Marble Worktops
Real marble worktops for a unique and natural look.
If you like spending time in the kitchen, you want the environment to be top-notch. Designing your ideal kitchen takes lots of planning and research.
With that in mind, if you’ve done your homework, you know that one of the best decisions you can make with your kitchen layout is installing a worksurface made of pristine marble.
On that note, here’s what you need to know about marble worktops and what to consider when buying!
Marble & Porous Stones
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed mainly of recrystallised calcite or dolomite. Throughout history, it’s been used to build cathedrals, statues and homes.
Today, it’s also a popular material for interior design. Namely – for kitchen worktops and bathrooms. Now, marble is also a ‘porous’ stone. But what does that mean?
When we say that marble stones are ‘porous’, we’re referring to the fact that they have tiny pores through which air and liquids can occasionally pass.
Microscopic pores in stones?
You read that right, and there lies an important consideration you need to factor in with these worktops:
- The wrong combination of stone and spillage could ruin your new kitchen worktop.
- In some ways, the porous nature of marble makes it beautiful but equally risky. There are solutions to this, though. You can opt for a robust and resistant finish on the stone or do your research and discover which types of marble are less porous than others.
- If you don't want to take this risk then Quartz is an excellent choice as it's considered to be non-porous. That means you can get a gorgeous worktop without worrying about spillage too much. Quartz is highly-resilient, so we recommend you consider it if you can.
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Got a project in mind and considering a Marble Worktop? Get a FREE quote from us and see how much you can save on marble work tops
Honed Matte or Shiny & Polished Finish?
Installing a marble worktop in your kitchen is no small ordeal.
But making such a choice is only the beginning. You have to consider what kind of finish you want to go for.
There are the classic ‘shiny’ and polished marble worktops which provides a pristine shine that imbues the room with a sense of glamour and luxury.
It takes a lot of work to get the stone to shine the way it does, and that’s often reflected in the pricing. But polished worktops benefit from being more resistant than their matte counterparts.
In other words, the polish provides an extra layer of protection to your marble worktop. This makes it easier to clean off inevitable spillage or stains.
The drawback is that any imperfections your worktop has, or any scratches you make, will be pretty visible compared to the matte finish worktops.
Speaking of which…
Honed, matte finish worktops tell a different story. Unlike the shiny, polished worktops, the matte finish is better at concealing imperfections and scratches on its surface and looks particularly good on the Carrara Marble range.
Though, it doesn’t make the scratches go away completely. Another thing about this style is that you don’t have to worry about losing that glimmering shine you get on the first day since there’s no shine to begin with.
One beautiful thing about a matte finish is the sleek and calming aesthetic it brings to the room.
Other Uses of Marble for Your Home
Of course, marble isn’t only used to decorate and improve kitchens. The stone is an excellent choice for kitchen or bathroom worktops, along with floor tiles and wall decorations.
It’s easy to see why marble has such a variety of applications. After all, the stone itself comes in a myriad of colours, and patterns, along with matte and polished finishes.
In other words, it’s gorgeous, long-lasting, and will give your home an other-worldly feel.
History of Marble
Ancient Greeks were no strangers to the stone’s beauty. They developed some of the earliest methods for extracting and cutting marble into shapes, which workers would later use for construction.
In Greece, the first marble quarries date back to the 3rd century BC. The Paros and Naxos areas were prevalent for their marble supplies, making them important trade centres of the time.
Anatolia is another noteworthy marble trade centre. Not only was marble used in staggering amounts for international trade, but Anatolians also utilised the stone in constructing their cities, homes, art, etc.
This lasted from before the ancient Roman rule to the Ottoman empire. Anatolia was, in a way, the regional (and global) centre of marble, even in the 7th century BC (the golden age of marble).
Italy’s history of marble dates back to the 2nd century BC. Around the turn of the first millennia, it was common to have cathedrals constructed out of this stone due to its other-worldly beauty.
Today, however, things are noticeably different. How we construct buildings and handle materials has dramatically developed through the years.
We’re lucky to have precise cutting technology and tools capable of hoisting and lifting heavy objects for construction. It’s why we have so many gorgeous houses, monuments, and buildings!
Marble Worktops FAQ
Should I install a Marble Kitchen Worktop?
Natural marble worktops are an excellent choice if you’re thinking of ways to bring your kitchen to life. They’re hard-wearing, stylish, and heat resistant; if maintained properly, they will last you a lifetime.
Do Marble Worktops stain easily?
Marble is a porous stone, which means that – without proper care – it can stain quickly and lose its durability faster.
The most significant hazards to your marble worktops are citric acids (found in lemons, grapefruits, oranges, etc.), oils, curry sauce and red wine.
Maintenance isn’t difficult though. Just wipe any spillage as soon as possible to prevent liquids from getting inside the stone’s pores.
Sealing is another significant factor here. Make sure your work surface is adequately sealed once you install it, and consider re-sealing it once a year for maximum durability.
Is a Marble Kitchen Worktop resistant?
Marble worktops are exceptionally resistant and durable. The only thing you need to look out for is spillage. If you have a shiny polished worktop, there are also scratches to consider, as they can become visible over time.
However, to avoid this, it’s common practice to seal your worktop once a year.
This helps reinforce the durability of your worktop. It also seals its pores, helping to prevent liquids from damaging it.
As with any kitchen surface, you should avoid placing pots, pans, etc., directly from the hob onto the kitchen worktop.
In such cases, you’re dealing with extreme temperatures that could harm any surface over time, not just marble. Though marble absorbs heat rather well, you should treat your marble kitchen worktops with care if you want it to last a lifetime.
Are Marble Worktops expensive?
The first thing anyone will tell you before you buy a marble worktop is that the marble cost can vary dramatically. Good quality premium stone is hard to find and difficult to refine and because of this, marble worktops can often be expensive, but saying that, the finished look is worth the investment.
What colours are available?
We carry a wide range of colours in Marble including the more popular Black, White and Grey ranges along with other less popular striking colours such as Green, Cream, Purple and even Pink. We also stock marble effect worktops that are quartz based too,
Our Process
Quote
We offer a broad range of high-quality worktops at affordable prices. Simply choose your material and style and get in touch for a tailored quote.
Survey
For the best results, a member of our team will carry out an on-site survey to template your chosen worktop before the fabrication process begins.
Manufacture
We’ll then manufacture your bespoke worktop, made from the highest quality materials, for a professional and long-lasting result to enhance your home.
Install
Our highly skilled installers will fit your custom-made granite, marble or quartz worktop, ensuring a fantastic finish you can be proud of.