This countertop material is the one homeowners regret most, according to a pro

If you’re looking for low-maintenance, durable countertops, avoid this material.

Key Takeaways

• The material people most often regret using for kitchen countertops is marble because it stains and is easily damaged.
• Quartzite is an excellent substitute for marble; it’s extra durable and resembles marble.
• Existing marble countertops can be protected with a sealer that prevents staining and surface damage.

Countertops are a significant financial investment, so choosing the right material and design is essential. Making a decision can feel overwhelming given the wide selection of countertop materials. Is marble worth the investment, or is quartz a better option? Are butcher-block countertops timeless, or will they date your kitchen? Is there one material that’s more practical than the others?

Sometimes, knowing what not to get is the best starting point, so we asked Diana Viera, a countertop expert, to share an industry secret: What is the one countertop material people end up regretting the most?

Her answer concerns the material’s practicality and high-maintenance nature, given its hefty price tag. If your kitchen is a hard-working space and you don’t want to worry about the countertops staining every time someone sets down a wine glass, then Viera’s answer to our question may not be the best choice for you. Below, the expert shares the top countertop material people regret most, the one she suggests installing instead, and what you can do if you already have the countertop and regret it.

Meet Our Expert

Diana Viera is a countertop expert and managing partner at ITALKRAFT in Miami, Florida.

The Countertop Material People Regret the Most

“Marble is a material people typically regret for kitchen countertops because it requires constant care and attention to maintain its original look,” Viera says. Marble is timeless, ultra-luxurious, and —when adorned with bold veining—it makes for a stunning design feature. It’s also one of the most high-maintenance countertop materials out there, and it’s a substantial financial investment.

“It is incredibly prone to staining, as it is a soft and porous material that easily absorbs anything that spills on it,” Viera explains. Whether you accidentally spill a glass of red wine or oil spits from a sizzling hot pan, marble will absorb the spills and become stained. “Other things that may be placed or land on the counter, like hot pans, acidic foods, or knife chopping, will also weaken the surface over time, leading to scratches or cracks,” Viera says.

Countertop Materials to Consider Instead

If you love the look of marble but want to avoid making a costly mistake, Viera suggests an equally beautiful but more practical alternative. “For countertops, I recommend quartzite because it is a beautiful material that has the added benefit of being extra durable,” she says.

The expert explains that each quartzite countertop has its own unique veining and patterns that, like marble, add elegance and sophistication to the kitchen’s overall design. It’s a natural stone that is highly durable and therefore well-suited for a high-traffic area such as a kitchen. “It is also heat-resistant and hard, making it the ideal choice for kitchen countertops because it withstands high cooking temperatures and does not scratch or dent as easily as other materials,” Viera says.

When it comes to pricing, quartzite can be more expensive than marble, requiring a larger upfront investment, but it’s likely a better choice in the long run given its durability. If you love the look of marble and your countertop budget permits, quartzite delivers the best of both worlds: luxury and durability.

What to Do With Marble Countertops You Already Have

If you have already installed marble countertops and regret the decision, or perhaps moved into a home with existing marble countertops you would never have picked, Viera says there are a few things you can do to maintain them.

“If someone has already chosen a marble countertop, they can use a marble sealer to create a protective barrier around the stone,” she says. Viera explains that the marble sealer helps prevent etching, staining, and other damage that unsealed marble countertops can easily sustain. There are also small but significant protective measures you can take daily to safeguard the material. “I also recommend using other protective barriers such as coasters for drinks, cutting boards, and mats for hot appliances to prevent direct contact with the marble, which will help it last longer,” Viera shares.

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens