The Amaris Journal/Material Guide
Marble Worktops Pros and Cons:
Is Marble Right for Your Kitchen?
A plain-English guide from our Bridgend workshop.
Marble worktops give a kitchen natural veining and an individual finish, and the surface stays naturally cool. The main downsides are that marble is softer than granite, acidic liquids can etch it and oils can stain it, and it needs resealing every 12 months.
The pros of marble worktops
Every slab is different. The veining, colour and texture of each marble slab give every worktop its own character.
It stays naturally cool. Marble is cool to the touch, which makes it popular for pastry work and baking.
It develops character over time. Marble develops a patina as it ages, and many of our clients grow to love this.
It suits kitchens and beyond. Marble is used for worktops, splashbacks, islands, Belfast sinks, shower panels and tables.
The cons of marble worktops
It's softer than granite. Granite is harder and more scratch resistant, while marble is slightly softer, although marble worktops remain durable when cared for properly.
Acids can etch it and oils can stain it. Marble is slightly porous, so acidic liquids such as lemon, wine and vinegar can etch the surface, and oils can stain it. Wiping spills promptly and keeping it sealed helps it resist both.
It needs regular sealing. We seal every marble worktop at installation, and it should be resealed every 12 months. We offer professional resealing.
It tends to cost more. Typical UK prices for fitted marble run from about £400 to £1,000 or more per square metre, depending on the variety, which is usually more than quartz or granite.
Choosing your marble
We supply Italian and Portuguese marble. We have fitted Bianco Carrara marble in Cardiff, Calacatta marble in Bridgend, Calacatta Gold marble in Bristol and Verde Guatemala marble in Pontcanna, Cardiff. We invite every customer to visit our Bridgend showroom to see the veining in natural light and choose their marble slab in person.
Looking after marble
Wipe spills straight away with a soft cloth and water, especially wine, coffee, oil and citrus. Use a marble-safe cleaner each week, and never use acidic or abrasive cleaners. A professional polish every few months keeps its lustre. Always use a trivet for hot cookware.
Marble beyond the kitchen worktop
Alongside kitchen worktops, we make marble splashbacks, Belfast sinks with drainer grooves, shower panels, dining tables and fireplace surrounds in our Bridgend workshop.
What to expect
Your marble worktop is cut at our Bridgend workshop with your chosen edge profile, and our team installs, seals and polishes it, with installation usually completed in two to three days. Every worktop comes with a 10-year material warranty and a 2-year workmanship guarantee.
Ready to discuss your worktops?
Come and see our marble slabs at the Bridgend showroom, or book a free consultation for a quote.