Marble is formed by crystallized limestone, which gives the stone its distinctive colored veining and swirling patterns. Its sophisticated appearance makes it a frequently used stone for kitchen counters. Marble countertops are durable and heat resistant, giving them long-lasting functionality. Here is how to incorporate marble into a new kitchen:
Countertops
Marble countertops can add elegant beauty to a kitchen. Stone slabs may be white with faint streaks of blue or gray. Others are black with gold flecks. Some stones offer bold stripes and patterns. These variations make it easy to find a countertop that matches your cabinetry and kitchen appliances.
Marble counters are highly durable if they are properly maintained. They are easy to wipe down with warm water. Acidic cleaners and scouring pads may scratch the marble’s surface, creating visual imperfections. We provide a stone care guidebook to help you maintain your countertops long-term.
Backsplash Panels
A backsplash can add luxury to a kitchen for homeowners who desire marble accents but are not ready to replace their countertops. Backsplash panels are placed on the wall between a kitchen’s upper and lower cabinets. Some backsplashes are placed above all countertops, while others are only installed above sinks or stoves. This helps protect the underlying drywall from water, grease splatter, or other meal prep messes. Marble slabs with minimal veining can add texture to the kitchen without interrupting design styles with bold colors.
Sinks
Installing a marble sink may be an aesthetic option for homeowners looking to recreate traditional manor-house designs. Marble can be timeless and rustic, especially when it becomes worn after years of use. Marble is a calcareous stone, making it prone to etching. Etching is the dulling of the stone as calcium carbonate reacts with common kitchen substances like lemon juice, vinegar, and tomato sauce. These substances are often washed down a sink and may leave spots in the stone that were not present at installation.
While some like these imperfections, regular maintenance can help protect the marble’s appearance. After cutting, we seal marble to increase water and stain resistance. This prevents water, oils, and other liquids from seeping into the stone. Reapplying a marble sealer every six months helps maintain this protective layer, keeping your surfaces shiny.
Accents
Marble accents can be incorporated into a kitchen to create contrast with other design elements or add functionality. Some marble accents include:
- Insets: Marble insets at faucet connection points may help protect wood countertops from water damage. The combination of wood and stone adds a unique visual element to your space.
- Aprons: An apron is a decorative panel installed on the front of a cabinet. They are usually placed beneath sinks or stovetops to protect cabinetry from spills. Aprons may be installed on cabinets to designate space for a towel bar or utensil rack.
- Brackets: While many kitchen counters terminate against a wall, some edges are exposed to frequently used walkways. Marble brackets add an elegant sidewall to exposed counter edges, preventing liquids from spilling over the side or eggs from rolling away.
- Cabinet inserts: Wooden panels in cabinet doors can be replaced with marble to combine traditional and modern design styles. Adding marble hardware throughout the kitchen helps create continuity between spaces.
Islands
Installing an island adds kitchen functionality by providing increased countertop and cabinet space. An island can be a key focal point, giving a kitchen increased visual interest. To show off your selected marble, opt for a waterfall island, which extends the countertop down both sides to the floor. Waterfall islands should look like a single marble slab to create a cascading effect. Choosing a marble for the waterfall that is similar to but not identical to the rest of your counters adds contrast while maintaining the room’s aesthetic.
Floors
Marble floor tiles are long-lasting and durable, offering timeless luxury to your kitchen. They usually withstand daily wear and tear, and water-resistant sealants help protect against spills. Marble is also easy to clean. Here is why:
- Marble can be quickly mopped with a pH-balanced neutral cleaner.
- Unlike carpet, particle allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander do not attach and build up on marble floors.
- The stone contains natural antibacterial properties that discourage the growth of mold and bacteria.
Some flooring tiles expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate. Since marble is heat-resistant, it is less likely to be visually affected by seasonal temperature changes. Marble flooring is installed in large slabs. This reduces the number of connection points common with other tile types, giving it a seamless appearance. Our 3D visualizer program lets you see how marble kitchen floors complement other design aspects like cabinetry, counters, and backsplashes.
Install Marble Countertops Today
Natural marble is a versatile stone that can add luxury and elegance to your kitchen. Allied Gallery is one of the largest stone slab importers in the U.S., making it easy to find marble that matches your design vision. Our team supplies, fabricates, and installs stone for your kitchen upgrade. Contact us today or visit our showroom to explore our available marble slabs.