When it comes to kitchen countertops, marble remains one of the top choices for many homeowners in Singapore. This revelation comes as no surprise because marble countertops come in timeless, classic designs which help to add beauty to kitchens across the island.
Given that marble is a natural material with great variety, selecting the right marble countertop for your kitchen can seem like an arduous task. Ahead, we have rounded up some tips on how you can choose the perfect marble countertop for your kitchen.
How to choose the right marble countertop for your kitchen?
1. Take veining patterns into account.
Just like how every slab of marble is different, the veining patterns also differ because different quarries have different cutting techniques to produce unique veining patterns. For instance, cross-cuts result in marble slabs with an open-flowered pattern, while vein-cuts give a stone slab with a linear, striped appearance.
2. Consider how the different marble slabs will come together.
As every marble slab is different, you will need to select the exact piece to be used for your kitchen countertop. At the same time, you should consider how the different marble slabs will come together, especially the ones with seams.
3. Check out the different finishes for your marble countertop.
There are several ways to finish a marble stone, including different brushing and polishing techniques. But the more popular finishes for marble tops remain polished (glossy appearance) for classic looks and honed (matte appearance) for more contemporary designs. Before you decide on a marble countertop, make sure to check out the different finishes available.
Marble countertops are certainly stunning in the kitchen as they add a note of luxury to the space. However, there are pros and cons to marble countertops.
Also Read: 4 Amazing Benefits of Natural Marble Countertops
1. There are different types of marble.
The more classic varieties of white marble are Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario.
- Carrara has subtle feathery and linear veins on a grey background. It is the most common Italian marble.
- Calacatta has a white background with thick and dramatic veining ranging from gold to brown to grey. Calacatta is rarer than Carrara and is often considered one of the most luxurious and pure marbles.
- Statuario has distinct heavy grey and gold veining throughout and a striking, bold pattern mixed with thinner patterns. It is the rarest and most precious variety of marble found in Italy.
Like most stones, marble is available in more than just shades of white and grey – they can be found in hues of black, yellow, pink, and gold. Nowadays, more bold and dramatic sweeping colours are increasingly used to incorporate a blast of pattern and contrast in the kitchen. Some statement pieces that you can consider are Corteccia, Palisandro, Tubo Grey, and Zebra Onyx.
2. Marble is porous and vulnerable to stains.Be careful when handling substances that stain easily (eg. red wine, lemon juice, and oil) and avoid spilling them on your marble countertop. In the unfortunate event that a spillage occurs, make it a point to wipe your countertop clean as soon as possible before the liquid seeps deep into your marble countertop.
Getting professional sealing for your marble countertop will keep it stain-free and reduce the risk of damaging its surface. Repeat the sealing process every few years to maintain the appearance of your marble countertop.
3. Prepare to see scratches.
Due to its porosity, your marble countertop may be prone to scratches when it comes into contact with metallic items.
Consider opting for a honed finish for your marble countertop, which better conceals scratches than a polished one. You may also go for a darker coloured marble (eg. Corteccia) or one that is heavily veined (eg. Mexican Blue or Sandy White) so that stains, marks, and discolouration will be less noticeable.
4. Marble is heat-resistant.
Your marble countertop can withstand high temperatures, which means that you can rely on it to stay heat-resistant when you place your piping hot pots and pans on it.Nevertheless, it is best to use a placemat or coaster for your sizzling hot cookware to avoid discolouring or burning the surface of your marble countertop.
5. Every slab of marble is unique.
Marble is a natural element, with impurities like sand, silt, and clay present in it. These impurities become part of the stone during the crystallisation process, producing rich colours and veining that make each slab of marble unique.Since each piece of marble is unique, it is advisable to look at the actual slab before purchasing it. Doing so allows you to find the exact marble slab that fits your preference and planned colour scheme for your kitchen.
With that, your kitchen will appear modern and timeless, all at the same time. Should you have other queries, feel free to let us assist you in finding the perfect marble top. Here at Soon Bee Huat, we have the largest tiles and stone variety in Singapore, with a technology offering a unique design experience for everyone. As we pride ourselves as one of Singapore's tile and stone specialists, you can trust us to complete the home of your dreams.