. No quarry or slab is the same, but there are techniques to make your countertop look as organic as possible, with unique veining strips. These include the right cuts, polishes, and brushing – so visitors can have amazing first impressions of your place.
- Variety of finishes: Like it or not, this stone is the definition of fanciness. That’s only improved by the many finishes you can apply on top of your countertop, customizing your ambient like never before. Kitchens, in particular, can be further decorated with a backsplash that ties everything together, giving your walls that whitish glow we all love.
- Resale value: Unlike granite, which has seen a dip in popularity recently, white marble plays a huge part in your home’s resale value. Installing a beautiful, cared-for white marble countertop can pay off even after you have no more need for it!
The downsides of white marble countertops
As staple as marble has become as a product over the years, there’s no doubt it has its fair share of competitors and technical deviations. In truth, this natural stone has been regarded by many as a more expensive alternative to quartz, which shares its light tones and overall appearance.
Check out some characteristics that might hold these counters back:
- Sealing and maintenance: As you might expect, white marble countertops need to be sealed (at least twice a year) to be extra protected against scratches, stains, cracks, and water spots. It has a very porous (and visible) surface – so if you choose not to seal it, you’re likely in for a costly repair to hide the damage, including polishing.
- Price range: Compared to granite and quartz, some rarer variations of marble will cost you a lot. If you are a perfectionist, it might also be of your interest to line up the veins of your slabs against each other to create visual constancy, which requires expensive and meticulous work. White marble countertops cost anywhere between $40 and $200 per square foot.
- Fragility: Marble is known for being “soft” or “less durable” than its natural cousins, such as granite and quartz. Although minimal, the difference in composition behind marble stones makes them slowly decay with internal cracks and wear. This is a process that happens to all natural stones regardless, but it’s proved to be faster with marble, as we can observe in David by Michelangelo – which is under threat of collapsing after hundreds of years.
Further tips and suggestions
Before getting your hands on a marble stone, it’s always a good idea to consult professionals. That way, not only can you get the best deals but you will also be filled in on the instructions to take care of your countertop in the long run.
And speaking of caring for your product, make sure to establish a weekly routine of cleanup. Even upon sealing it, any natural stone – including marble – can last for centuries under proper care and attention.
Inspiring project ideas for you
On the Internet, you can find beautiful pictures of white marble countertops; most of the time, they’re topped with the right set of cabinetry, by which point you no longer know what combination is perfect for you.
They can really touch our hearts and be indispensable items in our dream kitchens and bathrooms. As you can see below, we’ve listed some gorgeous ideas for you to be inspired – and hopefully, we can help you choose your next counter.
Contact Eagle Stones today
If you’re still having a hard time trying to decide what kind of marble you’d like, you can always look for a specialist’s opinion! Experts already know what each kind of stone is good for and what they could bring to your home aesthetics, so their opinion can be very valuable.
Here at Eagle Stones, we specialize in stone countertops – especially marble, which we have available across an expensive catalog you can see in person. Just fill out our form, and we will send you a specialist to help you and give you a free estimate! We also handle many other kinds of stone, by the way, so we can help you pick the best fit for your home.
