Love the timeless appeal of natural stone? Why not incorporate a marble worktop into your kitchen or bathroom? Prized for its smooth surface and distinctive natural veining, marble is a luxurious choice for any home. We supply the finest quality marble by trusted brands like The Marble & Granite Centre and Cullifords, in classic whites, dark dramatic hues and multi-tonal styles. And each worktop is expertly measured and installed for a flawless finish. Read all about this stunning countertop material below, including benefits, colour options and care tips.
What is marble and what colours are available?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to high pressures and heat over time. During this lengthy process, calcite and other minerals within it crystallise and create colour variations and patterns in the surface. As such, every quarried slab is different and the premium marble worktops cut from them are entirely unique.
Versatile white Italian marbles with grey veining such as Carrara and Calacatta offer a high-end finish and are especially sought-after. However, marble comes in various colours from around the world, so there’s something to suit every space. Think browns, blacks, greens, blues and even bolder orange hues, each with bold veins or more subtle swirl patterns. You can also choose between classic soft matte or contemporary polished finishes as preferred.
Tailor-made marble worktops supplied and fitted
Whatever look you go for, this natural stone can be used for a range of applications once it has been sealed. Marble is most popular for kitchen worktops, islands and breakfast bars. In fact, marble’s cool, smooth finish is ideal for baking! It can also be used for splashbacks, luxury bath/ shower surrounds and bathroom counters. Plus, its striking patterns make marble perfect for wall cladding, and thanks to its natural heat-resistance, fire surrounds too.
Using state-of-the-art computerised machinery, each marble countertop or surface we supply is crafted with expert precision. Our suppliers can work from measurements provided by you, or we can visit your home and measure up with lasers for greater accuracy. That way, you’ll receive a product that’s a perfect fit – no matter the layout of your kitchen or bathroom. And we’ll also ensure your marble is professionally sealed prior to delivery to prevent stains.
Benefits of marble worktops
- Elegance and aesthetics: Marble is renowned for its timeless beauty and luxurious appearance. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space, making it a popular choice for high-end kitchens and bathrooms.
- Variety: Marble comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, providing a plethora of design options to suit various tastes and interior styles.
- Heat resistance: Marble is naturally heat-resistant, which makes it an ideal surface for placing hot pots and pans directly on the worktop without causing damage.
- Naturally cool: Marble retains a cool temperature, making it a pleasant surface to work on, especially when handling dough or pastry when baking.
- Increase in property value: Installing marble worktops can potentially increase the resale value of a property, as it is considered a premium and desirable material.
Disbenefits of marble worktops
- Porous and stains: Marble is a porous stone, which means it can absorb liquids and stains. Spills from acidic substances like citrus juices, wine or vinegar can cause permanent discoloration if not cleaned up promptly. Regular sealing is recommended to minimize this issue.
- Scratches and etching: Marble is a relatively soft stone compared to other options like granite, and it can scratch easily. Additionally, acidic substances can cause etching, which appears as dull spots on the surface.
- High maintenance: Marble requires ongoing care to preserve its appearance. It needs regular resealing to prevent staining and etching. Cleaning with non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaners is necessary to avoid damaging the surface.
- Cost: Marble is generally more expensive than other countertop materials like laminate or quartz. The price can vary significantly depending on the type and rarity of the marble chosen.
- Durability: While marble is durable and can last for many years with proper care, it is still more susceptible to damage compared to some other stones like granite. Heavy impacts can lead to chipping or cracking.
- Patina development: Some people appreciate the natural aging and patina development of marble over time. However, if you prefer a pristine and consistent look, the natural changes in the stone may not be desirable.
Choose your stone
There are over 400 stones featured in our request-a-sample gallery, a few of which are highlighted below. We update this gallery every 12 weeks. Click on the button below the images to view the whole gallery and use the filters to find your perfect stone.
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Our work
There are over 400 stones featured in our request-a-sample gallery, a few of which are highlighted below. We update this gallery every 12 weeks. Click on the button below the images to view the whole gallery and use the filters to find your perfect stone.
Frequently asked questions
How do marble worktops compare to other materials?
Marble kitchen worktops and other surfaces offer natural beauty and luxurious finish that is hard to replicate. They are durable and offer excellent heat resistance, however, are softer than alternatives granite, quartz and ceramic. As a result, marble is more prone to scratches, so you’ll need to be careful when using sharp objects. Applying a good sealant and regular polishing will also help to reduce visible scuff marks.
Like granite, marble is a porous natural stone, meaning it can absorb liquids if left unsealed. To protect a marble worktop from spills and damage, it must be professionally sealed before installation. You’ll then need to re-seal it once or twice a year, depending on how often it gets used. Even then, you should avoid getting anything acidic on the surface to prevent etching.
In contrast, quartz worktops are formulated to be waterproof, highly resistant to stains and very low maintenance. But they don’t provide the same level of heat resistance or charm.
How do you clean a marble countertop?
Marble worktops are relatively straightforward to care provided you stick to gentle cleaning products. For daily maintenance, you can simply wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and crumbs. Or when dealing with spills, opt for a pH-neutral surface cleanser or mild washing up liquid diluted in water. You should avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and any acidic substances such as vinegar as this will compromise the sealant and damage the surface. The same goes for abrasive sponges and scouring pads as they can leave marks.
If you’re struggling to remove a stubborn stain, try making a paste with bicarbonate of soda and a little water. This can help to draw pigments out from porous surfaces. Apply the paste, let it sit for a short time, then gently wipe it away. Whatever cleaning product you use, always rinse the surface with a clean, damp cloth and towel-dry to prevent water spots. We’d also recommend applying a thin layer of polish after cleaning to keep the surface looking bright.
Are there alternatives to natural marble surfaces?
Marble worktop prices beyond your budget? Or perhaps you’re after something that requires less maintenance? Then you’ll be pleased to hear there are several stylish alternatives that offer a similar aesthetic. Engineered quartz and Dekton ceramic surfaces, for example, are available in patterns that mimic marble’s multi-tonal veining. Yet they are resistant to scratches and non-porous without the need for sealant, making them a more practical choice for some. Browse the different worktop surface materials we offer online or contact us for expert advice.
Any questions?
We’re here to help! Use the buttons below to request a sample, drop us an email or make an appointment at our showroom. We look forward to hearing about your project.