MARBLE WORKTOPS FOR KITCHENS, BATHROOM & FLOORING
Formed by recrystallization of sedimentary rock like limestone, this metamorphosed rock is a symbol of purity and immortality. It is believed that its incorporation brings about positive affirmations like clarity, composure and steadiness in one’s life. It gained its popularity from the ancient Romans and Greeks who utilized this fascinating material for handy sculptures to gigantic pillars of monuments. Besides these, in the present day, it is popularly used for kitchen and bathroom flooring, worktops, walls, fire hearths and islands among many more. Its water retaining ability makes it a suitable option for use in the shower and other wet areas. Marble countertops is available in wide colour ranges like white, brown, grey, beige, cream, yellow, red, green, gold, black and blue. They are commonly sold in two thickness ranges; 20mm and 30 mm, which vary with a 20-40% price difference. It is highly recommended that a marble worktops be sealed before installation, especially a honed or unpolished one.
Introduction to Marble Worktops
Marble kitchen top is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is under great heat and pressure. Marble worktops are highly in demand for their timeless beauty and elegance. The variation in pattern and veining due to the weathering of rocks at the discretion of nature can be observed in the stone. This assures that you take home a unique piece of marble worktop that does not have a likeness to any other. The composition consists of calcium carbonate, which when exposed to acid neutralises it. This is used as an advantage and its crushed form is used for acid neutralisation in streams, lakes, and soils. The translucence of the marble makes this stone especially attractive for sculptures. The marble deposits are found in various parts of the world.
Uses of Marble Worktop
Marble is highly valued for its good quality, durability, striking beauty, and resistant properties and is widely used as a structural and decorative element. Marbles were used in ancient Greek buildings and statues. Michelangelo, the renowned Italian artist used it from Carrara, Italy in his works of sculpture. It can be used as external walls, floor covering, decoration, stairs, and pavements. The dominant part of historic monuments was constructed using marble, be it the corridors of cathedrals or historical places, it has decorated them with elegance and finesse. Marble worktops are more cost-effective than granite worktops.
Textures/ Finishes of Marble Worktop
Polished Finish:
This is the most common finish for a marble effect slab or marble effect worktops. The qualities of the stone worktops are highlighted well on a polished surface to make the colours and texture stand out vibrantly. Polished surfaces are easy to clean as they are sealed to keep any liquid from seeping in and moisture out of the marble kitchen worktops and bathroom worktops.
Leathered Finish:
The leathered finish, also called brushed finish, is created by running diamond-tipped brushes on a honed slab surface. The appearance appears to be sophisticated and natural and keeps the variety of colours in the stone intact.
Flamed Finish:
A flamed finish is possible only for natural stone worktops. It is popular among outdoor kitchen designs and tones down the colour in a flamed finish marble.
Caressed Finish:
Caressed appearance is created by glossing up a leathered slab, making it look rugged and elegant. The advantage of this finish is that the pores remain sealed due to which moisture and water are kept away from the surface.
Honed Finish:
The honed finish, also referred to as matte and buffed, creates a smooth-looking surface avoiding shiny reflecting surfaces. Honed tiles offer more grip and are considered a safe option for flooring as it prevents the threats posed by slippery surfaces.
Bush Hammered Finish:
This finish is usually a less common choice among homeowners. The finish can tone down the chromatic scheme of the granite to give it a naturally weathered look.
Sandblasted Finish:
The sandblasted finish is achieved by blasting the face of marble with sand, giving it a rough appearance and lighter colour for the work surface.
Composition of Marble
It primarily consists of calcite, clay minerals, mica, quartz, pyrite, iron oxides, and graphite in its composition. The recrystallization of calcite in limestone forms a rock with interlocking calcite crystals. A related rock called the dolomite marble is formed when the dolostone is exposed to heat and pressure. There are different types of marble depending on the nature of the impurity. Marble with impurities can appear bluish, grey, pink, yellow, or black in colour. A pure calcite marble countertops is white, whereas hematite is red, one with limonite is yellow, and serpentine is green.
Natural Characteristics of Marble worktop
Kitchen worktops made out of marble kitchen top are heat resistant; they not only look good but are durable too. Marble being a porous stone, proper sealing is recommended to avoid the problem of staining or absorption of liquids on black worktops and/or white marble worktops. Although masked by this property, sealers are available to prevent any damage to this stunning stone. Natural forces like snow, rain, wind, and pollutants may have an effect on the appearance and reliability of this natural stone. The real marble stone is adored over the engineered stone for the unique pattern and veining for the marble effect are not precisely imitated by man-made slabs.
Popular Marble Worktops
Carrara Marble Worktops:
The Carrara slabs are well known as Italian Carrara worktops and they were used in the sculptures of the Roman and Renaissance period. Carrara features muddy hues and is not pure white, contrastingly Calacatta quartz has a bold pattern of grey veining with a crisp white background. While each natural stone slab is unique, Calacatta is much rarer than Carrara.
Marble never competes for attention with granite or other materials, they readily capture the attention of the onlookers at first sight. There is a wide range of choices in the marble collection that would interest an enthusiast in you.
Black Marble & White Marble Worktop:
Black and white colours have always been the choice of interior designers and homeowners as they suit both traditional and modern kitchen work surface designs. Elegant ‘’Lilac and White Follonica Marble’’ slabs are used to achieve exclusive finishes.
Concerns of Marble worktop
The commonly accounted symptoms of weathering in marble worktops are loss of surface polish and sharp finish of square edges in decoratively carved centrepieces or sculptures. Erosion could pose a threat to the stone due to mishandling or exposure to undesirable conditions. The worktops can also etch if heavy and hot pots are placed on it.
Maintenance of Marble Worktop
The polish of the surface can be restored and maintained to a substantial degree using polishing powder and buffing pads. Wiping with warm water and pH-neutral solution is a recommended practice to immediately and quickly de-stain the Kitchen worktops & bathroom worktops in case of spills of liquids like Red wine, oil, or deeply pigmented food. Avoid chopping on the marble counter and use board especially when dealing with acidic foods like lemon juice which causes etching of the marble slabs.
Installation of Marble Worktops
We help homeowners to get quotes for Kitchen, bathroom worktops, and bedroom fabrication & installation of work surface for any selected product from our registered KBB network of fabricators who have the experience of installation and knowledge of the product to give the best results. Our KBB network can offer planning, designing, and implementation of the design that perfectly suits to create your dream home.