7 Stunning Countertops That Mimic The Beauty Of Marble (And 2 We'd Avoid)

Marble is a gorgeous natural stone. Many are drawn to the luxurious feel it can bring to a kitchen or bathroom with its natural veining, eye-catching colors, and brilliant finish. However, this high-end look comes with a high-end price, and you can expect to spend around $60 per square foot for marble countertops. Though beautiful, marble countertops also stain very easily because of their soft and porous nature. Plus, as it ages, cracks, gouges, etching, and other types of damage are more likely to occur.

Fortunately, you can mimic the luxurious beauty of marble without its high price tag and all of its downsides. We reached out to five professional designers and countertop specialists. During their exclusive interviews with House Digest, they shared some of the best materials to consider if you're looking to bring that marble countertop feel to your kitchen or bathroom without the drawbacks. Ahead, we'll share their suggestions — along with two popular counter types they recommend avoiding.

If you're looking for a material that offers the timeless look of marble without many of the downsides that accompany it, then ceramic slabs may be the ideal choice for your kitchen or bathroom. Ryan Fasan, a ceramic tile specialist at Tile of Spain, exclusively tells House Digest that ceramic slabs are not only aesthetically appealing, but are also durable and more cost-effective than marble. "Ceramic tiles can replicate the veining, texture, and luxurious look of natural marble with impressive precision. Advanced digital printing technologies allow manufacturers to produce tiles that closely mimic popular marble varieties such as Carrara, Calacatta, or Statuario," he says. Beyond simulating these characteristics, ceramic slab countertops are also available in polished, matte, and honed finishes for an even more customized look.

But, ceramic slabs are more than just gorgeous. They are also known for their durability. They also resist moisture, scratches, and stains much better than marble. "Porcelain's durability means you can even use it outdoors — imagine a luxe marble-look countertop in your outdoor kitchen without worrying about weather damage," Jan Odesanya, principal interior designer at Mondän & Co Interiors, highlighted during an exclusive interview with House Digest.

The benefits of ceramic slab countertops don't stop there. They are also much easier to maintain than marble countertops, which require gentle cleaners due to their susceptibility to staining and etching. In fact, even water can leave permanent stains on the stone. However, you don't need to do that with ceramic since it's non-porous. "Cleaning ceramic tiles is simple, requiring only mild soap and water, while marble often demands specialized cleaning products to avoid damage," Fasan explains. Finally, this material is also significantly cheaper than marble. Compared to the $60 per square foot cost of marble countertops, Fasan shares that ceramic slab countertops typically cost between $15 and $40 per square foot (for both the material and installation).

Quartz is a manmade stone that you could also consider when you want to copy the look of marble countertops. It offers several benefits, which is why it's such a popular pick. "If you love the elegance of marble but dread the upkeep, quartz is your dream material. It's durable, non-porous, and endlessly customizable," shares Odesanya. Quartz is known for its durability. Unlike marble and many other stones, quartz is not prone to cracking or chipping. Because it is non-porous, you also won't need to worry about your counter getting stained, as is always a concern with marble. However, if you're considering quartz for your kitchen, there is one downside you'll need to be aware of. The material is not very heat-resistant, so you won't want to move a hot pan from the stove or oven directly onto the counter, as you could do with granite or some other materials.

If you're thinking about choosing quartz countertops, Odesanya highlights some of her top picks that replicate that high-end look of marble. Caesarstone's Calacatta Nuvo is one option she recommends. "The veining is so convincing you'll swear it's the real thing. It pairs beautifully with dark cabinetry for a high-contrast, luxe look," she says. Another option she suggests is the Silestone Eternal Statuario. She shares that the more subtle veining of this quartz makes it a top choice for delivering a timeless and elegant vibe to your kitchen or bathroom.

If you are looking for a high-end countertop material but are worried that marble simply isn't going to be durable or stain-resistant enough for your needs, meet Dekton. "Dekton is like the love child of quartz and porcelain — ridiculously strong and insanely good-looking. Its Natura finish nails that classic marble vibe with soft white tones and subtle veining," says Odesanya. Dekton is a manmade material that is non-porous and easy to maintain. It doesn't need to be sealed, unlike marble and many other materials. It's even resistant to UV light, so it is another top contender for an outdoor kitchen. "I've used Dekton for clients who wanted countertops that could survive hot pots, sharp knives, and kids' science experiments (yes, really)," she notes.

While Dekton is one of the most durable kitchen countertop materials that can help you mimic that look of marble, it isn't a low-budget pick. Depending on the specific stone you choose, you can easily spend $100 or more per square foot. However, if you want the luxurious feel and have the luxurious budget to go with it, you might find that Dekton's durability, beauty, and ease of maintenance make it worth the splurge.

Hayley McAteer, the owner and interior designer at Cushee, recommends Corian countertops for those who are looking for a marble look for their space. "It's durable, easy to clean, and scratches can usually be buffed out," she told House Digest during an exclusive interview. They are also non-porous, easy to install, and generally more budget-friendly than marble.

While there are some advantages of installing Corian countertops over granite, marble, and other materials, there are also a few downsides. "It's not as heat-resistant as quartz or porcelain and can look a bit 'meh' in higher-end spaces," says McAteer. However, given its lower cost, she still recommends it for those looking for that elegant marble look without such a high price tag.

Concrete countertops are another marble alternative to consider. In fact, they're one of the top options that Evelina Juzėnaitė, the principal interior designer at Planner 5D, recommends for those looking to mimic the beauty of marble. During an exclusive interview with House Digest, she explains, "Each piece is handcrafted to create a unique pattern. The material is durable, heat- and scratch-resistant." 

Before you buy concrete countertops for your kitchen, there are a few things you should know. First, they are not a cheap alternative. With all the customization and style options, the cost to purchase them can range between $50 and $150 per square foot. If you want your concrete countertops to continue looking their best and to stay in good shape, regular maintenance is essential. The surface should be sealed at least every two years, if not more with heavy use. If not, the material will be highly susceptible to stains. However, if you want something that's more custom and durable than soft marble, this is a good alternative.

With careful selection, you can find granite countertops that mimic the look of marble. Generally speaking, you'll have the best shot at copying the veining and coloring if you focus on white granite slabs. A few you could consider as you start your search include Bianco Romano and New River White. Juzėnaitė shares that granite countertops offer beautiful designs while also being "durable, heat and scratch-resistant" options.

As with all countertop materials, there are also some cons that you must weigh before you purchase granite. While less expensive than marble and other higher-end materials, granite also isn't the most budget-friendly option. With installation, you should expect to pay between $50 and $200 per square foot. Granite also requires more maintenance than some other options as it's susceptible to stains, but still less so than marble. However, to keep your granite countertops in pristine condition, you must seal them every 1 to 5 years. The stone is also quite heavy. You may need to account for its additional weight and add some extra support during the installation process.

As you consider the various countertop materials that can imitate the look of marble, don't overlook quartzite. Elissa Hall, a long-time design lead at Airbnb Plus who is now the lead designer at Awning, a real estate investing company, told House Digest that it was one of her top recommendations for a marble look-alike material. Quartzite is characterized by a swirling pattern of grays and whites, which is why it is such a good marble impersonator. Hall says, "Quartzite creates a perfect union of modern performance and natural beauty." She also notes that its price range between $70 and $120 per square foot makes it more affordable than many marble options. Additionally, Hall shares, "Though it still has the intrinsic variability of natural stone, quartzite is usually more durable when properly treated than marble."

If you're considering quartzite countertops, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, while quartzite can be a game changer for your bathroom or kitchen, you probably won't want to try to install it yourself. Because of how hard it is, you'll want to let the professionals with their specialty tools take care of the installation. Another key consideration is that quartzite is porous. Sealing it regularly will be necessary to ensure spills don't create stains or cause bacteria to grow in the stone.

While there are several stunning countertops that can mimic the look of real marble, there are some options you'll want to steer clear of. One of these is trying to DIY a marble effect when painting your countertops. This idea may sound appealing for a few reasons. It has the potential to save you a lot of money. Plus, you'll be able to customize the look and color of the marble pattern since you'll be in complete control of the materials that are used.

However, while they may sound appealing, Juzėnaitė strongly recommends against attempting to DIY a marble finish on your countertops. "Such countertops are not durable, the paint will wear off, and it is difficult to change the varnish often and update the design," she cautions. If you're not ready for a full countertop replacement, consider other ways to bring the luxurious feel of marble into your kitchen. For example, you could DIY a faux marble backsplash with these STICKGOO Herringbone Peel-and-Stick Tiles.

Marble-like laminate countertops are another budget-friendly option you may be considering. However, according to McAteer, installing these in your kitchen will be a mistake that you'll likely end up regretting. "Sure, it's cheap, but it's also cheap-looking. The print lacks depth, it chips easily, and it won't age well." You don't want to end up with chipping or peeling countertops after only a few years.

If your budget doesn't allow for one of the more suitable lookalikes mentioned above, consider postponing the upgrade until you can afford something that will offer greater durability while also providing a more luxurious appearance. Put some extra money aside each month towards your goal. Finding a picture of a dream kitchen with the marble-like countertops you desire could help motivate you to keep saving.