Tag Archives: Marble

5 Myths About Marble

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5 Myths About Marble

You have so many more options today for your countertops than your grandparents did, and you shouldn’t fall for those myths about marble.

Countertops are no longer just a functional piece of your kitchen or bathroom—they can become a specific part of the design choices and aesthetic of your home. We love helping customers discover their options for countertops, and today we’re sharing what we’ve learned about one particularly misunderstood material: marble.

Information on Marble Countertops

Marble is a rock material made of recrystallized minerals such as calcite or dolomite. It’s collected, cut, and polished to create the shiny glaze you see in the popular countertops. Additionally, marble is considered a porous stone and is found or developed into multiple different colors and applications (like walls!).

The Most Common Myths About Marble

Though marble is very common and recognized by millions, there are a lot of misconceptions about it as a countertop material. Let’s debunk a few of these myths so you can make an informed decision as a consumer.

  1. Marble is High Maintenance. This myth is often cited by retailers or bloggers, but it’s not true. Marble is a porous stone, which means it can be stained. But couldn’t you say the same for your couch? Spills of dark liquids need to be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent staining, but that’s all it takes.
  2. Marble is Expensive. In the past, marble was marketed as a luxury countertop material, and cost more than a laminate countertop which was popular at the time. Marble definitely provides that high-end look, but it’s actually more affordable than most granite and quartz options.
  3. Marble isn’t Food Safe. Because marble is porous, there have been fears that it can become a host for bacteria and unsafe for food. As long as you use a proper seal (which exists on most home countertop marble), you don’t need to worry about bacteria or food safety. Just keep your seal in good order and wipe down countertops frequently.
  4. Marble is too Soft. Marble is “softer” than quartz and granite; it’s true. But this isn’t to say it’s flimsy. It is still a firm stone that can stand the test of time, even in a high-use area like a kitchen island.
  5. Marble is too Common. When marble became popular there was an abundance of brown & black marble countertops around the country. Many people grew to believe that this was the only marble option. It only takes one look at a marble selection board to see that your options for color and grain are wide and interesting. You can choose a marble countertop that meets your design needs and looks original.

You have a lot of countertop options, and maybe quartz or granite is the best option for you. Just don’t make your decision against marble to be based on these common but totally off-base myths.

Intermountain Stone & Marble Offers Countertops You’ll Love

Now that we’ve busted those myths about marble, you probably want to deck out your home with stylish countertops. Intermountain Stone & Marble provides unique offerings and flawless workmanship on stone countertops of all shapes and sizes, no matter your budget.

See what we have in store for your home. We serve Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, Murray, and the greater Salt Lake County area in Utah.

Marble vs. Quartz

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Marble vs. Quartz

One of the great interior design battles of our time: marble vs. quartz. Which will you feature in your home or bathroom? 

Though they aren’t the only options, they are widely regarded as the two best and most popular options on the market today. We spend a lot of time working with customers to determine which countertop is best for their new build or remodel, so today we’ll break it down for you. 

Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are made from raw materials—natural marble stone that is extracted from a quarry. Marble is then cut, treated with water, buffed, and finished with polish for that signature sheen. Each piece is unique, and the veins create a signature look in each piece.

Marble is an excellent choice for traditional and contemporary designed homes. You may want to consider marble for large, unobstructed counters such as a kitchen island, or even as a large accent backsplash or waterfall countertop. You should select your marble slab in person so that you can choose the veins and streams of color that you want in your space. 

Pros

Cons
Natural stone
Expensive
Unique slabs
Obvious seams
Traditional styles & colors
Can’t control coloration or choose from sample
Indication of luxury
More porous & soft
Can be damaged with chemicals or etching

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a newer and more modern option that has seen a sharp rise in popularity. Unlike marble, quartz is a manmade surface. Natural quartz is ground and mixed with other chemicals and pigments to create more uniform and distinct colors and patterns. 

If you’re looking for a very specific color or tone for your kitchen or bathroom design, quartz might be the best option for you. You can choose directly from a sample and know exactly what it will look like in your home. Best of all, you can even find some quartz options that mimic the look of marble. Quartz might be a better option for areas that will need lots of seams, such as long counters, backsplashes, and kitchens with lots of counter space. 

Pros

Cons
Less expensive
Can yellow and discolor in direct sunlight
Choose specific colors
Heavier
Easy seam-matching
More difficult to install
Easier maintenance
Less unique
Non-porous

There’s no right or wrong choice for your countertops—it’s all about your personal taste and budget. If you’re doing your own remodel or new build, you might consider marble because it’s easier and lighter to install. Best of all, you can choose your own special slab. If you’re looking for a solid color countertop, then quartz is the best option. 

Intermountain Stone & Marble is the Countertop King

Not sure what you should choose? Come talk to us. Our experts can help you understand your options when it comes to stone countertops for your kitchen or bathroom. When it boils down to the age-old debate of marble vs. quartz, we can show you plenty of options and ideas for every budget so that you get exactly what you want and exactly what you need. We serve Salt Lake County, Utah.