Kitchen countertops mean a lot to homeowners who prioritize functionality and interior design. They serve as a tabletop for most cooking tasks and harmonize with the theme to give your kitchen a better look.
Often, the goal is to design a space with functional, easy-to-clean, and aesthetic countertops. The material’s durability also matters because tabletops must endure all sorts of kitchen work and still maintain their luxurious appeal.
Marble is a common choice among homeowners installing countertops in their cooking areas. Calacatta and Carrara are some of the most popular marble countertops.
Beyond serving as a worktop for your sink area, you can also use marble as the countertop for your kitchen island or on the floor.
Popular Marble Countertops: The Advantages
Different homeowners have their preferences when it comes to countertop material. Marble countertops are a popular choice because they offer multiple advantages to homeowners.
Below are the pros of using this material for your countertops:
- Marble is durable. It withstands all sorts of kitchen work while maintaining its appeal.
- These tops look classy and luxurious. They add taste to your interior decor.
- Its smooth surface is easy to clean hence ideal for kitchen work.
- It is easy to cut into a preferred shape.
- It has a smooth non-stick surface excellent for preparing baking flour
- Marble is heat-resistant. It won’t burn if you place a hot pan on top.
Furthermore, marble has long remained a standard material in countertop and kitchen design. It is a timeless addition to your kitchen decor.
Lastly, it is a cheaper way to go if you plan to do a kitchen makeover on a budget.
The 4 Most Popular Marble Countertops
But shopping for marble countertops can be challenging if you don’t specify your needs. Understanding the different types of marble helps you make an informed decision and choose something that blends into your kitchen decor.
1. Carrara
Carrara (from Italy) is one of the most popular marble countertops used in cooking areas and bathrooms. Often this marble features a dominating white backdrop with gray streaks, but you can go for variations like blue-gray and gray.
Carrara is an ideal choice for kitchen countertops because it is more affordable than most types of marble. Still, it has a classy appeal that brightens up any cooking area. In a nutshell, you get what you pay for.
It is also the best option choice if you’re after a marble surface with exotic streaks or a less sophisticated design.
2. Calacatta
Like Carrara, Calacatta is also an Italian marble, but of better quality than the former. Most homeowners confuse it with Carrara and may be duped by rip-off vendors who take advantage of innocent buyers.
Compared to Carrara, Calacatta is a rare marble and goes for a higher price. However, it also features a white background with gray streaks no wonder most homeowners confuse the two.
To distinguish the marbles, a homeowner must inspect the finest details. For instance, Calacatta has a brighter white background with bold streaks compared to the faded lines in Carrara.
Lastly, some types of Calacatta have copper and gold streaks giving them a more attractive look.
3. Crema Marfil
This marble features a yellow or beige backdrop lined with thin streaks. The Crema Marfil adds a warm tone to the interior hence ideal for kitchen countertops. It looks amazing, particularly in kitchens with dark features i.e, cabinets, furniture, etc.
Lastly, the Crema Marfil is not only ideal for your kitchen countertop, but also looks attractive on the floor, and sometimes, the wall.
4. Nero Marquina
If you want something other than a white background for your countertops then Nero Marquina (from Spain) is one of the options to consider.
Often, this marble contains a grey or black background streaked by white or grey shades. Some versions are plain or come without streaks and are ideal for those after a simple yet luxurious appeal.
The Nero Marquina is excellent for kitchen countertops because It blends well into black and white kitchen themes. Furthermore, it is a readily available type if you’re after an instant solution.
Lastly, it is an affordable way to improve your kitchen’s aesthetics
Final Words on Popular Marble Countertops
Though marble is durable, you may encounter some problems due to its porous nature.
Sometimes, kitchen stains are absorbed into its surface. Marble is also softer than other materials like granite and may chip or scratch if subjected to extreme kitchen work. To care for your marble, always add a protective seal. This should prevent any seeping oils or stains from reaching the marble.
Lastly, always partner with a reputable vendor to get the right type of marble for your countertop. Working with an expert ensures you get quality natural stone for your project.
