Marble Countertops

chic. luxurious, timeless.

Custom marble for your Home

Marble countertops are not only a beautiful and durable choice that spans a diverse array of decorating schemes, but this versatile stone has been sought after for over 2,000 years. While life has changed considerably since the days of the Ancient Romans and Greeks, the timeless appeal of this natural material never goes out of style.

Marble countertops are popular due to their uniqueness — no two slabs of stone are the same — as well as natural heat resistance and elegant charm that adds value to a home. Their wide variety of available colors — black, white, gray, beige, and even pink, yellow or bluish hues — are another reason marble countertops are so accommodating in modern decor styles.

Wherever you are in your renovation project, you’re sure to find a marble countertop that’s perfect for your kitchen or bath design — and will last for generations to come.

Benefits of marble Countertops

Each granite slab is made up of many different minerals and is therefore unique. The material is often touted for the high-quality, sleek look it gives any room, but the durability is what truly makes this natural stone worth its higher prices.

Even temperature

Besides being naturally heat-resistant, marble countertops also have the benefit of staying evenly cool. This consistency makes them perfect for rolling out dough and handling perishable ingredients such as raw meats, making it a smart option for kitchens.

Unique display

Imitation countertop materials can’t match the uniqueness of natural marble. This distinction occurs because of marble’s creation process, which sees limestone heated and pressurized over time. The limestone is made from fossils — the remains of prehistoric organisms — which is a substance that modern manufacturing processes can’t replicate. That means you can rest assured there is no other kitchen or bathroom in the world exactly like yours, no matter what hue or vein pattern of marble countertop you select.

Easy repair

In addition to lasting a lifetime, marble countertops can be refinished or resurfaced to remedy scratching, chipping, or staining. It is considered a relatively soft stone — keep in mind that in the world of natural stone, “relatively soft” is still very hard and durable — but it remains a tough building material that can be repaired when needed.

Affordable

Marble countertops, especially when they possess striking colors and vein patterns, give baths and kitchens a rich and lavish appearance. The surprising fact is that marble is often less costly than other natural stone materials such as quartz or granite, a definite perk during an otherwise costly renovation.

Marble Countertop Considerations

As with any high-use surface, marble countertops have their pros and cons. It is also good to consider family size, cooking frequency, design, price, and sealing maintenance when deciding on countertops. A qualified interior design expert can work with you to help you choose the right material for your home improvement project. Here are a few things to consider before investing in this natural stone.

Patina

After years of use, marble countertops are known to take on a patina, which is a thin layer that forms on the surface from small nicks and shallow scratches. Unlike what happens with copper, which turns a lovely greenish shade through oxidation, this patina won’t change the marble’s color. Many people love it, as such imperfections are simply the character rendered by the passage of time.

Porosity

That said, marble is an extremely porous material, meaning it can stain if it’s exposed to certain foods or alcohol. It’s important to clean up spills quickly to avoid such issues.

Versatility

Marble countertops go with almost anything. If you have wood cabinetry or your kitchen is decorated in a rustic style, marble is available in soft, feathered patterns or with virtually no distinguishable pattern at all.

When it comes to types of marble countertops, the decor choices are limitless. If you want to celebrate color in your decorating scheme, you might consider exotic colored marble countertops. Naturally available in blue, red, green, gold, or blends, exotic marble countertops can bring an eccentric edge to decor styles like Traditional, French Country, and Bohemian. Here are but a few kinds of marble that stand out in the decorating world.

White Marble

One of the most in-demand types of white marble is Carrara. It mostly comes from Carrara, Italy, and is often found in white, gray, or blue-gray. Carrara is an optimum choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops because of its subtle veining pattern and clean, bright-white look. Calacatta is another popular marble option that occurs mostly in white. This rare, natural stone is pure white and punctuated with wide gray or gold veins. It comes with a fancier price tag, but Calacatta brings a sense of luxury to any kitchen or bathroom pace.

Black Marble

If you love the bold style of black marble, Nero Marquina is the real thing. A deep black stone with white veins, it’s an excellent addition to black and white bathrooms or kitchens because of its dramatic beauty and contrast. Unlike Calacatta, Nero Marquina is widely available and more affordable.

Colored Marble

Maybe you’d like a bit of rose, warm beige, or other soft color in your countertops. Crema Marfil has a cream base and is available in a range from a uniform tan shade to more yellow tones. It is not only tasteful as a kitchen or bathroom countertop, but also makes dark accents — such as woodwork or iron — pop.

Marble is classified as a softer stone and conforms to shaping very well, providing lots of choices in decorative edges. When choosing an edge, keep both comfort (for leaning) and design in mind.

Eased – An eased edge is an almost entirely square, classic cut that holds up well in both traditional and modern settings. It’s not as comfortable to lean against as some other smoother edges, however.

Bevel – With a clipped flat corner at a 45-degree angle, beveled edges give you a flat and simple design. This cut makes for a well-defined border that frames the countertop while maintaining an elegant finish.

Half-Bullnose (Roundover) – A roundover consists of one smooth edge (rounded top or bottom) with one side squared, making it an excellent choice for contemporary spaces.

Full Bullnose – The full bullnose is completely rounded, making edges a breeze to clean and giving the countertop a soft appearance.

Quarter Round or Double Roundover – If you want a smooth look that’s not as round as a full bullnose, a quarter round edge or double roundover adds character while remaining flowing.

Ogee – The Ogee edge is the most popular edge profile for natural stone countertops. It has a classic, elegant look, that pairs nicely with a traditional traditional styles.

Maintaining Your marble

Marble countertops are a bit more high maintenance in terms of general care and cleaning. Following a few simple rules keeps it from being a complicated or lengthy process, however.

When cleaning marble, it's essential to use only gentle, "hand-safe" cleaners.
Avoid harsh cleaning products such as bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide, as these substances will damage a marble countertop.
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits or wine can leave stains, so always use a cutting board or another surface to protect the countertop.
For daily clean up, use a commercial marble countertop cleaner, or mild soap and water with a soft cloth.

Do you want to Learn More About Marble Countertops?

If you’re not sure if marble countertops are right for you, it may be time to explore the benefits of working with a trusted home improvement expert. The experienced team at A&S Home Interiors can advise you on the entire process from installation and maintenance to sealing.

Marble Countertops

Custom marble for your Home