We get asked about marble all the time – so here are some answers (or really, just our honest opinions).
There’s no question that the natural beauty of marble is unrivalled. Its veining and colour variation are completely unique, and no two slabs are ever the same. It truly can read like a piece of art, which is why it has been used in architecture and interiors for centuries. When clients hesitate about marble, it usually comes down to two things: price (marble is a larger investment) and durability (it can stain, particularly when unsealed). That said, marble also comes with a number of real advantages that make it worth considering in the right spaces (e.g. surfaces that won’t be used for everyday eating and food prep) and for the right homeowners (those willing to trade a little extra elbow grease for elevated style).
Beyond its stunning visual appeal, marble is naturally heat-resistant, which makes it suitable for applications like fireplace surrounds and kitchen countertops. It also stays cool to the touch – ideal for rolling pastry dough or baking – and unlike many engineered surfaces, it is repairable. Chips, scratches, and surface wear can often be honed or refinished over time. The ability to re-hone marble to blend out scratches is one of the reasons we prefer honed and leathered surfaces vs. polished – we also prefer the more casual, organic feeling of matte surfaces in kitchens.
Both Nancy and I have marble in our own kitchens, and we have no regrets. When properly sealed, marble holds up surprisingly well to everyday use and staining (yes, even with babies and toddlers who enjoy smushing food into all available surrounding surfaces). As long as harsh cleaners are avoided (marble really hates those), a good quality marble seal application can last several years before resealing is required.
Pro Tip (and this is a biggie):
BEFORE your marble is sealed, it is extremely porous. We strongly recommend keeping everything – and everyone – entirely away from your marble until the sealing process is complete. This is true for marble furniture too! Ideally, ask your fabricator to seal your marble at their shop before installation as even products used during the installation process itself can stain your marble forever.
For clients with young kids who use their kitchen island as an everyday eating and homework surface, but still want the beauty of natural stone, we often recommend a more stain-resistant material like quartz or porcelain on the island, paired with natural stone on the surrounding countertops and backsplash. This approach offers the best of both worlds: durability where you need it most, and the timeless beauty of marble where it can truly shine!
