Marble and limestone are coveted by many of those wanting to change the look of their kitchen or bathroom. While these products look fantastic, the risks they pose often outweigh the benefits. Marble is mostly porous; it stains easily and often chip and crack. In order to keep the countertops from staining, a strict cleaning policy must be enforced or a sealer placed over the countertops. This sealer not only costs extra, but also must be replaced frequently. As sealers are not perfect, the countertops need to be cleaned often. Marble also poses a safety risk: if not cleaned often or sealed properly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This increases the risk for illness. Also, some acidic foods such as limes can etch into the marble. Limestone countertops have similar problems because it is a porous material as well.

However, there are some alternatives. Certain products have the look of marble or limestone, but not the same porous qualities. This helps lower the cost of the countertops as well as eliminates the headaches that marble and limestone give.

The following are pictures of marble and limestone countertops, and the alternatives that we also offer. As you can tell, there is very little difference between them. If you’re looking to change the look of your bathroom or kitchen, the kitchen designers at KC Cabinetry can help you choose the right products to fit your remodeling project.

- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry intern