Is Marble Backsplash A Bad Idea? (Pros & Cons of Marble Backsplash)

Are you considering a marble backsplash for your kitchen renovation? But is it really a good idea to choose marble as your material?

In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not having a marble backsplash is worth it – so read on!

The sleek shine of polished stone can add elegance and sophistication to any room in the house. Still, some downsides come with choosing marble specifically.

How does it hold up against everyday wear and tear?

1. Pros Of Marble Backsplash

One thing is sure: marble backsplash can add a dramatic touch. But does this material make sense for your kitchen?

Let’s explore the advantages of using marble for your backsplash and why it might be worth considering.

To start with, it is as beautiful as it gets. Its veined texture creates movement that brings life to any room.

At the same time, its natural color palette ranges from icy whites to warm golden tones, depending on what type you choose.

Plus, it always stays in style, so you don’t have to worry about looking dated in a few years – a great plus if you plan to stay in your home long-term!

On top of being visually pleasing, there are practical benefits too.

Marble is incredibly durable and easy to clean. It stands well against heat and everyday cooking messes like oil splatters or sauces spilling over; you only need mild soap and water for regular cleaning.

Additionally, because marble is nonporous, bacteria won’t linger on its surface, meaning fewer germs around food prep areas.

Whether remodeling or starting fresh with a new construction project, adding a bit of luxury into your kitchen design can transform the entire space.

2. Cons Of Marble Backsplash

Let’s take a closer look at some potential disadvantages.

Firstly, one major drawback is cost. Marble can be expensive, so be careful with your budget.

Additionally, it requires more maintenance than other materials like ceramic or glass tile; regular sealing will need to happen every few months to keep it looking its best.

Another thing to consider is how delicate the material can be – items such as pots and pans can chip or scratch the surface. Accidents occur, particularly in busy family kitchens!

3. Care of Marble

Marble is a beautiful material, but it requires maintenance. Removing stains from marble countertops is essential, but marble backsplashes also need care.

Sealant

Start with a good quality sealant that is safe for the kitchen (like this water-based sealer from Granite Gold).

Look for a penetrating sealer for marble, sometimes called granite or marble sealants.

Sealer creates a barrier against stains from water, wine, coffee, and other liquids.

Make sure the surface is dry and clean when you apply a sealant. Leave the surface to dry after wiping the sealant off.

It would be best if you reapplied the sealant at least once a year.

Wipe Up Spills Regularly

Next, wipe off that would stain or etch it. Food splatters from tomato sauce, acidic juice like lemon or lime, or red wine are known to be harmful to marble.

Just wipe up any splatter right away.

Quickly wipe away staining substances with a non-abrasive cleaner (like this daily cleaner from Granite Gold).

In particular, tomato sauce, acidic juice such as lemon or lime, or red wine are known to be harmful to marble.

Some household cleaners are too harsh for marble. Don’t use bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia. The chemicals will etch the surface, leaving dull spots, rings, or spray marks.

Other Methods to Clean

If the stains or etching do not clean with a non-abrasive cleaner, you must move to more forceful methods.

You might need to use an abrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub cleanser, scouring pads, or even hand polishing pads.

Since the abrasive cleaner removes the sealant, you’ll need to reapply it.

4. Installing A Marble Backsplash

Installing a marble kitchen backsplash can seem intimidating and requires special skills and tools.

When installing a marble backsplash, make sure you hire an experienced professional who knows how to work with this delicate material.

Don’t try to take on more than you can handle – it’s better to be safe than sorry! With proper installation and maintenance, it can be beautiful.

You don’t have to go with a slab. Another option is to use marble backsplash tiles. Marble tiles are obviously easier to install than slabs.

5. Alternatives To Marble Backsplash

When looking for kitchen ideas, some alternatives to marble are attractive but have fewer disadvantages.

One obvious choice is quartz tiles or slabs. It looks just like marble but doesn’t require as much maintenance and care, meaning it won’t stain or etch over time due to acidic liquids and spills. Quartz is easier to clean up after a long day of cooking!

Another option is porcelain tile, which is impervious to moisture damage and staining due to its low absorption rate. This makes tiles perfect for areas where liquid spills often occur, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Tiles come in tons of colors and textures, too – from classic white subway tiles to intricate mosaic designs – so you can customize your space however you want!

The Bottom Line

Marble backsplashes can be a great addition to any kitchen or bathroom, providing a unique and elegant look. However, it may not ideal for all, as it can scratch and stain easily.

Marble also requires regular sealing and cleaning, which adds to its upkeep costs.

Additionally, liquids can penetrate the stone and cause discoloration due to its porous nature.

For these reasons, it’s essential to consider whether marble suits your backsplash.

You can read more about what backsplash goes with oak kitchen cabinets.