Natural marble has a very good texture and grade. However, it is a non-renewable decoration material. Many friends will buy marble when decorating. However, for decoration novices, it is too difficult to choose the right marble. Today, the editor will teach you 7 tips for buying marble nanny-level furniture!
7 tips
01. Look at the color and texture of marble.
Each piece of natural marble has a unique natural pattern and color. High-quality marble furniture will use a whole piece of stone raw material and make material proportions for different parts. The main parts will have large areas of natural patterns, and the scraps will be used for embellishment in the back of the chair, capital and other parts. Inferior furniture uses scraps when preparing materials, and the surface lacks changes. The first thing you should consider when purchasing marble is its color; high-quality marble should seem comfortable without plastic or turbidity, and the polished surface should seem rather shining. It can reflect the surrounding things like a mirror.
Calacatta Quality Compare
Marble from Italy for Countertops
Countertops often use Italian marble because of its longevity, quality, and beauty. Italian marble is well-suited for high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms since of its rather hard character. These are some salient features of Italian marble’s great suit for countertops:
Durability
Because Italian marble is rather hard, it is more durable and resists chipping and scratching. Countertops, where surfaces are constantly used, would find this durability perfect.
Visual attractiveness
Beautiful look of Italian marble is well-known. Any room gains a little richness and elegance from the range of hues, complex veining designs, and natural sheen of Italian marble.
Varieties of Italian marble
Among the most often used varieties of Italian marble are:
Carrara Marble is a classic countertop option with gentle, feathery veining and traditional white and grey tones.
Comparatively to Carrara, Calacatta Marble is regarded as more opulent and unique with its strong and dramatic veining set against a whiter backdrop.
Highly sought-after for high-end counters, statuario marble combines the features of Carrara and Calacatta with remarkable veining and a high-gloss finish.
Maintenance Considerations
Like any marble, Italian marble needs regular upkeep to keep it looking its best. Protection of the marble from etching and stains depends on regular sealing. Moreover, mild cleaning using pH-neutral chemicals will assist to preserve its attractiveness and extend its lifetime.
Diversity
Beyond worktops, flooring, wall cladding, and even furniture, Italian marble is adaptable and finds usage in many other projects. Its flexibility makes it a common option for a coordinated, upscale appearance all around a house.
In summary, Italian marble is a robust, durable, and visually beautiful alternative for countertops. Its ageless beauty and endurance make it a choice among homeowners and designers trying to bring elegance and refinement to their environments.
02. The crisper the sound of knocking marble is the better
The hardness of high-quality marble is very good, so we need to test the hardness of marble. Generally speaking, the knocking sound of good quality stone is crisp and pleasant. You can knock two sample stones against each other. If they are not easy to break, it proves that the hardness is good. You can also knock gently with a coin. If the knocking sound is relatively crisp, it means that the marble has a high density and hardness inside, and it has good wear resistance. Similarly, if the sound is relatively dull, then this piece of marble should be of poor quality, with low internal hardness or even cracks.
03. Transparency of natural marble
Natural marble has high light transmittance. When a lighter or flashlight is used to illuminate the back of the marble, the light transmittance is high. We all know that natural marble has rich textures and colors, and will present different decorative effects in different styles and layouts. On the other hand, because it has its own light transmission performance, the rich patterns and colorful colors will produce a bright visual effect under light.
04 Differences between natural marble and artificial marble
Natural marble is superior in appearance and quality. Natural marble has better gloss and texture, and better durability. If it is well maintained, the more it is used, the more glossy it becomes. The disadvantage is that it is relatively expensive. Artificial marble is cheaper, but it is not as glossy as natural marble, and the texture is relatively dull, so it is more suitable for owners who like matte. Sticker marble is made of inferior marble as the base, and the surface is sticker or stone. Artificial marble has poor transparency, low hardness, and is afraid of scratches, heat, and coloring.
05 Check the marble slab
Marble is formed naturally, and each slab is different. The sample is only a part and cannot represent the overall effect. It is recommended that if you like the sample, go to the factory to see the slab, so that you can judge the quality of the slab more intuitively. The general building materials market is not far from the stone factory, so you can go and have a look. The first thing you should consider when purchasing marble is its color; high-quality marble should seem somewhat comfy without plastic or turbidity, and the polished surface should seem extremely shining. It can reflect the surrounding things like a mirror.
06 Check the layout renderings
A professional marble supplier will give you a marble layout rendering according to your home design. They will scan the texture of the board you choose, and then design different pattern paving orders according to the actual situation, and then come up with a paving rendering. This is also very important. Marble cannot be paved casually. How to match the texture and connect the texture is directly related to the paving effect, so you must check the marble layout renderings.
07 Ask about the price composition
There are two types of marble prices. You must ask clearly whether it is the finished product price or the large plate price. The difference between the two is very large. Large plates need to go through the steps of waterproof adhesive, water-based protection, reinforced cutting, layout loss, and mirror care to become finished products. The price difference can be imagined.
Summarize
Natural marble is a popular choice for nanny-level furniture due to its unique texture and grade. However, it is a non-renewable decoration material, making it difficult for novices to choose the right marble. To make an informed decision, consider the color, texture, hardness, transparency, and differences between natural and artificial marble.
Natural marble is superior in appearance and quality, with better gloss, texture, and durability. However, it is relatively expensive and not as glossy as artificial marble. Sticker marble is made of inferior marble and has poor transparency, low hardness, and is susceptible to scratches, heat, and coloring.
To ensure the quality of marble, visit the factory to see the slab and compare the texture and paving order. Professional marble suppliers can provide layout renderings based on your home design, which is crucial for matching the texture and connecting it to the paving effect.
Lastly, ask about the price composition of marble, as there are two types: finished product and large plate prices. Large plates require various steps, such as waterproof adhesive, water-based protection, reinforced cutting, layout loss, and mirror care, making the difference between the two price types.
FAQs
1. What type of marble is best for kitchen countertops?
Because of its durability and arresting veining patterns, calacatta marble is sometimes regarded as the finest for kitchen counters. Still, sealing it often helps to avoid stains.
2. Marble countertops should be sealed how often?
Usually, Marble counters have to be sealed every six to twelve months. The kind of marble and degree of usage among other things determine the precise frequency. Countertops or high traffic areas that show a lot of activity might need to be sealed more often to maintain their protective barrier. By helping to prevent discoloration and etching, regular sealing guarantees that your marble countertops stay attractive and strong over time. A basic water test can help you ascertain if your counters need sealing: if water droplets no longer bead up on the surface, it’s time to reseal.
3. Can I use marble in a high-traffic area?
Yes, Marble may be used in heavy traffic places, indeed. For such areas, it is best to use an honed finish nonetheless. Compared to a polished surface, an honed finish is less prone to exhibit scratches, wear, and etching; it is less reflective and smoother. This finish offers a more strong surface capable of withstanding everyday use’s stresses. Regular maintenance—including gentle washing and sealing—will also help your marble remain looking beautiful and guarantee its lifetime in busy areas .
4. Is marble a good choice for bathroom countertops?
Marble is a popular choice for bathroom countertops due to its elegant appearance. However, it requires regular sealing to protect against water and product stains.
5. What is the difference between polished and honed marble?
Polished marble has a glossy, reflective finish that enhances the stone’s color and pattern, while honed marble has a matte finish that is less slippery and better at concealing scratches and etching.
