White marble countertops exude unparalleled opulence and sophistication. Like all other natural stones, white marble has a distinct set of pros and cons. Before going ahead with this countertop material choice, homeowners should know about the different types of white marble. Questions on its practicality, aesthetics, durability, cleaning, and maintenance should also be researched accurately.
Types of White Marble Countertops
Italian white marble is the most popular across the UK. Both residential and commercial kitchens widely use the following types of white marble countertops:
- Carrara Marble: One of the most sought-after natural stone worktops, Carrara marble is a majestic amalgamation of feathery bluish-grey veins cascading through a warm white milieu. It has an incredibly soothing and expansive visual effect.
- Calacatta Marble: The best word to define the prized Calacatta marble would be emphatic. In contrast to the subtle aesthetics of Carrara marble, Calacatta has thick, bold golden and grey veins adorning a resplendent white background. While Carrara has nettle-like veins throughout its surface, the stripe-like veining of Calacatta is sparse and makes for a robust style statement.
- Statuario Marble: In terms of patterns as well as pricing, Statuario lies between Carrara and Calacatta. Its black, grey, and gold veins are neither too thin, nor too thick, making it ideal not just for kitchen worktops, but splashbacks and bathroom counters also.
Advantages of White Marble Countertops
- The unrivalled beauty and grandeur is the biggest advantage of white marble. No other material can match its timeless appeal.
- Compared to manmade as well as natural stone worktops, the heat resistance of marble is outstanding.
- When it comes to evaluating your house for sale, marble installation brings in maximum value.
- Upon stain removal, marble surfaces tend to develop a whitish mark.
- On white marble, the resultant discolouration is less visible as compared to darker marble variants. This is why most homeowners prefer white marble kitchen worktops as opposed to other colour choices.
Disadvantages of White Marble Countertops
- Marble is an expensive countertop material and it also warrants considerable investment in maintenance.
- Working in the kitchen, one has to be extremely careful about spillages on marble countertops. Even mildly acidic beverages like wine, juice, and ketchup will leave an immediate stain.
- Sealing can prevent staining, but it needs to be done regularly. Apart from periodic sealing, regular polishing and proactive daily cleaning, using marble countertops carefully is a must.
- Marble is a relatively softer stone with a Mohs hardness rating of 3, making it prone to physical damage.
How to Clean and Maintain White Marble?
- Acidic cleaners should never be used on marble countertops. It is best to use a neutral pH all-purpose cleaner.
- Marble surfaces should never be left wet, lest there be watermarks.
- Always dry wipe after wet cleaning.
- For removing tough stains, either hydrogen peroxide or baking soda can be used in regulated amounts. But both of these tend to leave a whitish patch.
- Removing stains from white marble is comparatively easier as opposed to dark-hued marble because the resulting whitish patch is not prominent.
In Conclusion, Are White Marble Countertops Practical?
The answer to this frequently asked question is yes, but with certain terms and conditions. White marble kitchen worktops are practical, durable, and worth investing in if you have the required time and money.
For natural stone enthusiasts who can devote themselves to its care and maintenance, white marble is an excellent option. Buyers also need to ensure that they invest in high-quality options like Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario with professional installation. Opting for inferior white marble or DIY installation is not worthwhile because the seams might be visible and the veining will be haphazard.
In case you cannot afford high-quality white marble, you can also choose marble-effect quartz countertops that are currently trending globally.
