Marble has been a material present in architecture and design for centuries.. In modern kitchens, su aplicación como encimera sigue generando interés por su aesthetics y por la sensación de quality que transmite.
Now, is it really practical for daily use? How does it behave against quartz or granite? Analizamos, desde una perspectiva técnica pero clara, lo que hay que saber antes de elegir una encimera de mármol.
¿Por qué elegir mármol para una encimera de cocina?
El mármol es una piedra natural compuesta principalmente por carbonato cálcico. Su valor reside en dos aspectos: su apariencia, que es única en cada pieza, y su comportamiento térmico. Estéticamente, no hay dos planchas iguales. Las vetas, el tono y las imperfecciones naturales forman parte de su atractivo. Desde un punto de vista funcional, es un material resistente al calor y estable a largo plazo si se cuida bien.
Si priorizas un acabado natural y atemporal, marble is still a valid choice. Yes indeed, It is advisable to understand its limitations before deciding.
Marble, granite or quartz: direct comparison
A clear way to start evaluating options is to compare how the main materials used in kitchen countertops behave today.:
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Aesthetics | Approximate price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marble | Alta, with care | Moderate (regular sealing) | Natural, unique grain | Medium – high |
| Granite | Very high | Low | Natural, more uniform | Half |
| Quartz (Silestone) | Very high | Very low | Homogeneous, modern | Alto |
Marble does not compete to be the most resistant, sino for the aesthetic value and visual quality it provides. In projects where the image outweighs extreme functionality, still a solid bet.
What you need to know about daily use
Does it stain easily??
Marble is porous. If not protected with sealant, can absorb liquids such as wine, oil or lemon juice. This does not mean that it is an undesirable material., but if requires minimal maintenance. Applying a sealant once a year and cleaning up spills immediately is sufficient in most cases..
Does it resist heat?
A marble countertop withstands high temperatures. It is common to place a hot pot directly on it without problems of breakage or deformation. If the use is daily and intensive, It is advisable to use an insulating base to avoid the progressive loss of shine in the most exposed area..
What if there are children at home??
Marble is not fragile, but sensitive to acids and direct cuts. In a family kitchen it can work perfectly, as long as certain guidelines are maintained: use cutting board, clean after cooking, and keep the sealant updated. It's no more difficult than caring for a wooden countertop., just different.
Types of marble most used in kitchens
Carrara Marble
White background with gray veins. It is one of the best known and most used. They are appearance is clean and elegant, and fits well in Nordic or minimalist environments. It is more accessible than other Italian marbles, and its color helps give light to small spaces.
Calacatta marble
Similar to Carrara, but with more marked and contrasted veins. He Calacatta marble a most striking option, commonly used on islands or as a focal point. Its cost is higher, but so is its decorative value.
Other common marbles
For those looking for cream or beige tones, there are very national options aesthetically and functionally stable. Ivory cream marble or travertine are interesting alternatives in rustic or Mediterranean styles.
Marble maintenance: what really matters
It is not a material that you can install and forget. But Its maintenance is not complicated. These are the most effective guidelines:
- Apply a sealant suitable once a year.
- Avoid acidic products For daily cleaning. Water and neutral soap are enough.
- Clean up spills immediately. The sooner you act, less risk of stains.
- Avoid cutting food directly on the counter. Always with a table.
If these routines fit with your way of living in the kitchen, marble can function without problems for decades. In fact, It is still common to find it in old buildings in perfect condition, which gives an idea of its real durability.
Who is it for? (and for who not) marble in kitchen?
works well in kitchens where design has an important weight and where there is a certain habit of daily care. Also in homes where intensive cooking is not done or where aesthetics are valued more than extreme resistance..
If you are looking for as little maintenance as possible and you are going to cook daily without many precautions, quartz is probably more suitable. If you prioritize naturalness, elegance and noble materials, marble deserves your attention.
Seeing it in person makes a difference
In our Showroom a Barcelona can touch different types of marble, see how it reacts to natural light y compare it with quartz and granite live. This experience is useful to decide safely, since marble changes a lot depending on the lighting and the environment.
A countertop is a functional and aesthetic investment. It is worth taking a closer look before choosing..
