It makes sense to be picky when you choose a material for your kitchen countertops. It has to be durable, and it has to look good for years.
Marble countertops are in steady demand because of their natural beauty. The cost of marble countertops is not low, but the material offers a look that is hard to get any other way.
If you are looking for a white marble slab for your kitchen countertop, here are five practical tips to keep in mind.
Don’t rule out white marble because of stains
White marble countertops suit modern kitchens well. If you are worried about stains, remember that white marble comes in different shades, including creamy white and off-white, and that marble also comes in gold, black, green, and gray. Pick the one that best fits your cabinets and walls.
Marble is porous, so it should be sealed. A sealer slows down how quickly spills soak in and gives you time to wipe them up. It does not make the stone stain-proof, and acidic foods such as lemon juice and vinegar can still dull the surface, so wipe spills promptly.
Alternatively, you can choose black marble countertops for your kitchen. Both white and black marble have a classic look, and both work with a wide range of cabinet colors.
Whether you choose white or black marble, cabinet hardware in a chrome, copper, or bronze finish pairs well with it.
Take note that marble needs to be resealed periodically, often about once a year in a busy kitchen, to keep its stain resistance.
Each marble slab has a distinct pattern
The veining of every marble slab is unique. Veining also makes seams and small marks less noticeable, so a slab with a stronger pattern can be more forgiving than a plain one. There are white marbles with gray, gold, and black veining.
Veining comes in several styles. Some of the common ones are:
- Linear: Continuous lines or streaks of color running across the slab. This is a good choice if you want the countertop to look longer or to echo the lines of your cabinet doors.
- Tree veins: Veins that branch across the slab at random, a little like the branches of a tree, which gives the surface more movement.
- Breccia veins: A pattern that makes the marble look like broken pieces fitted back together, similar to terrazzo, with islands of color on the surface.
- Brocade: Similar to breccia, but with smaller fragments.
Choosing the right veining pattern helps hide everyday marks on your marble. It is best to see full slabs in person at a showroom rather than rely on a small sample, because the pattern changes across the stone.
Plan how the slabs will be joined
The way the slabs are arranged affects how the finished countertop looks. Plan where the seams will fall so they are as inconspicuous as possible. The veining can be laid out to flow from one slab to the next, which makes the countertop look continuous.
Each piece is cut to the measurements of your kitchen, so talk about seam placement and vein direction with your fabricator before cutting starts.
Our own crews install the countertops we fabricate. Marble can also continue up the wall as a backsplash, using the same slab for a matched look.
Choose the finish carefully
The finish is an important part of the decision. A polished, glossy finish closes up the surface of the stone somewhat, which helps it resist stains, and it brings out the color and veining. Resealing it periodically helps keep its luster.
A honed, matte finish works too, and it hides scratches and etch marks better. It tends to absorb spills more readily, though, so it is even more important to keep it sealed.
Customize the countertop edge profile
There are several edge styles for marble kitchen countertops, including bullnose, square, mitered, and beveled. Each edge profile has its pros and cons in looks, cleaning, and how it holds up to knocks, so consider them before you decide.
The edge is shaped during fabrication, so it can be matched to your preference and to the style of your kitchen.
Popular edge styles include beveled, bullnose, half-bullnose, and other rounded profiles. Rounded edges are gentler if someone bumps into them, which matters in homes with children or older adults, and they suit both modern and transitional kitchens.
White marble takes some care, but stains do not have to be a reason to avoid it. With the right slab, finish, and sealing routine, a white marble countertop can stay beautiful for a long time.