Marble Countertops

Marble is a popular material for sculpture, backsplash, and countertops. Not only is this natural stone the perfect material for homeowners that want a polished and elegant counter, but also a top choice because it can last a lifetime. There is a broad range of marble counters available on the market and if you’re looking for an informative article on the material, here’s why it is one of the best countertop materials you should look into.

What is Marble?

As a metamorphic stone, marble is a stone that is formed under immense heat and pressure. Before being chemically and physically transformed, marble starts out as limestone which is known for being soft because of its calcium composition. With high heat and pressure, limestone recrystallizes and becomes marble as calcite crystals form and create the signature look of marble we know today.

Marble kitchen countertop

The Benefits of a Marble Countertop

Marble countertops are a popular addition to bathrooms and kitchens because the stone offers the following benefits:

Unique Slabs

Even if you get your marble countertops from the same manufacturer, each slab is unique. Marble countertops are art and some slabs will have more veining than others, a hint of green, or a more evident pattern than others. Unlike other materials, this natural stone is truly one of a kind. 

Sealable

Protecting an investment like marble is a big deal and it’s a good thing that this stone can be properly sealed to last years. After your manufacturer applies a sealer, your marble countertop will be protected against, red wine staining, scratches from not using cutting boards, and lemon juice spills. If you are wary of marble because it can stain and heated pans, rest assured that sealer can be applied to protect the surface against etching and stains. 

Heat-Resistant

Marble countertops are one of the best backsplash, island, and fireplace materials because it is resistant to heat. If you’re looking for a material that can take on hot pots or the warmth of a fireplace, surround the area with marble. Your kitchen countertop won’t chip easily this way. 

Valuable

As marble is cut directly from a quarry, this porous material is just as valuable as other art pieces. Marble countertops brighten up a dull space and can really tie together the wall, cabinets, kitchen island, and other decorations. This ability to make a counter stand out and work cohesively in a room makes marble very valuable. Additionally, marble develops a patina over time which makes the surface more attractive. For homeowners considering renting out or selling houses in the future, a marble slab can increase the value of the entire home. 

Durable

This porous surface can have a sealed finish so that the kitchen countertop is not high maintenance and you can clean up spills quickly so that it does not stain. Marble countertops, because of their composition also last longer than a quartzite, soapstone, quartz, or Corian kitchen counter. 

Kitchen island made from marble by YHYG

How to Choose a Marble Countertop

After deciding that marble is the best kitchen countertop for your home, here’s what you will need to choose from when in-store or browsing kitchen countertop catalogs online:

Classification

Marble, as a natural stone, is classified based on where it was mined from, its composition, and absorption rate. Marble is more porous than quartz and granite but each type of marble has its own absorption rate. If the type of marble you purchase has a lower absorption rate, it will not stain as easily when you clean up spills quickly. The two different marble classifications include:

  • Dolomite: Dolomitic marble, or hard marble, is made up of calcium magnesium carbonate. Due to its composition, dolomitic marble behaves as quartzite does and will usually originate from Italy, Brazil, or India. 

  • Calcite: Calcite marble, also known as soft marble, will usually be sourced from Carrara in Italy. When you look at this stone, it looks similar to dolomitic marble but the two are composed of completely different minerals. This white marble is composed of calcium carbonate and will react to acid. This means that Carrara marble is prone to etching. 

Finish

There are typically three marble surface finishes that you can choose from:

  • Honed: For a matte finish for marble counters, a honed finish will give your countertop a velvet-like texture. Honed marble generally has a low sheen which brings out the natural beauty of the stone. Honed marble counters are a great choice in busy kitchens because the matte stone and its veining hide imperfections like scratches. This finish tones down the natural color of a marble stone and means that the countertop will be more prone to staining and etching.

  • Leathered: Leathered countertops are brushed until it is textured and gives marble an antique sculpture look. Unlike honed or polished marble, brushed marble is more porous and will need to be sealed occasionally to minimize patina, etching, scratches, staining, and scorch marks from hot pans. This non-reflective marble finish is more popular for darker marble counters. 

  • Polished: Another popular marble finish is when manufacturers apply a polish to the stone surface. Marble is buffed until the stone is smooth and has a glossy, silky look. This particular finish seals the pores of the stone and protects countertops from stains, etching, and scratches more than honed or leathered marble countertops. However, the veining patterns and color of the marble are highlighted.

Color 

While you can definitely choose a traditional white marble for your countertops, there are more options readily available for your home. Popular colors for marble countertops include:

  • Calacatta: This type of white marble is more expensive than other marble because it is more unique and harder to find. Quarried in Carrara, Calacatta has a white field but featured grey or gold veining.

  • Carrara: Carrara marble is the most common type of marble for backlash, a kitchen island, or counter. While usually white marble, Carrara marble can also be purchased in gray or blue variations. 

  • Crema Marfil: Quarried in Spain, this type of marble will give an interior warmth with its beige or light yellow field. The neutral coloring of this marble can bring your island or custom kitchen cabinets into focus if they are painted or made out of darker material. 

  • Emperador: Emperador marble is another elegant choice that homeowners love for its light tan to rich brown colors. This marble is perfect for hiding stains in busy spaces like backsplash and counters. 

  • Statuary: Another classic marble, Statuario has a bright white field and gray veins as well. This stone is one of the most sought after because of how beautiful the patina of Statuary marble becomes over time. 

  • Nero Marquina: Known for its gray or black field, Nero Marquina is a darker marble on the market. This marble will either no, white, or gray veins that hide staining quite well. 

Cut

There are two different cuts that you will have to choose from that can make or break the interior design of a space:

  • Cross Cut: Cut with the vein, marble is cross cut when cut at a 90° angle or perpendicular to its natural bedding. This cut makes marble have more of a swirled and cloudy appearance. 

  • Vein Cut: When a marble slab is cut against the vein, it is cut parallel to the natural bedding of the stone. With this cut, even honed marble’s lines and layers will be showcased well. 

Edge

Just like any other countertop material (e.g., quartzite, quartz, or granite), you will have to specify what type of edge your countertops will have. Popular edge profiles include:

  • Half Bullnose
  • Beveled
  • Ogee
  • Straight
  • Waterfall
marble kitchen island

FAQs on Marble Countertops

Is marble good to use for kitchen countertops?

Yes, when sealed for protection against stains, etching, and scratches, marble is a great material for kitchen countertops. It is versatile because of the different colors and patterns it is available in as well as the fact that the material can be shaped onto any counter in your space. 

Which marble is best for kitchen countertops?

The best marble for kitchen countertops is Carrara. While all marble is resistant to heat and can be sealed to be protected from staining and germs, Carrara offers homeowners the beauty that marble is known for but at an affordable price. 

Is marble cheaper than granite?

No, marble is not cheaper than granite. Granite is generally more affordable because marble is a higher-end stone.

Which is better: granite or marble?

While both are porous materials and need to be sealed to reduce the likelihood of lifelong stains, granite is a better choice. Granite is a harder material than marble, still offers beauty, and is also more affordable. 

marble kitchen makeover done by YHYG team