Selecting marble slabs is a lot like picking art pieces. Marble is as detailed and unique as great art ad requires a lot of research, consideration, and even study and preparation. Marble has been used in sculptures and buildings for centuries, there’s a reason people make entire careers out of studying it and working with it. Don’t go in blind.
Marble is an incredibly beautiful stone that’s been used as the basis of sculptures and buildings since antiquity. It’s durable, beautiful, and can be shaped in unique ways. But you need to make sure you’re aware of certain important things as you begin the process of selecting your marble for your new countertop.
Below are five considerations as you look at marble slabs.
It’s Kind of a Puzzle
Each stone slab is unique in cut, shape, and look. Even if you can make them as uniform as possible there’s going to be some shifting looks between them. So, remember when selecting slabs that you want to imagine how they’ll fit together. Imagine them as pieces in the large puzzle that is your countertop.
Know the Vein Pattern You Want
Vein patterns in marble are all unique but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to ability to manipulate them a little bit. Different cuts, such as crosscut (aka fleuri cut) create specific types of vein patterns and allow you to manipulate nature to create the pattern and look you want to see.
Consider Finishes
What you see is not always what you get. Consider the finish you want on your marble slab. Think it’s not that important? The marble industry has been going through the progress of technology and it has made it that much easier to achieve finishes you want and unique textures. While looking at slabs, imagining the finish you’d like to see with it.
What Do You Want for Edges?
One of the great benefits of marble throughout the ages is its ability to easily be carved. Which means you can easily achieve curved edges on your marble slab that are going to look beautiful. There are dozens of edge profiles you can select so make sure to look through them fully before making a decision.
Do Research on Your Sources
Not all marble facilities are equal and not all sources of marble are equal either. Do research on where you’re sourcing your marble from. Ask your countertop fabricator questions. Don’t be afraid to vet them thoroughly. You want this marble to last you for as long as possible.
Related Questions
What is the difference between cracks and fissures?
You may notice some imperfections in your marble but knowing whether it’s natural or the result of mishandling is important. A crack is an obvious cleave in the marble that comes from blunt force, such as dropping it. A fissure is naturally occurring feature with no bearing on the integrity of the slab.
Where is the best source of marble?
No matter what, you’ll want to ensure you verify the authenticity of wherever they claim to source marble from. Carrara, Italy is the source of some of the most in-demand marble in the world while some cheaper reproductions come from other parts of the world.
Talk to a countertop professional about your options and get the marble that will make your room pop.
Best Granite & Marble is experienced in fabricating a wide variety of marble, quartz, and granite countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, and more. Our services include full-service installation, fabricating, and sales to residential and commercial customers throughout Michigan.
Marble is the perfect natural stone that’s versatile enough for any kitchen, bathroom, tabletop, fireplace, and more. With over 60+ years’ experience in countertop solutions, we have a team that is ready to help and make your kitchen remodel dreams come true. Call today for a Free Design Consultation!