When it comes to kitchen countertop materials, marble is one of the most admired choices because of its unique and timeless beauty. It has its limitations, yet plenty of homeowners and remodelers still have their eye on it.
If you are planning to install marble kitchen countertops, this guide covers the different types of marble countertops you are most likely to come across. Knowing how they differ gives you a better chance of choosing the right marble for your kitchen.
Benefits of Choosing Marble Stone
Are you still unsure about installing marble kitchen countertops? It is one of the most attractive stones you can have in a newly renovated kitchen. Here are the main benefits of choosing marble slabs for your countertops or kitchen island.
- Unique and Stunning Designs: No two marble slabs have the same veining pattern. This is one of the most appealing properties of natural stone, and it adds genuine elegance to your renovation.
- Lasting Appeal: Like granite, marble is a natural stone that buyers recognize and value, so well-kept marble countertops can add to the appeal of your home.
- Simple to Clean When Sealed: Marble has a naturally porous surface, which is why it is treated with an impregnating sealer. Once sealed, everyday cleaning needs only a soft damp cloth and a mild, pH-neutral dish soap solution. Wipe up acidic spills such as lemon juice, wine and vinegar quickly, because they can etch the surface.
- Excellent for Pastry and Chocolate Work: If baking is your hobby or your business, marble kitchen countertops are a wise choice. Marble stays naturally cool to the touch, even in a warm kitchen, which helps when you are rolling out dough or working with chocolate.
Carrara Marble
Carrara is very popular among remodelers and homeowners because of its clean looks and because it is one of the more affordable marbles. Its most common colors are grayish-white and bluish-gray, with soft, feathery gray veining.
The whiter Carrara slabs are a go-to choice for kitchen countertops, since their timeless appearance gives the kitchen a sleek, bright look. Besides a kitchen island, you can also use Carrara for your backsplash, walls, fireplace surround, and floors.
Marble slabs come in different thicknesses and finishes, such as polished and honed, so you can match the stone to the style of your home.
Calacatta Marble
The second marble is Calacatta, which is often confused with Carrara. Calacatta is the more expensive of the two because it is rarer, and it has a more luxurious look thanks to its bold, dramatic veining in dark gray and gold tones.
In terms of origin, this marble also comes from the Apuan Alps around Carrara in Italy. Compared with Carrara, a Calacatta slab usually has a brighter, whiter background.
If you want a more luxurious effect for your kitchen or your marble bathroom countertops, this type is a strong choice. It is worth seeing full slabs in person before you decide, because the veining varies so much from one slab to the next.
Statuary Marble
Statuary marble (also called Statuario) is a close cousin of Carrara. It makes a subtly dramatic impression with its bright white background and darker gray veining. Its veining is bolder and more defined than Carrara’s, and it takes a high polish.
Crema Marfil Marble
If you want subtle coziness and warmth to pair with dark-toned cabinets, Crema Marfil marble is an excellent choice. Its background typically ranges from beige to pale yellow, with soft, irregular veining.
This Spanish marble has a fairly uniform color that works well in a streamlined modern kitchen. And if you like the beauty of marble but not its porosity, engineered marble countertops are an alternative worth considering.
These slabs are made from crushed marble mixed with polymer resin binders, which makes the surface far less porous. That way you get much of the luxurious look of natural marble with less worry about staining.
Nero Marquina Marble
If you would like more depth and drama in your marble kitchen countertops, a black marble is the way to go. The best-known black marble is Nero Marquina, which is quarried in the Markina region of northern Spain.
Its rich dark background, crossed by fine white veining, provides a striking contrast with the metallic fixtures and finishes in your kitchen. It also pairs well with white cabinetry.
If you want a black and white kitchen theme, this black marble is a natural way to achieve it, for example a Nero Marquina island top on white base cabinets.
The same stone can also be used for the backsplash and walls. White is not the only popular choice for modern kitchens; black has a strong following as well.