What to Know Before Buying Marble Countertops

Adding marble countertops is a surefire way of improving the aesthetic and value of a home. If you’ve already weighed the pros and cons of marble countertops and are ready to take the plunge, congratulations! Now you get to do the fun part of deciding what types, colors, edges, and finishes will best suit your room. There is much to think about before selecting exactly what fits your home, your lifestyle, and your price range. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, read on to find out what you need to know before buying your new marble countertop.

Understanding Marble Countertop Types and Colors

When purchasing marble countertops for a kitchen, it’s important to know which types of marble are best suited for the job. We’ve narrowed it down to four of the most popular classic types, each with varying characteristics, origins, visual appeal, and price. While these are a great start, if you don’t see a favorite on this list, know that there are hundreds of different types of marble countertops out there to choose from as well. 

Carrara Marble Countertops

Perhaps the most popular of marbles for kitchens is the Carrara marble. With origins in Italy, the Carrara marble is most often white, with veining that contributes to a softer look and feel. It starts at about $40 per square foot, though the price rises based on quality and variation.

Calacatta Marble Countertops

Also originating in Italy is the Calacatta marble. It is also white, though its prominent feature is the gold veining that adds a more dramatic look to your kitchen space. Rarer than Carrara, Calacatta marble starts at about $180 per square foot and rises based on the quality.

Statuary Marble Countertops

The third Italian marble is Statuary marble. It’s quite similar to Carrara marble in color, though it’s glossier and a bit more translucent. It’s more common than Calacatta marble with a price starting at about $50 per square foot.

Crema Marfil Countertops

The only non-Italian marble of the four, Crema Marfil has its origins in Spain. It’s more common than some Italian marbles, and with slightly different coloring as well. Crema Marfil is known for its beige, yellowish color, matching best with darker cabinetry. Being more common, it starts at about $50-$60 per square foot.

Choosing the Right Edge for Your Marble Countertop

In addition to picking the right type and color of marble countertop, it’s equally important to finish up that beautiful statement with just the right edge. Countertop edges can be cut in a variety of ways to suit the style and look that you’re hoping to achieve. A few popular options include:

Eased Countertop Edges

Eased edges are perfect for smaller kitchens, with safely rounded corners that prevent chipping as well. Eased edges are a very common kitchen choice due to their subtlety and good price.

Beveled Countertop Edges

Though there are a few variations of beveled edges, they are defined by a 45-degree angle that frames the countertop nicely. You may choose to have the top or bottom of the countertop beveled, and it’s also relatively inexpensive.

Bullnose Countertop Edges

Bullnose edges are curved on the top and bottom of the marble for an even finish that offers an elegant look with any material of countertop, especially marble.

Straight Countertop Edges

A popular and cost-effective choice, the straight edge countertop is perfectly cut and offers a clean, sharp look to your kitchen area.

Popular Marble Countertop Finishes

And finally, once you’ve chosen a marble and an edge, all there is left to choose is the finish! Whether you prefer a high-shine gloss or a more subtle matte finish, this last step can define the mood and feel of a room. Popular marble countertop finishes include:

Honed Finish

Honed marble finish is bright and satiny and is smooth to the touch. It’s also scratch resistant, and since honed marble is not reflective no damage is seen. 

Polished Finish

The polished finish has a glossy look that makes a smooth, reflective finish to the marble. Polished marble does not require re-sealing as many times as honed marble does, and it stands up better against stains.

Brushed Finish

Brushed marble is created by brushing the stone with nylon or steel, causing the marble to become resistant to scratches and wear, more so than any other finishes. Unlike polished and honed finishes, a brushed finish is a bit less shiny, offering a more natural matte finish that’s perfect for a beautiful casual kitchen.

Care of Marble Countertops

After being sealed, the care of marble countertops is relatively simple. Reseal your countertop every three to six months as you see a need to. 

If you do this and clean the countertop regularly, it should stay in pristine shape and add to the beauty of your kitchen area year after year. For more information about keeping your marble countertop in perfect condition, check out Maintaining Marble Countertops. 

Interested in buying marble countertops, or a granite or quartz alternative? Kowalski Granite & Quartz can help! Our friendly team is here to listen to your needs and wants, then recommend what type of natural stone could work best for your project. Give us a call or contact us online to learn more.