If you’re on the lookout for a luxury natural stone worktop for your next kitchen or bathroom project, marble worktops are a serious contender for your attention and consideration. They are undeniably unique, with no two worktops being identical.
However, while they can fit perfectly with your luxury kitchen ideas, they may not always be the best choice for a kitchen worktop. Here, we take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of marble to help you decide whether they are worth adding as your dream worktop.
What is a marble worktop?
Marble worktops are considered more of a luxury than laminate and wood worktops. as they are natural stone and fairly uncommon.
Oli Webb, Director at Cullifords, offers up a quick explanation. “A marble worktop is a natural stone surface cut from marble slabs, most commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms for worktops, islands, vanities and statement surfaces where aesthetics are a priority.”
Will Frankling, Co-founder of Kitchen Makeovers, adds, “Marble features unique veining and is typically found in high-end classic or contemporary kitchens, particularly on statement islands or baking areas.”
Oli Webb is a Director at Cullifords, a supplier of natural stones specialising in Marble, Granite, Quartzites, Travertines, Onyx and Slates. They also distribute man-made ceramic surfaces from SapienStone, which are specifically designed for the kitchen market.
Will Frankling co-founded Kitchen Makeovers in 2018. With over 30 locations across the UK, their kitchen makeover service is a cost-effective, sustainable solution providing a quick and efficient way to update the heart of your home.
Try these worktops and cleaner for your next kitchen project
This 12mm compact laminate worktop features a solid core and is fully waterproof, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and low-maintenance. Offers a classic white-and-black marble-effect finish.
Designed to look like marble, this worktop features a dark grey marble effect with striking white veins. It has a satin texture with a subtly uneven overlay that feels like natural stone.
This specialist natural stone worktop cleaner is formulated to be gentle on marble and stone surfaces while removing dirt, food stains, bacteria, and cooking splashes daily.
Pros and cons of marble worktops
Marble worktops have a lot to offer, but are not always the most practical option. Here we look at the pros and cons fo this kitchen idea to help you decide if they will work for your needs.
+Unique aesthetic
Marble is a classic choice for more upmarket kitchens, thanks to its individuality. Webb shares why, “Marble is prized for its natural veining, colour variation and depth, with no two slabs ever the same.”
He adds, “This uniqueness gives kitchens and bathrooms a sense of elegance, character and authenticity that man-made materials cannot replicate.”
+Cool surface
The visual appeal of a worktop is important, but practicality plays a role. Franklin points out one niche, “Marble remains naturally cool (below room temperature), which makes it the premier choice for bakers.” He adds, “It's perfect for rolling out pastry or tempering chocolate without the ingredients sticking or melting too quickly.”
+Lots of choice
Alongside its unique aesthetic, there are different types of marble which add to its individuality. Webb shares what’s available: “There are many different types of marble, ranging from classic Carrara varieties such as Calacatta, Statuario and Arabescato to harder green marbles from Europe and India, as well as Portuguese marbles.”
He adds, “Some perform better than others, making informed selection key.”
+Long-lasting
If well looked after, marble can be a long-time friend of a kitchen. Webb shares why, “Unlike many engineered surfaces, marble can be re-polished in situ. Scratches, etching and stains can usually be removed over time, allowing the surface to evolve and age gracefully rather than needing replacement.”
-More prone to stains and damage
Marble is durable, but not as hardy as other stone surfaces. Webb points out, “Marble is softer and more porous than granite or quartz, meaning it can scratch, stain or etch if not properly sealed or maintained.”
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring it doesn’t scratch or stain. However, this damage can also be seen as giving the material character, suiting some people's taste. Webb explains, “Some homeowners value the character and patina rather than a flawless, utilitarian surface.”
-Not all marbles are the same
Marble comes in various levels of hardness, so some are better than others for kitchens, as Webb shares, “There is a spectrum of harder and softer marbles. Softer varieties are better suited to low-traffic areas such as bathroom walls or vanities, while harder marbles are more appropriate for worktops when properly sealed and maintained.”
-Costly and heavy
The weight and nature of marble can mean it needs specialist treatment, says Franklin. “It's heavy, often requiring reinforced cabinetry, and the installation is complex.”
He adds, “The cost of the raw material combined with the specialist templating and fitting makes marble a significant investment.”
Typical costs of marble worktops
Marble is a natural material and more expensive than other worktop types, such as laminate, solid wood, and Corian, which lend themselves more to being the best kitchen worktop type on a budget.
The type of marble and colour will also affect the overall price.
At the lower end of the price scale, you can expect to pay around £800 per m2. Frankling points out what type of marble you typically get for this price, “Standard Carrara marble.” He adds, “The classic Italian choice, featuring a softer grey-white background with subtle, diffuse feathery veining.”
But prices can easily pass the £1000 mark (per m2). Frankling shares what is typical of a mid-range marble worktop, “Arabescato or Statuario. These slabs feature a much brighter, cleaner white background with bolder, more distinct dark grey or black patterns."
At the top end of the market, Frankling says, “Calacatta Gold or rare boutique stones. These premium slabs are selected for their pristine crystal structures and dramatic, thick veining often featuring gold or copper tones.” The prices for these marbles can easily exceed £2000 per m2.
Marble worktops are hard to find in local hardware stores, so shop around online to see what's available and how much you can expect to pay. If possible, Webb suggests visiting a local supplier to see what you are getting: “View the actual slab you will be using and take samples home to test.”
If you’re on a budget, you will find marble-effect worktops available in most local hardware stores.
Practicalities of marble worktops
Easy to maintain
There isn’t much maintenance involved to keep marble worktops performing and looking their best. Regular sealing (every 6-12 months) with an appropriate sealer (like this Zep Natural Stone Sealer from Amazon) is necessary. Beyond this, Webb says, “Daily cleaning with a clean cloth and mild soapy solution is sufficient.” He warns, “Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners.”
Long lasting
Marble is a solid natural surface that will last for years, but it will need looking after, as Webb shares: “With proper sealing, care and occasional professional maintenance, marble worktops can last for decades.”
He adds, “Their ability to be re-polished means they can be refreshed rather than replaced.” However, Farnkling points out, “The finish may patina (scratch/etch) over time.” But this enhances the aesthetic appeal and charm of owning a marble worktop.
Stains and steam can affect marble
Marble is porous, which means it's susceptible to stains, heat, water and steam, but regular maintenance will help significantly. Webb says, “Staining can occur if spills are left and the sealant fails. However, a good-quality sealant significantly reduces this risk, and most stains can be removed using a poultice or specialist cleaning.”
Heat is not marble's friend either, but Webb suggests, “Using trivets for hot pans is strongly advised. Thermal shock or discolouration can occur if very hot items are placed directly on the surface.”
Not sure how marble worktops will fit into your latest kitchen layout ideas? Check out our guide to kitchen layout mistakes to avoid costly errors. And take a look at our white kitchen ideas, as they may be the perfect match for your marble worktop.
