Marble is known for its high-end and luxurious appeal. If you are thinking about installing marble countertops, there are several things you should know. These things include:
There are many types of marble
Marble tends to be softer and more porous than most other countertop materials. Due to this, marble will mar, etch, stain, and possibly chip over time. Even if you’re meticulous about wiping up spills, resealing, and caring for your countertops, most marble surfaces will show signs of wear.
The type of marble you select influences how obvious the inevitable patina is. Dark marbles like Nero Marquina might make certain stains less visible.
Many intricate veining with lots of movement and color variation (like Calacatta Viola) can also hide evidence of wear and allow your eyes to focus on the pattern rather than the patina, making them an excellent choice for hardworking kitchens.
White marble, on the other hand, is amazing at concealing damage from acidic liquids like lemon juice.
Acids cause faint etchings in marble, which are especially noticeable on dark slabs. If you know you’ll be agonizing over every new flaw, choosing a marble that will hide them as much as possible is wise.
Order the countertop material first.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when installing marble countertops is ordering everything else for the kitchen first.
It’s well known that purchasing a marble slab is a significant undertaking, and it can be tempting to begin choosing the rest of your finishes before finding the ideal slab.
While selecting your kitchen details first and counters second may appear to be the natural order of events, it can have unintended consequences.
Countertops often cost roughly 10% of a kitchen makeover budget and can be one of the more expensive materials.
Because marble is an expensive material, it makes more sense to choose your countertops first and then match your finishes to them rather than the other way around.
In contrast to paint, wood stains, and tiles, which come in various colors, real marble is limited to naturally occurring tints and veining.
Prioritizing your slab selection and then matching the rest of the finishes will not only ensure a consistent color palette and professional end product but will also help you avoid awkward difficulties during installation.
For example, ensure that any faucets’ threaded shanks are long enough to accommodate the thickness of the countertop. Let’s assume you choose a generous 1-inch slab mounted on a sheet of plywood. If your faucet’s shank threads are 1 1/3 inches long, you won’t be able to screw on the threaded washer that secures the faucet.
Be cautious with your measurements.
Before looking for a slab, you should measure your entire countertop space. The simplest way is to design a diagram and then record the dimensions. To get the square footage, multiply the length by the depth and divide by 144.
If you’re replacing an old countertop, you might be able to utilize the dimensions as a guide. Remember to measure from the wall, not where the tiles or backsplash meet the top of the existing counters.
If you’re building new cabinets, use the designs to calculate your total countertop area; just remember to include an overhang. The usual overhang for stone countertops is 1 1/2 inches.
Once you’ve determined how much stone you’ll require, you can begin getting quotes and looking at slabs. If you intend to cut and fit the counters yourself, you’ll need to go a step further when determining the measurements of your surfaces.
In addition to measuring the entire square footage, you’ll need to calculate any cut-outs for the sink and stove areas.
Professional installers use laser equipment with up to 1/16 inch accuracy to ensure a precise fit. Fabricators can also use digital measurements to cut counters that accommodate any faults in your walls or cabinets. If you want to take highly exact measurements of your surfaces, you can invest in a laser measure.
Always view the slabs in person before buying them
Once you’ve determined the type of marble you want and how much you need, you can begin phoning stone yards to see what’s in stock in your area. If you want a good deal, avoid big box stores, cut out the middlemen, and go straight to a local stone supplier or fabricator.
While orders can be placed over the phone or online, visiting the showroom or Stone Yard in person is always best.
No two marble slabs are alike, so seeing what you’re buying is critical before committing. Colors and veining can differ significantly from photographs found online.
Small sample sizes are also not a reliable indicator. Purchasing an entire slab of marble based on the appearance of a 4-inch by 8-inch sample is equivalent to buying an expensive piece of art based on a single little corner. You wouldn’t do it, would you?
By seeing your slab in person, you can ensure it is precisely what you purchased. If a fabricator cuts the stone, you can choose which sections of the counter originate from which areas of the slabs. For example, if you like a particularly striking piece of veining, place it on your island rather than near the sink, where some of it may be sliced away.
Remove old fixtures first.
Another step you must complete before having those beautiful new worktops put in is to remove anything that will be replaced during the remodel. Remove the old tiles and clean the back wall if the backsplash is being replaced. If you’re removing the old countertop, thoroughly clean off any residue.
Remember that untidy areas of residual adhesive can make it challenging to apply a new coat of silicone. Irregularities in your cabinets’ top surfaces can also cause torsion points, putting strain on your newly fitted countertop.
To remove tenacious adhesive residue, use a wire brush attached to a drill or an abrasive pad. After you’ve removed most of the residue, wipe the tops of the cabinets and any supports or other locations where the new countertop replacement NC will be installed.