What's The Average Lifespan Of Marble Countertops?

Countertops are one of the most noticeable and iconic parts of any kitchen's aesthetic, and marble is a classic choice of material. Of course, there are some disadvantages to marble, which is why some homeowners are ditching marble countertops altogether. However, despite the headaches, this metamorphic rock provides a smooth, elegant, polished look to any kitchen. But how long can you expect them to last? 

The average lifespan for countertops made of marble is about 20 to 50 years. By contrast, granite can last a century or longer without noticeable wear and tear, while quartz countertops have a life expectancy of 50 to 100 years. This puts marble in the lower range for stone countertops, but still above other materials, such as epoxy (around seven years) and laminate (10 to 20 years). While two to five decades is a solid lifespan for anything in your kitchen, there are of course lots of variables that can change how long the marble actually lasts, and there are ways to help ensure greater longevity. 

There's one big issue with using marble countertops in your kitchen, which is that marble is a porous material. This means liquid can get inside of it easily, leading to staining and even etching if the liquid is acidic. To avoid this, keep your marble as clean and dry as possible. Of course, that's easier said than done in a place with a sink, boiling water, and a bevy of oils and sauces. While you likely won't be able to prevent any liquid from making its way onto your kitchen countertops, do your best to rinse off any potentially staining materials and then wipe down the marble with gentle soap and warm water — no astringent cleaners. 

Another disadvantage to marble's soft nature is that it can be more easily damaged than other countertop materials. So be mindful of things that could potentially chip or damage the marble. Again, in the highly-trafficked kitchen area, this might not be so easy. Do what you can: Don't chop food directly on the countertops and avoid throwing down heavy metal mixing bowls, kitchen appliances, or anything else that could lead to cracking or chipping. To fight back against marble's natural porousness, you can reseal the stone every six to 12 months — why not try this Martha Stewart-approved way to restore marble kitchen countertops?