Marble Countertops: Natural. Unique. Affordable?

While spending money to remodel a kitchen or bathroom, many homeowners decide to go that extra mile and invest in materials that will add a bit more elegance to their house. Marble countertops are becoming a popular choice because of their unique and stylish appearance. Unlike granite or slate, which creates a uniform look around the room, marbled stone has an added design feature: natural accents. Often there are unique, and almost seemingly random, swirls of color that accentuate the stone. Though these haphazard accents may seem like flaws in the product, it actually creates the opposite affect: these imperfections emphasize the natural beauty of the stone.

Alternative Price Tags
When purchasing any kind of natural stone or other high-end product, you have to realize what you can afford: if it looks expensive, it probably is. And marble countertops certainly don't look cheap. It may be helpful to think of this product as more of an investment. Though it'll certainly add to the beauty of your home, it'll also add value to it. The kitchen is the place most people (family members, guests, potential buyers) spend most of their time and therefore it's a great selling point. This is why so many real estate assessors value well-designed kitchens and often appreciate elegant cabinetry and counters. However, if the price is too high to install throughout your entire kitchen, you can save money by using this product as a highlight in the home: install it on top of an island, a wet bar, or inset so that you can have all the benefits of the material without all the cost.

Cultured Marble Countertops
Another option that will help you save money is cultured marble countertops. This product consists of marble dust and plastic, and since it is less "pure" and partially manmade it will be less expensive. But it also comes with the same exact look at natural stone. Plus, cultured marble countertops are lighter, easier to install, and since they're somewhat synthetic, they're also more durable against damage and cracking.

Maintenance
Though this stone is natural, it isn't indestructible. In fact, marble countertops require quite a bit of care in order to protect your investment. It may help to think of it as a wood product: it needs lots of protection, prevention, and preservation.

Stains: They are porous, which means they absorb liquids. So make sure to prevent water rings and staining by using placemats and coasters. If anything does spill onto its surface, immediately clean it up, making sure to blot at the stain rather than wipe at it.
Burning: It can burn, so always use hot pads for pots, pans, and skillets.
Scratching: Always use cutting boards and placements to avoid any scratches.
Etching: It is highly susceptible to soap scum, excess dirt and grime, and acidic materials such as alcohol, coffee, or fruit juices. These items can dull the surface, so try to prevent them from making direct contact with the stone itself.

You can buy penetrating sealer to help protect your marble countertops from moisture absorption, but you'll have to reseal occasionally in order to keep it safe from harm (consult with a professional or the manufacturer for specific advice). Always use hot water and soap to clean, never use harsh chemicals. And always dry thoroughly to avoid future moisture problems. If a problem (a deep scratch, etching, a burn) ever does occur, remember that there is always a solution: a trained professional is always an option to help buff out stains and reseal surfaces.