When it comes to inspiring a sense of beauty and wonder, one of the most impressive options is marble countertops. Like snowflakes, no two cuts of this unique metamorphic rock are alike, meaning you’ll get something special every time. But that doesn’t mean they are without flaws. Here are some unexpected aspects of the material that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

Remarkable Beauty and Uniqueness

While you’ve likely experienced the beauty of classic white Marble Countertops Sarasotais, you might not be aware of the diverse range of colors and hues that are available. In fact, there are quite a few options, from pinks and grays to blues and sparkling purples, all of which are great in a variety of settings.

Aside from its natural beauty, this stone has the unique ability to blend with a variety of textures, especially natural wood finishes. The stark contrast of a bamboo cabinet to its speckled and erratic surface is breathtaking and is a popular choice among modern designers.

Thermal Resistance and Sealing

Even more than its beauty and unique contrast, marble is thermally resilient. When hot pots and pans are placed on the surface, you won’t have to worry about any adverse effects. Similarly, you can easily place a hot hair straightener down on your bathroom countertop without the worries of typical surfaces that would melt or warp.

Unfortunately, to resist stains and corrosion, marble countertops need to be sealed on a regular basis. Without this essential coating, they are quite easily marred by oils in the kitchen or nail polishes in the bathroom. Even with an expert sealant in place, the stone is still prone to other accidents that might make you question its place in the kitchen.

Great for Bathrooms, Not so Great for Kitchens

We certainly love the look and feel of marble countertops, but they might not be best suited for the heavy-use environment of the kitchen. Those same hot pans that won’t mar the surface for their temperature could just as easily leave scratches, or worse, cracks and chips from their weight. You might be surprised at how many installation companies won’t guarantee or warranty this stoneware in the kitchen for this very reason.

Even with a heavy-duty topical or penetrating sealant regularly applied and re-applied to help you avoid stains, this stone is often too fragile for many homeowners to enjoy in the kitchen. Conversely, if you like the idea of a surface showing the signs of wear and tear that your cooking and cleaning will leave, marble countertops might be the perfect option for you. Just be aware that the porous nature of this rock means that you’ll begin to notice effects of wines and coffees more quickly than you might think. For everyone else, this is a great option for your bathroom and even your mantle. But unless you are ready to commit to a material prone to accidents, you’ll want to keep it safe in a lightly used area.