The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Marble Slabs for your Home

Marble counter-tops are the ultimate prestige symbol for a kitchen. They are a classic choice; they never go out of style and they make any room look sophisticated and expensive. But how to pick the right marble counter-tops for your kitchen? Well, worry no more! As the top marble suppliers in India, we walk you through all that you need to know about this classic counter-top material. Read on to find if marble is the right choice for your home.

Marble and Acids DO NOT Mix

Marble is a type of non-foliated metamorphic rock that is made up of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate. Both these substances react to acids – think vinegar, lemon juice, etc. Acidic substances leave a dull whitish streak on marble surfaces, even if the surface is sealed. But that shouldn’t put you off from having marble in your kitchen. As long as you clean it quickly and care for it properly, marble retains its natural shine and finish, lasting for a lifetime.

Not all Marbles are the Same

Very often, consumers assume that all marbles are the same, but it isn’t. There are different types of marbles based on where they are mined. These marbles have varying properties and choosing the right type of marble depends on your style preferences and lifestyle requirements. Here are some of the most popular types of marbles:

• Carrara – Mined in Carrara, Italy this is the most popular and well-known marble. It's affordable compared to other marble types and lasts for a really long time.
• Calacatta – This is another Italian marble that comes from the Calacatta region. It's on the pricier side and has a distinctive thick dark veining against the white stone.
• Statuary – Statuary marble is similar to Carrara in colour but it has a glossier texture. This is another elegant choice to add the finishing touches to your home.
• Titanium Black Marble – This comes from Greece and is a dark contrast to the other milky white marbles. It has silvery white veins that give a dramatic appearance.
• Emperador Marble – This marble is mined in Spain and is renowned for its unique brown colour. If you are looking for marble in earthy tones, then this is the right choice for you.
• Crema Marfil – This is another excellent choice if you don’t want the milky white shades of regular marble. It has a creamy hue with tan undertones.
• Yule – Extracted in Yule Creek, Colarado, USA, this marble is similar to the white marbles from Italy.
• Danby – This is another marble from the USA. It comes from Vermont and has low absorption rate making it an excellent choice for wet areas in your home.

Closer to home, we have the following types of Indian marbles:

• Makrana Marble in a pristine white shade marble
• Ambaji Marble quarried in Gujarat
• The famous Indian bottle green marble
• Onyx marble with alternative bands in shades of white and tan

Generally speaking, Indian marbles are not as lustrous as their Italian counterparts. But they are highly durable and sturdy making them an excellent choice for tabletops, countertops, bathrooms and living rooms.

White Marbles are the Best Choice to Prevent Stains

Yes, it may sound counterintuitive but white marbles are the better choice if you don’t want unsightly stains. This is because when kitchen and household acids react with marble slabs they leave behind a whitish mark. This whitish mark is not apparent on a white marble. On the other hand, the whitish mark is heavily apparent on darker colours like black, greed, gold and red.

Know the Cut of Marble

There are two types of cuts in a marble slab :

• Crosscut – This pattern allows the veins to be displayed more prominently in random formations
• Vein cut – In this pattern, the veins are displayed more linearly

There is no right or wrong cut. It all depends on your personal preferences and how you want the veins to be displayed.

Choose the Right Marble Finish

The finish you choose plays a crucial role in maintenance. A polished finish is more susceptible to signs of etching and wearing, while a matte finish ages gracefully without showing signs of wear and tear. You can choose the right finish depending on where the marble will be used. We recommend going for a matte finish for utility areas, and a glossy finish for decorative surfaces.

Caring for your Marbles

Once you have chosen the marble colour, type and finish, the next step is to decide how you will care for your countertops. Avoid placing acidic and oily substances directly on the counter as it can leave behind markings known as etching. Etching dulls the surface of the marble and can make it look lack luster. To avoid this, you can use a sealant to protect the surface of the stone.

Finally, You Don’t have to go International to Pick Best Quality Marbles

Today you can easily find premium marbles at affordable prices thanks to marble suppliers in India like Décor Luxury Stones. We have a huge collection of marbles in different colours and finishes to suit all interior styles. Get in touch with our sales team to know more.