What Are The Differences Between Concrete And Marble Countertops

There are so many types and varieties of materials for kitchen countertops. There are endless varieties and patterns, different types of material, etc. Today, a comparison between concrete and marble countertops will be given. To find out the pros and cons of each material, keep on reading.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops have been around for a long time now. They are one of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops that don’t cost a fortune.

Looks

They have an industrial look and appeal to them, which makes the kitchen look more welcoming and rustic. If you are looking for something which will add a rustic appeal to your kitchen without spending money on expensive wood counters, then concrete countertops are the best option to go for. Along with its aesthetic looks, it does not look bad at all when it is pigmented for kitchen countertops. The concrete countertops on your kitchen look very different from a standard concrete slab. It is an extremely versatile material which will do you tons of favors.

Staining

Speaking of versatility, concrete can be stained to make it look like any other natural or manmade stone used for countertops, whether it be granite, marble or ceramic.

Durable

Another great thing about concrete is that it is an extremely durable material and it doesn’t budge or crack under heat. Concrete is a low maintenance material if you want something which will last long even with rugged use. It is resistant to scratches and impacts and it doesn’t crack or chip easily. It is also a very strong material and the edges of concrete countertops are strongest of all the edges of any other material.

Although concrete is a durable material, it will not be able to save anything which is impacted with its surface. If you drop something made of glass on the surface of concrete countertops, it may shatter.

Porous Material

It is also quite porous so you need to get it sealed to make it more waterproof than before. Although water usually doesn’t bother concrete countertops, it is still a good idea to seal the countertop to make it last long and to make sure that the stain and design on the countertop remains intact after a long time.

Marble Countertops

Now that we have concrete countertops out of the way, let’s talk about a more expensive yet equally famous material; marble countertops.

Looks

Marble is a great material if you are looking for something that looks muted yet luxurious. There are many neutral colors available in marble, which range from soft grays to muted pinks, adding a subtle hint of color and character to your kitchen. The material looks elegant and it is a thing of beauty in your kitchen.

There are also a ton of veining options in marble countertops, you can get them in subtle veining and you can have the veining looking more pronounced and vivid.

Multipurpose

Marble looks great not only in the kitchen, but it’s a perfect fit for bathrooms and offices, giving the space a royal and luxurious appeal.

Heat Resistant

Marble is also quite heat resistant, which is why it is used in the making of fireplace mantels.

Expensive

Marble, although it is quite beautiful and a lot of people admire it, is quite on the expensive side. It is a highly prestigious and expensive countertop material which is why a lot of people can’t seem to get it installed and justify the price.

Can Be Damaged

Another not so good thing about marble countertops is their ability to stain. They stain a lot and the stain can be quite hard to remove. Marble is also quite a delicate material and it can shatter or break under high impacts. It is also not quite as water and scratch resistant as concrete or other natural stone countertops. Water and chemicals can destroy the material. These cons of marble make it seem too expensive for a material fit for kitchen countertops, which is why it is used in bathrooms more.

This thorough comparison will give you a good idea on which type of countertop is good for you and your kitchen. You will know which material will be the best for your use in your kitchen. You can also visit a granite countertop installer Durham NC to select from various materials.