When building a new home or renovating an existing one, the kitchen deserves special attention. The countertop materials available include natural stone such as granite, soapstone, slate or marble, butcher's log, solid surfaces made from dense acrylic, polyester or a mixture of artificial stone made from quartz and acrylic or epoxy binders, concrete countertops, ceramic countertops made from tile and plastic laminate.
The most popular countertops are made of natural stone. Marble slabs have a rich beauty that is well worth the cost. Marble slabs have either a sanded or a polished surface.
Natural stone countertops
If the homeowner can afford them, natural stone slabs add value to the home and are more popular with home buyers when it is time to sell. Marble slabs are very durable and last longer than some other materials. When choosing kitchen countertops made of natural stone, consider marble in a honed or polished finish. A marble top in white with classic veining is a countertop that can last a lifetime. The only weakness of marble slabs is acidic liquids like lemon juice or vinegar, which can corrode them. Marble is available in more colors than white, but it shows more etching. Therefore, special care must be taken to protect them.
Honed marble finish
Cut marble slabs have a matte finish rather than a polished finish. They look natural and are not light reflective. A sanded finish is achieved by stopping the polishing process earlier. A sanded surface is more scratch-resistant and hides scratches better. A sanded surface is less slippery when wet and therefore ideal for floors and countertops. The matte finish makes the marble more prone to staining, so spills must be wiped off immediately.
People choose a cut marble countertop because it feels like velvet or satin and has a deep, rich look. This stone slab must be sealed and cleaned regularly with water and a mild detergent. Ground marble surfaces do not show as strong acid etching as polished surfaces.
Polished marble
Polished marble has been smoothed and buffed with abrasive materials to give it a shiny polished appearance that can reflect light. Many homeowners like the shiny finish and smooth feel of polished marble. However, this finish is more prone to scratches and etching, and the glossy surface makes it more visible. Polished marble doesn't stain as easily, but spilled material should still be wiped off immediately. Polished marble surfaces are not suitable for floors because they can be slippery when wet. A polished marble surface is durable and easy to clean with water and mild soap.
Additional considerations when choosing marble tops
If you're going for a marble top, stick with classic white with attractive veins as the etching will show less. If the veining is book-matched or mirrored in appearance, ask for help choosing the marble top and how the seams come together. Choose a plate with the most attractive vein pattern for your kitchen cabinet layout. Marble blocks can be cut in a variety of ways to create unique vein patterns.
Finally, choose an attractive edge profile for the marble slabs. Modern machines and tools allow you to choose from many edge profiles such as a loose edge, a bull nose edge, a miter joint or other curved edges. A curved edge is less likely to chip than a straight 90 degree edge. The various edge profiles are assessed differently depending on their complexity.
