Marble countertops are beautiful, but they come with many challenges. They are expensive, high maintenance and are prone to the stain. If you love the appearance of marble, but you don’t want the discomfort of keeping it pristine, there are other options that can give you the same elegant sensation without all those disadvantages. These alternatives offer durability, easier and, often a lower price to start. These are some of the best marble options to consider.
Quartz
Quartz is one of the best alternatives to marble. It is designed stone, which means that it is made of crushed quartz mixed with resins. The result is a surface that mimics the marble route but is much more durable. Unlike marble, quartz does not need sealing, and will not be stained so easily. It is resistant to scratches and heat, so it is an excellent option for occupied kitchens. The patterns can be subtle or bold, so there is a lot of variety to match their style. It is a little less expensive than real marble, but still on the most expensive side compared to other options.
Dolomite
Dolomita is a natural stone that is between marble and granite in terms of hardness. It has a soft and elegant appearance with subtle veins, which makes it a great alternative if you love marble aesthetics but you need something stronger. It is more recorded than marble, although not as hard as granite or quartz. Regular sealing is required to keep it better, but it is even easier to handle than marble. La Dolomita offers that classic and high -end aspect without extreme fragility.
Porcelain slabs
Porcelain slabs have become a popular marble alternative due to their durability and low maintenance. They are made of clay and natural minerals, then bake at high temperatures, creating a strong and not porous surface. Porcelain can be printed to look almost identical to real marble, to the vein and texture. It is resistant to heat, scratches and spots, which makes it one of the most practical options available. Unlike natural stone, it does not require sealing, and is easy to clean with just soap.
Sintering stone
Sinered Stone is a newer material offered by the beauty of marble with extreme durability. It is made compressing and heating natural minerals until they join a solid surface. The result is an countertop that is not porous, highly resistant to spots, scratches and heat, and incredibly strong. It does not need sealed, and will not be discolored over time. Sintering stone can be manufactured to resemble marble, complete with detailed veins. While it is not the cheapest alternative, its durability makes it a long -term investment.
Butcher block with a laundering finish
If you love the appearance of light and aerated marble but you want something warm and different, the Encaled butcher block could be an interesting alternative. Natural wooden counters are durable and bring a soft and organic sensation to the kitchen. When applying a bleaching stain, you can achieve a pale marble effect while keeping the warm wooden nuances. A butcher block requires maintenance, including greaseing to prevent it from drying out, but it is much easier to fix scratches and abolish than with stone surfaces.
Solid surface
Solid surface countertops, such as Corian, offer a soft and coastal appearance that can be designed to resemble marble. These materials are not porous, which makes them resistant to spots and bacteria. Unlike natural stone, they do not require sealing, and minor scratches can be polished with a simple sanding. While they are not as heat resistant as stone options, they are incredibly easy to maintain. They also tend to be more affordable than many other alternatives.
Marble is undeniably beautiful, but it is not always the best option for a busy house. Fortunately, there are many alternatives that offer the same elegance with less inconveniences. Whether you want something almost identical to marble, such as quartz or porcelain, or a more creative option like Butcher Block, there is something for each style and budget. Choosing the appropriate countertop is reduced to how much maintenance is willing to do and what works best for your lifestyle!
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings