Mike Holmes Sheds Light On The Trendy Countertops That Aren't As Durable As They Seem

Marble countertops might be one of the biggest design flexes you can have in your home, but according to HGTV star Mike Holmes, it's actually a home upgrade that's a waste of money. Although they're the epitome of timeless elegance and their presence really takes the overall design of a kitchen or bathroom to the next level, they're not always practical. Marble is far from being the most durable choice for bathrooms and kitchens that are used almost everyday.

Holmes explains marble is quite susceptible to stains and scratches. It also requires frequent sealant application. "Marble is one of the more expensive materials, and when left untreated and exposed to the elements will darken over time," Holmes said on the Make It Right blog. So in homes where countertops will see a lot of action, that darkening isn't just possible — it's likely. And once that happens, the luxurious appeal of the material will fade quickly.

If you're more of a takeout person and you don't think you'll use the kitchen often, marble may be worth considering. However, if you know it'll be a high traffic area getting a lot of day-to-day use, then the marble upkeep may end up being more of a headache and hassle rather than being the highlight of your kitchen. While you don't have to ban marble from your home completely, it's worth putting some thought into where it would be appropriate. If you absolutely love marble, consider using the material in areas with low foot traffic such as the countertop of a mini bar or even an accent wall.

There's no denying that marble countertops make a lasting first impression. A space can look so much more luxurious with anything marble: marble countertops, marble backsplash, or even a marble dining table. The unique look and its rarity make it an appealing design choice. Mike Holmes even agrees: "Marble's distinctive veining and natural variations make each piece unique," he said on his blog. But while the aesthetic appeal is undeniable, there are a lot of hidden downsides that may make you rethink marble countertops.

In addition to the possibility of darkening or etching, the impracticality of the material is why Holmes urges homeowners to look past the facade. Being porous is a major reason why marble is so impractical. This means it has tiny little holes in which fluids are absorbed and retained. Once inside those tiny little holes, they settle so deep into the material, it'll be nearly impossible to fully remove them. If you're a germ-conscious homeowner, you may want to forgo marble countertops as a design choice.

So, unless you're not home very often and your house is more for show, all of these concerns make marble a surface you have to treat with extreme care. Unless you're prepared to baby your countertops, it may be more of a burden than a lavish design choice you get to brag about.

Mike Holmes understands the appeal of marble countertops as he even admits that this material can bring a sophisticated touch to any space. But the HGTV star also knows beauty shouldn't be prioritized over practicality in an areas like kitchens or bathrooms. That's why he encourages homeowners to consider alternative materials that are just as appealing, but are more practical for everyday use.

Holmes' go-to alternative to high-maintenance materials like marble is quartz. His team uses quartz in most renovations they take on. He says he even used it in his own home renovation. In late 2024, he posted a video of his new quartz countertop on Facebook, and it was clear he was more than satisfied with his design choice. He's definitely a fan. So, what makes quartz such a great alternative?

First and foremost, quartz is non-porous, which means it's less likely to stain and won't absorb spills. Being non-porous, it's easy to clean and a much more hygienic option in comparison to marble. It doesn't need to be sealed like marble, it's more resistant to scratches, and it often comes at a lower price point. If you're in need of an especially budget-friendly option, you may want to consider this gorgeous IKEA solution that will give you the look of marble countertops for even less than quartz.