Common Mistakes When Choosing Marble Benchtops
Marble benchtops can provide a real boost to the appearance and the atmosphere of your bathroom or kitchen. We have witnessed firsthand at Avant Stone how using the right marble can transform a space, but we have also seen why homeowners can end up making expensive mistakes when making the decision.
Natural stone like marble is timeless and appeals to its users due to its beauty and elegance; however, it has its challenges. They include some of the common mistakes, such as not selecting the right finish or not considering the aspect of maintenance, to name but a few. To have a long-lasting and satisfactory effect on your investment, it is very crucial to know what not to do.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when choosing marble benchtops—and how to avoid them.
Our Granite Slabs for Benchtops
-
Balerion Granite
The Balerion Granite provides a strong foundation to any space. With its deep black backdrop adorned by swirling sand-brown patterns, it emanates the same robust resilience as the stone itself. Currently offered in a sleek Leather finish, Balerion Granite exudes a quiet yet authoritative presence, subtly asserting its enduring strength.
-
Titanium Granite
Titanium Granite is a striking dark Granite with strong movement and patterning. Titanium Granite is known for its irregular sized white and gold crystallisations throughout the stone against an intense black background. Titanium Granite is bursting with elegant movement and will most definitely make a statement in any chosen space. Titanium Granite is stylish and durable, making it the perfect natural stone for exterior and interior applications.
Read More
If you want to give your kitchen or bathroom a vivid, elegant, or modern look, Titanium Granite Slabs could be just what you’re searching for. This stone naturally resembles the Galaxy but with milky white and gold moving throughout the stone, like satin against an intense black piece. The application of Titanium Granite is unrivaled.
Most homeowners are unaware that the benchtops they choose may make or break the overall appearance of the space. The choice of your benchtops has a significant impact on the value and usefulness of your kitchen or bathroom. This stone has long been a popular choice for countertops, but it’s also used in various other applications.
Flooring
Black flooring gives every room a sense of depth and intensity. Titanium Granite tiles or slabs on the flooring will enhance the aesthetics while providing the area a traditional appeal. Stone specialists recommend Black Granite Floor Tiles for spaces with lots of natural light.Accent Walls
Without any effort, just using Titanium Granite on accent walls may give even the most basic home décor a wow factor. This stone can be utilized as a feature wall in bathrooms or behind a shower or a bathtub. It may also be used as a backdrop for walls in living rooms or kitchens.Outdoor Cladding
Titanium Granite will be a unique choice for wall cladding because it catches the light and reflects it brilliantly. It’s also a better choice than other stones since it can withstand sunshine, dust, and water without losing its quality or appearance.Why Choose Titanium Granite?
The flexibility of Granite is one of the significant reasons for its popularity. In addition, titanium Granite Countertops may help homeowners establish various interior design themes by tying the whole appearance of their kitchen or bathroom together. So, whether you’re going for a modern look, a more traditional look, or even a vintage look for these areas, the gorgeous aesthetic of Titanium Granite Benchtops is sure to match with whichever designs you have in mind.Besides the versatility of Titanium Granite, the stone is a magnificent choice for high-traffic applications such as kitchens. They’re tough, long-lasting, and resistant. Granite is produced as an igneous rock under tremendous temperatures and pressure, resulting in an extremely durable material, heat and fire-resistant.
One more advantage of Black Granite Countertops is that they don’t require much cleaning as lighter-toned table top materials. As you might expect, the surface does an excellent job of concealing darker stains. Without a doubt, this makes Black Granite the ideal benchtop material for homeowners seeking a long-lasting and profitable investment to enhance their space’s aesthetic appeal, practicality, and it’s a lot easier to keep up with.For these three reasons and more, Titanium Granite Countertops are a classic choice for your kitchen or bathroom. First, they’re made of natural stone, which is a very trendy feature among new homeowners these days. It is due to the material’s inherent beauty and distinctive appearance and its unrivaled strength and longevity. Second, black is a timeless color that will never go out of style, regardless of the trends that come and go throughout the years. So go ahead and contact us, Avant Stone, to buy this gorgeous stone.
-
Colonial White Granite
Colonial White Granite is a beautiful speckled natural stone. Characterised by its cream, white and burgundy spots, Colonial White is consistent with a subtle amount of character. The natural stone combines beautifully with different finishes, materials, and colour palettes. Offering seamless blends with lighter colours and an alluring contrast with darker colours..
-
Blue Moon Granite
Blue Moon Granite is a striking stone with a grey and blue background and sharp angular veins which are completely unique to this stone. Blue Moon Granite is perfect for those seeking modern aesthetics in a durable natural stone. Blue Moon Granite is a particular favorite for use in external applications such as BBQ benches due to its rugged aesthetics and versatility. Blue Moon Granite is also available in tile & paving formats in the Avant Stone Natural Stone Tile range.
Find the Perfect Stone for
Your Project
Overlooking the Porous Nature of Marble
Marble can be seen as a solid, hard-wearing stone however, it is naturally porous. This implies that it absorbs fluids and gets quickly stained if it is not sealed effectively. Among the most common ones, there is the belief that marble would behave similarly to other more forgiving materials, such as engineered stone or granite. Unless sealed and well taken care of on a frequent basis, daily stains that are caused by wine, oils, or spillage of acidic foods are likely to spot the table permanently. This becomes especially problematic in kitchens, where benchtops are used frequently.
Focusing Only on Visual Appeal Can Backfire
One can easily be charmed by the appearance of marble. Be it the veining of Carrara or more dramatic Nero Marquina, style seems to be the main consideration of homeowners who might seem to sacrifice the utility and durability in favour of design. Yet, the various types of marble have a wide range of hardness, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning. Choosing marble solely on its looks without taking into consideration how it is going to sustain in your particular setting may bring disappointments and expensive replacements later on.
Ignoring the Impact of Finish Types
A marble benchtop finish has a massive impact on the way it will work on a day-to-day basis. The polished marble has a shiny, reflective surface and is more prone to displaying etches, scratches, and fingerprints. Honed marble comes with a matt finish, which covers slight imperfections, but may appear less vibrant and still needs sealing. When you select the wrong finish for your lifestyle or usage, it can end up with more maintenance than desired and a final appearance that does not live up to the original vision.
Underestimating Long-Term Maintenance
The other mistake is thinking that marble is low-maintenance. As a matter of fact, it needs to be worked on frequently in order to maintain its appearance. When the sealing is omitted or the wrong cleaning materials are used, or when spills are not wiped up in time, etching, staining, and degradation may occur. It is less known to many that cleaners that are acidic or even natural-based ingredients, such as lemon juice, could cause damage to the surface. Correct handling and care must be regarded as an element of the ownership and not an add-on.
Not Considering the Stone’s Origin and Quality
Marble can be found in different quarries all over the world, and the origin of the place influences the aesthetic aspect and capabilities of the marble. The imported marbles can even possess a greater number of natural cracks, greater porosity, or they can be uneven in colour. Using a cheaper grade of slab to cut down the cost might end up losing durability or increasing flaws. It is crucial to work with a reliable supplier who will be able to give information on whether the marble is of clean origin and whether it is certified as per the quality standards.
Failing to View the Full Slab Before Purchase
Marble is a natural product, and each piece is different in veining and color. So when a benchtop is selected on a small portion in the showroom, it does not reflect on the final product that will be installed. The veins, the colour, and the tone can be dissimilar across the slab in different sections. Unless you look at the slab in its entirety, before fabrication, there is a high probability that the finished surface will not look much like what you envisioned.
Ignoring the Effect of Lighting on Appearance
Lighting is a very crucial aspect in the way the marble can be seen once fitted. A tile that seems to have a bright and elegant look in the showroom lights may seem dull or shaded in an ill-lit kitchen. Veining can be emphasized or toned down with natural and artificial lighting and also make the stone seem to be a different colour. This lack of consideration of the lighting in your area will cause a disproportion between what you imagined during the setting and the one you finally received.
Not Consulting an Experienced Stone Supplier
The selection of marble is a huge investment, and using images or simple guidance on the internet usually encourages the customer to make the wrong choice. An expert in the supply of stone will take you through the types available, pros and cons of the various marbles, and how to evaluate what suits your home. They can be very helpful concerning their durability, finish, and maintenance, as well as installation considerations, and can make a big change to the result.
Selecting the Wrong Thickness for Your Design
The most common thicknesses of a marble benchtop are 20mm or 40mm. The thicker slabs provide a high-end look and a bold design; however, this sometimes may necessitate the support of other cabinets to handle the weight. Thin slabs can be more appropriate in small spaces or in minimalistic designs. Without taking into account the practical needs and compatibility with the structure, the selection of an incorrect thickness may lead to delays or additional expenses on the revision of the construction at the stage of installation.
Compromising on Quality to Save on Cost
Budget limitations are facts, but going with the most affordable marble in terms of price will always come with regrets. Slabs at the lower end of the price range can be more flawed or harder to match in veining or have other structural flaws. Such problems become even more evident after the benchtop has been installed. Investing a slightly higher price on high-quality marble sourced by a well-established company will frequently reward itself with the extent of use, less maintenance, and higher levels of satisfaction with the final product.
Final Thoughts
Nothing compares to the natural beauty of marble benchtops, and the choice of one should be made wisely, taking into consideration several aspects of it. Whether it is maintaining requirements or the nature of the finish and the origin of the stone, every decision influences the result. The above are a few of the most prevalent errors to avoid in choosing a benchtop to work in your home and keep the benchtop attractive over the years. Finding a well-established supplier whom you can trust, visiting the site to examine the slab, and paying attention to the functionality of the material will result in a better experience and a final product that you may appreciate daily.
FAQs
Is marble too delicate for kitchen benchtops?
Marble suits kitchen use when properly sealed and maintained. With regular care, it offers lasting performance and beauty, even in areas exposed to frequent cooking, spills, and cleaning.
How often should marble benchtops be sealed?
Most marble benchtops need sealing once a year. In high-use areas, sealing every six to eight months may be necessary to maintain protection against staining and etching.
Can I use any cleaning product on marble?
Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners. Always use pH-neutral, stone-safe products to prevent damage and preserve the natural finish and structure of your marble benchtop over time.
Why does marble vary so much between slabs?
Marble is a natural stone with unique veining and tonal variation. No two slabs are identical, so inspecting the full slab before fabrication is highly recommended.
Does the marble finish affect durability?
Yes. Polished finishes are prone to showing scratches and etching, while honed surfaces hide marks better. The choice of finish should suit your daily usage and aesthetic goals.
Related Posts
Natural Stone Slab Supplier
Avant Stone brings together 20 years of stone industry experience to provide you with a range of globally sourced stone slabs including Marble slabs, Granite slabs and Quartzite Slabs.
We aim provide you quality service and distinctive stone products for your home or your commercial space. Avant Stone is the premier Stone Supplier of Granite, Quartzite and Marble slabs in Sydney.
Our showroom is located centrally in Greenacre, a mere 20 minutes from Sydney & Parramatta CBD.
Give us a call:Â 0298170037
Email us at: info@avantstone.com.au