Learn about marble countertops and the ups and downs of using and observe this raw stone .

Marble countertop bring natural beauty to your kitchen . However , you need to consider a few key divisor before purchasing this natural rock material . Learnmore about marble countertop ideasand get all the details about cost , maintenance , and style to determine if this Greco-Roman selection is right for your rest home and life-style .

Should You Choose Marble Countertops?

Are marble countertopssuitable for a kitchen ? The answer is yes , for those willing to take on the extra care necessary to keep this fragile Oliver Stone in good condition .

" Marble is a luxury item , and you have to take better care of lavishness items , " say Atlanta kitchen designerMary Kathryn Timoney . " You ’re going to pay up more to grease one’s palms a beautiful wearing apparel , and then you are become to give to ironical - strip it every hebdomad , but you ’ll feel beautiful every clip you put it on . Now turn over how marble takes your breath forth when you first see it . Do you want that feeling for the next 15 - 20 yr ? Because that ’s how retentive citizenry keep their kitchens . "

Marble Countertop Maintenance Pros and Cons

Here are some of the most important cleaning and alimony tip for marble countertops :

Marble Countertop Expense

accord to HomeAdvisor , slab marble countertop cost in the thousands . Marble countertop ideas are mostly more expensive thanother rock countertops , admit granite . Before investing , take a sample home to be certain you ’ve set up the thoroughgoing material for your space .

Contemporary Marble Countertop Ideas

you could customize the breadth and cut for a modern kitchen for your marble countertop idea . This one is made using a 2 - column inch - blockheaded marble slab and end with a square sharpness for aclean , contemporary flavor . Machining capabilities have made preciseness stinger possible and seam nearly invisible . Mick de Giulio ofde Giulio Kitchen Designfavors using woodworking technique like ledger - matching and word picture - frame of reference juncture . " You do n’t need the largest , thickest , most expensive slab to get in at a stunning plan , " he says .

Colors and Types of Marble

Marble countertops descend inmany colorways , include pink , unripe , red , sinister , white , brownish , and gray-haired . Some of the most common character let in Carrara ( flabby gray feathering ) , Calacatta ( brilliant white with dramatic veining ) , and Statuary ( or Statuario ) , known for its distinct gray veins . All three amount from the Carrara region of Italy . This kitchen sport a large island with a honed Statuary marble countertop .

Mixed Stone Countertop Materials

Do n’t be afraid to usemultiple countertop materials , whether to make a statement or save on disbursement . Here , a 2 - 1/2 - in - dense slab of Carrara marble on the island contrasts with the kitchen ’s dark granite countertops . The gray vena in the marble match thesoft gray cabinetryand stainless sword appliances .

Marble Veining

Each marble slab is unequaled , so before purchasing , take the time to look at several options and pay close attention to the color and veining before choosing a marble countertop idea for your intention . A honed marble countertopon this islandfeatures dark veining that draw into the mix of grim andwhite materialsand eat up throughout the way .

Marble Countertop Edges

You’renot throttle to crisp , straight cornerson marble countertops . There are manyedge options , include waterfall , ogee ( a concave arch ) , bullnose , cove , and bevel . Here , Alabama white marble with a double - cyma reversa sharpness contrasts withstained alder cabinetryon the island . The marble countertop idea brings a sophisticated touch to the intimate , tireless kitchen .

Coordinating Marble Backsplash

Marble countertop paired with a slab backsplash make a clean - line look . A marbletile mosaicover the range adds to this kitchen ’s high - remainder elegance . " Book - matching is critical , " say Karen Williams ofSt . Charles of New York . " bed are always a part of the plan , so why hide them ? I like to think about how they can enhance a innovation . " describe the seams up vertically with a locker ’s breadth , or where seams are needed , change the size or type of marble .

Traditional Marble Countertop Idea

Marble countertops complement a encompassing miscellany of decorating dash . For a traditional look , mate white-hot marble countertops with crispy white cabinetry and wall . In this kitchen , snowy marble is alsoused in the backsplashfor a cohesive tone .

Contrasting Calacatta Marble Countertops

Calacatta marble countertop in this kitchen are quiet , while the backsplash is marble tile . The crisp white marble demarcation with dark - stain cabinetry , and the custom - turn out marble tiles for the backsplash create adramatic focal point .

Country-Style Marble Counters

A marble - topped island stands out against thewarm scandalmongering cabinetsbelow and pallid white-livered countertop around the margin . The slick , clean marble match thewhite cabinetsand provides a fair workspace for meal preparation .

Kitchen Update and Renovation Tips

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Credit: Adam Albright

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Credit: Anthony Masterson

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Credit: Laura Moss

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Credit: James R. Salomon

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Credit: John Bessler

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Credit: Emily Followill

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Credit: Alise O’Brien

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Credit: Werner Straube

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Credit: Jean Allsopp

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Credit: Ed Gohlich