Natural materials are continuing to be a trend in to 2024 and beyond, with that in mind we are taking a look in to some of the key considerations when specifying marble for your kitchen designs.
It is Truly Unique
While creating a unique feature for any kitchen, it can present challenges when using two slabs of marble next to each other. As a natural material the veins are not always consistent from one slab to another, this is why some developers may choose to specify book matched marble. Book matched marble is when two or more slabs are mirrored to match the pattern, ensuring that the veining continues as seamlessly as possible. Although, you should be aware that this is often a more costly option due to the detailed process and the stone slabs that are used.
Grading Marble
Marble is usually graded to indicate its quality, for example Carrara marble comes in different shades of white, in general Carrara marble with a grade C has a light-coloured background whereas a CD would have a grey background. Again, the grade of marble can also impact the cost of each slab.
It Stays Cool
Regardless of how hot your kitchen is any marble surfaces will remain cool to the touch. Any keen baker will tell you how important this is when rolling out dough or pastry! This is a great selling point when the kitchen is the focus or the home, pairing with high spec appliances for professional or amateur cooks.
Marble Requires Sealing
Unlike other worktop materials, marble is porous which means that it can be a higher maintenance option to ensure it keeps looking at its best. Day to day homeowners will need to take care to clean any spillages as quickly as possible to prevent it being soaked into the stone and staining. Marble can also be sealed annually to help minimise any damage due to water, oil or other liquids.
Marble surfaces that get a lot of use like a kitchen worktop can also be at risk of scratching or chipping from items such as knives and pans. This however cannot be prevented by sealing due to the soft natural properties of the stone.
Heat Resistance
Similarly, to staining due to liquids, marble can be susceptible to discolouration due to placing hot pans directly on to the work surface. While rare, heat can also cause ‘thermal shock’, where the stone cracks from sudden temperature elevation. Homeowners should be made aware to always use a secondary layer between any hot items and the marble surface, such as a pan stand.
Choosing Your Slabs
As we detailed with our Porchester project we recommend taking the time, particularly for larger projects to visit several quarries with your kitchen supplier. As we have mentioned each slab is unique, and to keep the consistency throughout each of the kitchens and ensure you are happy with the colour and veining of the worktops or splashback, the quarries will let you view a selection of blocks or slabs before purchasing.