Learn about marble countertops and the ups and downs of using and maintaining this natural stone.

Marble countertops bring natural beauty to your kitchen.

However, you oughta consider a few key factors before purchasing this natural stone material.

white cabinets kitchen with brass hardware

Credit: Adam Albright

Should You Choose Marble Countertops?

Are marble countertopssuitable for a kitchen?

Now consider how marble takes your breath away when you first see it.

marble counter kitchen sink with blue cabinets and decorative bowls on wood shelves

Credit: Anthony Masterson

Do you want that feeling for the next 15-20 years?

Because that’s how long people keep their kitchens."

Marble countertop ideas are generally more expensive thanother stone countertops, including granite.

modern farmhouse white kitchen with marble counters

Credit: Laura Moss

Before investing, take a sample home to be sure you’ve found the perfect material for your space.

Machining capabilities have made precision cuts possible and seams nearly invisible.

Mick de Giulio ofde Giulio Kitchen Designfavors using woodworking techniques like book-matching and picture-frame joints.

modern kitchen marble island green chartreuse door

Credit: James R. Salomon

All three come from the Carrara region of Italy.

This kitchen features a large island with a honed Statuary marble countertop.

Here, a 2-1/2-inch-thick slab of Carrara marble on the island contrasts with the kitchen’s dark granite countertops.

large kitchen island sliding door pictures

Credit: John Bessler

The gray veins in the marble match thesoft gray cabinetryand stainless steel appliances.

Marble Countertop Edges

You’renot limited to crisp, straight cornerson marble countertops.

Here, Alabama white marble with a double-ogee edge contrasts withstained alder cabinetryon the island.

gray shaker kitchen cabinets stone backsplash

Credit: Michael Partenio

The marble countertop idea brings a sophisticated touch to the cozy, hardworking kitchen.

Coordinating Marble Backsplash

Marble countertops paired with a slab backsplash create a clean-lined look.

A marbletile mosaicover the range adds to this kitchen’s high-end elegance.

classic white kitchen island chandelier

Credit: Michael Garland

“Book-matching is critical,” says Karen Williams ofSt.

Charles of New York.

“Seams are always a part of the plan, so why hide them?

traditional kitchen alder cabinetry

Credit: Emily Followill

I like to think about how they can enhance a design.”

In this kitchen, white marble is alsoused in the backsplashfor a cohesive look.

The sleek, white marble matches thewhite cabinetsand provides a clean workspace for meal preparation.

bright white kitchen marble backsplash

Credit: Alise O’Brien

Kitchen Update and Renovation Tips

traditional white kitchen marble island

Credit: Werner Straube

calacatta marble counter traditional kitchen

Credit: Jean Allsopp

kitchen marble-topped island warm tones

Credit: Ed Gohlich