Make it work for you
ISOBEL’S CHOICE: MARBLE WORKTOPS Nothing adds luxury to a kitchen like a cool, beautiful marble worktop (or a fabulous fake!)
Classic white marble is one of the most popular choices for worktops. Just scroll through Pinterest and you’ll see shot after shot of gleaming white marble surfaces showcased in every style of kitchen, from traditional to uber modern.
Q Why should I choose it?
Marble has a luminosity, brightness and smoothness that sets it apart from other natural stones. A metamorphic rock, formed when sediment crystallises under heat or pressure to form hard rock, marble is a form of limestone. Marble is a poor conductor of heat, meaning it stays cool to the touch, so pastry chefs love it, as the cool surface is great for working dough.
Q Are there any drawbacks?
The porosity of marble means it’s susceptible to staining, with red wine and oil most difficult to get out. Products like Lithofin can make marble more resistant to oil and water but won’t completely seal it. It’s also easily damaged by acidic liquids, which leave a dull, pitted surface. And as marble is soft, it is prone to scratches.
Q What about finishes?
When it comes to worktops, there are two main types. Honed marble, which is created by sanding the surface to give a soft, matte finish, which won’t show scratches so easily, but is more susceptible to staining, as the pores are more exposed. Polished marble has a reflective, glossy surface which is less likely to stain, but will scratch more easily.
Q Is it expensive?
Carrara marble is one of the more readily available worktop materials and one of the least expensive. Expect to pay more for rare, luxurious varieties such as Calacatta or Statuario.
Q How do I look after it?
Marble worktops should be sealed when installed and then every six months or so, although spills should be wiped up straight away, especially anything acidic. Clean using hot soapy water and a soft cloth, buffing dry to avoid water marks. Go for a ph neutral cleaner like Lakeland’s Daily Granite & Marble Surface Cleaner spray, £8.99 for 946ml.
“A beautiful natural material, marble comes in an infinite range of colours, markings and veinings. No piece is the same as the next Gary WALTERS, STONE AGE