Marble has been a favorite of humans for millennia, and for good reason. This pale white stone with gray veining has been around for centuries, yet remains in fashion throughout the years. It evokes feelings of elegance and class, lending an air of sophistication to any space.

This beautiful natural stone is surprisingly sturdy, with its sleek finish and powerful connection to luxury and grandeur. However, it does have high maintenance needs and it costs a lot, which has led many homeowners to seek out alternatives to marble countertops such as quartz, granite, and quartzite.

Here’s a look at why you may want to forgo marble and go with something similar in 2023.

Cost

The cost of marble will depend greatly on the quality and rarity of the slabs you select. The price of marble is driven up by its unique colors, patterns, and veining. For example, Carrara Marble costs $45 per square foot while the rare Italian black Calacatta with gold veining goes for $300 per square foot, and that’s not even counting labor costs. There’s no denying that the beautiful veining in marble, ranging from cool blues to warm beiges, is a conversation starter but for those on a budget, it may not be worth it.

Durability

Marble, a heat-resistant stone, has some durability to it, but it still has to be handled with care. Because it’s more porous than granite and quartz, it tends to absorb liquid and food spills more easily. It also doesn’t react well to harsh cleaning materials that aren’t pH-neutral in nature, and many liquids and foods have a high level of acidity.

Marble tends to scratch easily even after sealing. Even water spilled on a marble countertop and left to sit will stain. This is why you should wipe up any spills, even water, immediately.

Maintenance

You should seal your marble countertop upon installation and then twice a year after that. Wipe down your counters and clean them daily with a mild soap and damp microfiber cloth, particularly after preparing oily and acidic foods. Set hot pans down on trivets.

Use a poultice for removal of stubborn stains as a result of oil or paint. Leave it on for 24 to 48 hours so it can draw out the stain. If this doesn’t work, a professional will have to buff out the stain and reseal.

Alternatives to Marble

If you love the look of marble but don’t want the high cost or maintenance that comes with it, go for quartz, quartzite, or granite. Not only are they more affordable, they are more durable and lower in maintenance requirements.

Contact Granite Guy

For more suggestions on alternatives to marble in 2023, or to learn about what you need to do to make marble work for your kitchen, contact us at 508-460-7900 today. Our Ashland stone installers can give you a free quote on marble alternatives such as granite.