Marble Countertops

You will see marble in any commercial space aspiring to be elegant and first rate. You see it in big banks and the best companies. Having marble countertops for the kitchen and bathroom vanity in the home will also impart the same air of classiness. 

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Marble kitchen countertops are more than just functional surfaces on which you prepare food; they are more akin to decorative pieces or works of art that will bring touches of luxury and natural beauty to your house.

Each slab is like a snowflake; they are all unique, with beautiful veins and patterns that will add character and personality to your home. The unmistakable aura of marble countertops makes it stand out from other stones and countertop materials.

The graceful veins that swirl on the smooth base create a sense of sophistication that will elevate your kitchen and bathroom design. 

Getting to Know Marble

Marble is a metamorphic natural stone praised for its distinct aesthetic appeal and various uses. It forms within the earth’s crust through a process called metamorphism.

This process includes limestone going through immense pressure and extreme heat; under these circumstances, limestone experiences recrystallization. This transformation results in the creation of marble which gains the trait of a smooth surface adorned with a graceful veined pattern. 

Limestone has a light and neutral tone; due to this, pure marble also usually has a light and neutral tone, such as white, cream, and beige.

However, the transformation process doesn’t happen in a secluded space. Therefore, other minerals mix into the limestone as well. The patterns and veins are created by these minerals, which are considered to be impurities.

Depending on the amount of minerals that get mixed in, the intensity of the pattern changes. The type of the mineral is what determines the color of the veins. 

Marble is often used in various industries and has many applications thanks to its visual attractiveness and softer structure, which makes it easier to shape and carve into the desired design. It has historically been used for sculpting by some of the most famous artists in history for both aesthetic and functional purposes such as art, architecture, and decoration.

Famous sculptures and buildings were made using marble to showcase their beauty. 

Moreover, marble countertops are a very popular choice among homeowners and interior decorators for purposes such as kitchen countertops, accent walls, kitchen island tops, flooring, fireplace surrounds, bathroom countertops, vanity tops, staircases, and many other interior and exterior design elements.

It is available in a wide variety of patterns and colors. 

marble countertop

The Pros of Choosing Marble

Timeless elegance and aesthetic appeal:Arguably, the aesthetic appeal of marble is one of its biggest advantages. The stunning look and distinct veining result in stone countertops that are unmistakably marble and are desired by anyone who lays eyes on it. It embodies timeless elegance and is a captivating example of natural beauty.

Marble is generally available in light and neutral tones, such as cream and beige tones. However, you can find marble slabs with blue, green, red, pink, orange, gold, or brown tones through it, depending on where it is quarried.

These colors may appear in intricate veins, playful speckles, or bold splashes. The unique pattern on every slab tells its own interesting visual story while adding depth to the space where the countertop installation took place. 

Multifunctional: Marble has historically been used in countless different uses and applications. Sculpture, architecture, and decoration are the industries it is most commonly used. Marble can be utilized in many forms in your house, including countertops, accent walls, flooring, and more. Its ability to seamlessly blend into any space while subtly elevating it allows it to fit in various styles.

Modern to traditional, bohemian to Scandinavian, marble is the ideal choice. 

Lasts a lifetime: Marble, similar to all-natural stones, has a porous nature. This means that it has to be sealed before use to avoid discoloration in the case of spills, such as red wine or coffee.

Although sealing your countertops might seem like a hassle, it allows them to be bacteria and stain-resistant. Therefore, it is a step we encourage you not to skip.  

Able to keep a cool temperature: Marble has the unique ability to stay cool to the touch. This makes it a trendy choice among people who live in warm climates.

Moreover, due to this ability, it has been the favorite of French bakers for decades. As butter and chocolate are commonly used ingredients in baking, marble’s ability to keep cool becomes even more advantageous. 

Easier to carve: Marble usually lands around 3 on the Moss hardness scale. For comparison, granite is generally 5 or 6, whereas diamond is 10. In other words, marble is much softer compared to other stones. This allows it to be easier to carve compared to other stones.

Thus, it has been the favorite of master artists for centuries. Moreover, it has an almost transparent appearance. Therefore, it captures the likeness of people, unlike any other material. 

Darling of house shoppers: Marble countertops will instantly catch the eyes of any potential buyer and sway their choice toward your property. Its classic and timeless elegance ensures that it remains desirable through coming and going

Moreover, it has a reputation for being a high-end and luxurious material, which increases its desirability. It is considered a sign of quality craftsmanship that alludes to a well-maintained property. 

Ability to withstand heat: As marble is formed under immense heat, it is naturally heat resistant. It can stand the levels of heat that can naturally occur in kittens, such as being in contact with hot pots and pans.

However, the sealant on top of it isn’t as resistant to heat. Placing hot dishes on the countertops can cause the sealant to get damaged. Therefore, we would still recommend using trivets to be safe.

The Most Popular Types of Marble

There are countless different types of marble. Some are categorized by their native land, some by their base color or the intensity of their patterns. Here are the most popular and famous types of marble. 

Carrara

Carrara marble is a type of high-quality marble, and it is renowned for its historical significance and elegant appearance. It is named after the city of Carrara in Tuscany, Italy. The city of Carrara has been a significant center for marble quarrying and sculpting for centuries.

This type of marble has a special place in architecture and art words due to its history and unique qualities, such as its distinct appearance. 

It shines among all types of marble due to its predominantly light gray or white base color. Although this quality in itself isn’t unique, the thin, delicate gray veining that swirls on the smooth base is. The unique pattern is differentiated by its similar appearance to flowing water or an artist’s brushstrokes for its smoothness and flow.

It adds graceful movement and depth to the stone. 

Certain Carrara marble slabs have subtle and fine veins, whereas others are patterned with bolder and more pronounced patterns. The varying options add to its versatility and its many design possibilities.

It can be found in uses such as flooring, countertops, wall cladding, and other functions. Its timeless elegance makes it suitable for both traditional and modern designs. 

Calacatta

Calacatta marble, similar to Carrara Marble, is quarried in Carrara, Italy. The difference between the two is their distinctly different appearance. Carrara marble is adorned with fine and dainty gray veins, whereas Calacatta marble is known for its bold and dramatic veins in shades of gray and gold. A pure white background color accompanies the veins.

The pronounced veins create a striking appearance and visual interest against the contrasting base color. 

Calacatta marble is considered to be rarer and more luxurious than Carrara. Its high-contrast appearance gives an aura of opulence and sophistication. The classic veins associated with marble create visual interest and add depth.

Therefore, Calacatta marble is a sought-after option for upscale designs. Moreover, it is often used in high-end interior design, art, and architectural projects. 

It is also used in home improvement projects, similar to all other marble types. Due to its luxurious appearance, Calacatta marble is utilized as countertops, island tops, bathroom vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, and more.

It is an especially popular choice as white marble countertops are one of the most admired kitchen improvements. 

Different Marble Finishes

Although there are many types of finishes for marble, some are more favored than others. Here are the most popular ones: 

 Polished finish

A polished marble finish is undoubtedly the most favored and renowned type among marble finishes. It is highly glossy and adds a reflective element to the surface. This quality enhances the natural beauty of the color and the patterns of the marble countertops.

It contributes to its sense of luxury and elegance. 

To achieve such a polished finish, the marble surface has to be sanded with very fine abrasives, which create an extremely smooth surface. If the glossy polish is applied on a textured or bumpy surface, the shine will enhance the texture and highlight its lack of smoothness.

This process is followed by polishing the marble using a compound that results in a mirror-like gloss and reflectiveness. 

Honed finish

The honed finish offers a more subtle and subdued appearance. It is a versatile and popular treatment that brings a quiet luxury to the space. The telltale sign of honed marble is its matte appearance.

The lack of sheen and glossiness gives the marble a velvet-like quality, enhancing the harmony between the smooth base of the marble and the graceful veins and swirls on it. 

Honed marble has other advantages than its look too. It is less likely to show scratches and etches compared to polished marble, thus making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

Moreover, it is less reflective and may not show dust particles and smudges as much as polished marble does. 

Leathered finish

The leathered finish is a contemporary and distinct treatment applied to marble surfaces. It is not highly glossy like the polished finish or completely matte. It offers a subtle sheen as if it is worn in and some of the shine has faded away. It has a slightly textured surface which provides a unique cozy sophistication. 

To achieve this effect, the marble undergoes a process of brushing and texturing the surface, which creates a look akin to leather. This is generally achieved with diamond brushing, which causes abrasions on the surface of the marble slab. 

If you are interested in installing marble countertops, contact our expert team for further information about our products or services. We would be happy to assist you in your home improvement journey. 

What Else Should You Know About Marble?

  • Which is stronger, marble or granite?

Granite is stronger than marble. Marble is considered a soft stone, whereas granite has a level 7 on the Mohs scale. This means that granite is much more resistant to pressure, scratches, impacts, and daily wear and tear. It is unlikely to crack or chip during regular use. 

  • Is marble a good choice as a countertop material?

Marble is a fantastic choice for countertops due to its unique appearance, smooth base texture, and elegant veins. Moreover, it is heat resistant and keeps cool even in hot climates. It is highly versatile and can be used in many areas in your kitchen, allowing a cohesive and sophisticated look. 

  • Can you put hot pans on marble?

Marble is heat resistant. However, the sealant used on it isn’t. Therefore, although the stone itself wouldn’t be harmed, we still recommend using trivets to keep the sealant intact. 

  • Is marble cheaper than granite?

The cost of the stone depends heavily on its quality, thickness, and origin. In other words, a very high-quality, imported, thick granite slab can be more expensive than marble.