Kitchen Counters: Elegant, Timeless Marble
Ever classic and with unrivaled beauty, marble countertops bespeak quiet luxury in the kitchen — with a few caveats
Whether marble countertops conjure images of luxe elegance or handsome timeworn French kitchens, this classic surface occupies a design territory all its own. With a soft feel, a warmth that's inimitable and unmistakable, a durability that keeps it in place for decades and a wide range of color choices, marble countertops might be the right choice for your kitchen.
Advantages: This is a classic and timeless choice for a kitchen. It can perform for decades while maintaining its elegance. For those whose heart is set on a white, natural stone counter, few other options are available with the breadth of choices that marble offers. You can also opt for marble's drama in any of its myriad other colors. Experienced bakers know that marble's naturally cool temperature makes for great pastry making.
Disadvantages: This surface will either keep you busy or cause you to embrace its timeless patina. It's softer and more porous than granite, meaning it scratches and stains easily. Acidic foods cause surface etching (though the appearance of the etching can be lessened with a honed finish).
Disadvantages: This surface will either keep you busy or cause you to embrace its timeless patina. It's softer and more porous than granite, meaning it scratches and stains easily. Acidic foods cause surface etching (though the appearance of the etching can be lessened with a honed finish).
Sustainability: While mining stone disrupts local ecosystems and depletes finite, nonrenewable resources, ecofriendly marble can be had with salvaged slabs. Also, you can choose marble that's mined in your region to reduce transportation-related energy.
Maintenance: There are more don'ts than dos when it comes to maintenance, where use of even mild detergents can dull your marble's finish. Routine care is best limited to a soft cloth and warm water or cleaners made specifically for marble. You'll want to seal your marble every year or two with an impregnating water-based sealer made for marble.
Special considerations: Opt for a honed surface to help hide any etching from acidic foods. And if you want to use your marble for working pastry or other foods, seek out nontoxic sealants.
More:
Using White Marble: Hot Debate Over a Classic Beauty
Carrara vs. Calacatta Marble: What Is the Difference?
Special considerations: Opt for a honed surface to help hide any etching from acidic foods. And if you want to use your marble for working pastry or other foods, seek out nontoxic sealants.
More:
Using White Marble: Hot Debate Over a Classic Beauty
Carrara vs. Calacatta Marble: What Is the Difference?
Cost: $70 to $100 per square foot, installed.