Marble countertops continue to be a popular choice for many homes despite the perception that they are high maintenance. The truth is they require less care than most people think, but that is not really an issue for those that put a premium on elegance and beauty in their kitchen countertops.
Most people think that marble only comes in white, but while it is the most common color, they are available in other colors. You have reddish, blue-gray, black, blue-black, green, and salmon pink. Even white marble is not just white but comes in pale pinks and blues. These variations make it easy to find the right marble for any kitchen.
Aside from different colors, marble also sports widely divergent vein and grain patterns that make each marble slab distinct. It is not immediately apparent while they are slabs, but once installed as kitchen countertops, they have a distinct overall effect on the look and style of the kitchen.
Here are some awesome marble varieties to consider for your own kitchen countertops.
Carrara
One of the most popular types of marble is Carrara. People use it not only for kitchen countertops, but also for wall tiles, floors, and bathroom vanity tops as well. Carrara marble comes from Carrara, a city in Tuscany in central Italy.
In most cases, Carrara marble is white. However, it also comes in gray and blue-gray colors. Carrara marble has feathery or fine linear veins that make it a fantastic choice for kitchen countertops if you hanker after a pristine look with subtle elegance. In some slabs, the veins appear in unexpected clusters, giving it a breath of drama.
Statuary
Statuary Classic marble has not attained the celebrity status of Carrara marble, but they are both largely white and come from the same region in Italy. A distinct feature of Statuary Classic marble is its translucence, which gives it its dramatic air. The delicate gray veins in this marble appear to float, throwing it into relief. It has a glossy texture to it, making it a joy to handle.
Statuary Classic marble has better reflective qualities than Carrara marble, so it shines more brightly as kitchen countertops. It is an excellent choice for kitchens with little or no natural light.
Calacatta
Calacatta marble is often confused with Carrara marble, but they are not actually very similar outside of their general colors. Like Carrara marble, Calacatta marble also comes from the Carrara region in Italy, but most from the Apuan Mountains.
Calacatta marble has darker gray and more distinct veins on a pure white background, and some slabs may even exhibit some gold veins. It is much rarer than Carrara marble, so it is more expensive.
However, some people favor Calacatta marble because it has a much more dramatic appearance than most other white marbles. It can give off a warm or cool vibe, depending on the colors you choose to go with it. The occasional glimpse of gold adds to this drama and richness and makes it the ideal choice for luxury kitchen countertops.
Crema Marfil marble
Another popular marble variety is the Crema Marfil, which comes from Spain. This is not a white marble, which is unusual. However, Crema Marfil is easy to find, typically used for wall cladding, fireplace surrounds, floors, and of course, kitchen countertops. It is commonly available from countertop specialty stores.
In most cases, Crema Marfil marble is dominated by shades of yellow, from light beige to bright yellow, with intermittent veins. The neutrality of the color makes it versatile, but it looks best with dark cabinets and other types of natural stones.
Nero Marquina marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock, which means it is a product of the breakdown and recrystallization of another type of rock. In most instances, this is limestone, which is white, which is why most marble stones are white.
A dramatic departure from this is the Nero Marquina marble. This true black marble comes from the Marquina region, which is in Basque country in Spain. It also goes by the name of Marmol Negro, which is Spanish for Black Marble.
Nero Marquina is quite a wonderful stone, which its deep black color and pure white veins. In some instances, the white veins compete for dominance with the black color. It is a very high-quality stone, fine-grained and much in demand.
ortunately, Nero Marquina is readily available, so it is not as expensive as you might expect. It is the perfect marble for kitchen countertops in a black and white kitchen. It will also show to advantage in black and white bathrooms.
Conclusion
Marble countertops may not be the most durable compared to granite or quartz countertops, but it comes up trumps when it comes to elegance. Color and pattern variations also give you considerable flexibility in your kitchen design. Check with your local countertop specialist for other colors and patterns in marble slabs not mentioned above. KNC Granite is a local company servicing the areas of Maryland and Virginia. We have a large collection of natural stones and engineered stones from which to choose.
You can check actual marble as well as granite slabs at our showroom in Lanham, Maryland. We also have representative samples for engineered stone from the top brands in the industry including Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI, all of which come with manufacturer warranties.
We deal directly with stone manufacturers and fabricators, so we can give you the best prices possible. In fact, we have a best price guarantee. Additionally, you only pay for what you use, so it does not matter how big or small your project is; you will not be forced to buy a whole slab.
We do not only supply top-quality stones, however. We are experts at fabricating and installing kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. We also specialize in kitchen remodeling and bathroom upgrade projects, delivering on time and on budget.
Give us a call or email us for your free in-home consultation and quote!