For a homeowner wanting to put some timeless beauty in the house, marble countertops are still hard to beat. It is one of the most in-demand materials, and for good reason. You can find it fitting in well with any number of home styles here in Greer, from the modern farmhouse and contemporary designs to the traditional Southern homes you see in the area. Be you in the process of renovating an old property close to downtown or putting up something new in O’Neal Village, Freeman Farm or Redcroft, marble has a way of complementing the look.
Of course, before making an investment, it pays to know how marble stacks up against other options and what the current design trends in Greer have to say about it.
The Most In-Vogue Marble Styles
These days there is less of an appetite for plain white surfaces. Homeowners want natural stone with a bit more character. The trend is toward warm tones and dramatic veining rather than cool grays, with quartzite and marbles that have some bold movement being particularly popular in high-end kitchens and baths.
You will find many asking for:
- Carrara, Calacatta and Statuario
- Marble with gray or warm gold vein in
- A honed finish for something softer and more modern
Such shades work nicely with the open-concept homes in Greer, especially when set off by white cabinets, black hardware or natural wood.
Why Marble Endures
Marble has been a favorite for centuries because no two slabs are alike; it gives a room a uniqueness that you simply cannot get from a manufactured product. The appeal is in the elegance and the variety of color, not to mention the heat resistance. Its natural coolness makes it a pleasure to have at a kitchen island or baking station.
But one should be realistic about its performance.
Knowing the Limitations
It is a softer stone than granite or quartzite, so everyday life will put some scratches on it. Left unattended, a spill of wine or citrus can stain the surface. While a good sealant will go a long way, some aging is to be expected. Most people come to like the patina it develops over time as it adds to the character of the piece. That said, if you need maximum durability for a family kitchen, marble may not be the answer.
Other Options to Put on the Table
Before deciding, many in Greer will run the numbers on some alternatives.
Granite is as durable as they come and newer varieties have a flowing vein to rival marble while standing up better to heat and stains. Then there is quartzite, which has seen a surge in popularity. It has the look of marble but with far more strength. For those who want the appearance without the worry, it is a sound choice.
Quartz is another contender. As an engineered product it is very hard wearing and resists stains, though it does not handle heat quite like natural stone. And for bathroom vanities and shower surrounds, cultured marble is often the practical route. Being man-made and non-porous, it is much easier to keep clean and will not show common stains.
A Matter of Budget and Installation
Price is always a factor. With natural marble you can expect to see wide variation based on the rarity of the color, the dimensions of the slab and even the edge profile you want. An experienced fabricator will walk you through the pros and cons of marble versus the others to see what suits your lifestyle.
And once you have made your choice, do not skimp on the installation. Quality work means the installer has taken the time to measure properly and support the overhangs and cooktops, keeping seams to a minimum. It is the difference between a countertop that looks good and one that will for years.
We at JL Enterprise are here to help you make the right call. Whether you are building in one of Greer’s newer subdivisions or doing an overhaul on an older South Carolina home, we can ensure your project is done right from the material selection on. Give us a call to set up a 1-on-1 design consultation or to come by the showroom.