Marble countertops have an air of elegance to them. They’re beautiful, great for cooking, long lasting and because it’s a natural product, each piece of marble is unique. Marble has been a popular design choice for hundreds of years, and will add value to your home, but before you decide on marble counter tops, you should know the downsides and the alternatives that are available.

• Marble is porous and can stain easily.
• Marble is vulnerable to dents and dings.
• Marble degrades over time. Like any natural stone, marble breaks down over time, and if you’re not conscientious about upkeep, you can inadvertently expedite that process.
• Marble is significantly more expensive compared to the other products on the market. Although different types of marble may be more or less expensive than others, installing marble countertops will likely cost significantly more than other materials.

Fortunately, there are several alternatives that you should consider for your kitchen remodel:

Granite countertops are a popular alternative to marble countertops. Granite has a natural beauty and will easily fit in any kitchen design. Granite is resistant to chipping and cracking and is very heat resistant. With the regular application of a proper sealant, granite countertops can retain their good looks for years.

Quartz countertops are a form of engineered stone made from ground-up particles of quartz bound together with resins. Because it’s a manmade product, quartz will have uniform veining to mimic marble’s appearance. It’s hard and non-porous, so it won’t crack, stain, scratch or absorb bacteria. It’s also relatively heat resistant, though using a trivet would be the best way to protect the surface.

Calacatta quartz is a material that looks very similar to Calacatta marble, a distinct marble type. Calacatta quartz color can be defined as clean and bright white, but it also has dramatic veining ranging from grey to gold. It offers the beauty of marble and the durability of quartz. It doesn’t need to be sealed, so maintenance is a snap.

Quartzite-This is a very hard metaphoric natural rock that started out as sandstone. Through evolution and intense heat and pressure, the sandstone turns into quartzite. Although it doesn’t look exactly like marble, it comes close and is the best alternative if you choose not to select a synthetic. Quartzite is very durable, requires little maintenance, and is antimicrobial Since it’s a natural stone it’s very heat resistant and like marble, individual pieces will have unique veining.

For over 30 years, Capitol Design Build has been delivering high-end kitchen and bath renovations to property owners from Springfield, VA to Washington, D.C. Our expert designs and quality workmanship have allowed us to earn a sterling reputation for excellence. We treat you like family and your home like our own, and always strive for 100% customer satisfaction. To learn more about our services or to schedule your free design consultation, visit our website or call us at 703-436-2069