BEYOND CARRARA: A GUIDE TO MARBLE COUNTERTOPS
Marble countertops are an excellent addition to your kitchen or bathroom because of their aura of elegance. You can choose from various aesthetic vein patterns and colors, which makes this a versatile countertop choice. Because of the wide selection, you can find a pattern that fits your budget and elevates your home’s appearance.
We examine the good and bad sides of marble countertops, the essential things to know before you invest, and the different types of marble countertops you can install in your house.
PRO AND CONS OF MARBLE COUNTERTOPS
Marble is a gorgeous countertop material that delivers an elegant vibe to any room. Many home designers choose marble to design some of the most beautiful homes. But this beautiful material comes at a price. Marble can be challenging to maintain, and it can easily burst your budget. We examine the essential pros and cons to consider before choosing marble for your home.
Pros
- Aesthetic – There is no denying that marble can add boldness and elegant beauty to any room.
- Natural materials – The marble stone is available all over the earth, making it available for different versions to put in your house.
- Increase in property value – If you properly maintain your marble countertops, the impression and aesthetic from the marble stone can increase the resale price of your home.
- Durability – If you place the marble countertops in low-traffic areas, you can preserve the surface for a long time.
Cons
- Delicate and sensitive – Marble stone is prone to scratches, nicks, and cracks if you drop a heavy or sharp object on the surface.
- Easily stained and etched – Because of the porous surface of the stone, liquid spills can filter through the marble and cause stains that are challenging to remove.
TIPS FOR SELECTING MARBLE COUNTERTOPS
As you evaluate your marble countertop purchase decision, there are many vital elements to consider. The first thing that comes to mind for many people is how easily stains impact the surface. If you are concerned about this issue, you should focus on white marble. Etching is less noticeable on white marble, as opposed to darker marbles. Conversely, dark stains such as coffee or wine are less noticeable on dark marble. Regardless, it is important to ensure that your marble countertops are properly sealed with a high-quality sealer to avoid any risk of etching or staining.
It is also essential to think about how the various marble slabs will form together. Each slab is different, so you must understand where the veining is positioned on the countertop. As you lay the slabs on the counter, you should place the parts to resemble a beautiful painting.
In addition to its luxurious design, you can also shape marble easily with tools. To enhance the look of the countertops, you could curve the edges. You can decide on many different edge profiles to make this happen. Hard stones like marble can easily chip with a sharp edge, but you can preserve the countertops by forming a curved edge.
TYPES OF MARBLE COUNTERTOPS
Besides Carrara, there are many types of beautiful marble countertops to choose from. To help you make an educated purchase decision, here are some of the most popular options:
- Carrara – The most popular type, derived from Carrara, Italy, and available in white, gray, or blue-gray.
- Statuary – Also from the Carrara area, this white marble comes with a somewhat translucent, brighter, and reflective appearance.
- Calacatta – This rare form of marble provides unique vein patterns and color variations
- Nero Marquina – This marble appears as a deeper black stone with white veins.