The allure of marble is hard to contest. It invariably imparts an air of grandeur and elegance to any residential or commercial space it graces. One only needs to cast an eye over the marble sculptures housed in galleries to appreciate the stunning appeal of this unrivalled natural resource.
In recent times, Premiere Klasse has become experienced at supplying top-quality worktops. Nonetheless, we persist in offering superior-grade marble as well. Indeed, we contend that marble is currently experiencing somewhat of a resurgence.
So, if you’re contemplating incorporating marble into your worktop design, what should you be aware of?
Origins of Marble
Traditionally, marble is synonymous with Italy. Nevertheless, it’s also mined in a number of other countries. We, at Premiere Klasse, procure marble from a variety of sources including Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Spain.
Environmental Impact
Mining, whilst essential, is not particularly ecologically friendly, despite significant advancements in recent years to enhance the sector’s sustainability. Nonetheless, a well-maintained marble worktop has the potential to endure a lifetime and even be passed down to subsequent generations. Thus, one must weigh the environmental impact against the prospective longevity of the product.
Visual Aesthetics
Each marble slab is unique! Even white marble possesses distinct characteristics, with most exhibiting veining and colour variations. We are fortunate at Premiere Klasse to have an extensive variety of marbles available on-site in our yard. We frequently welcome customers who wish to handpick their ideal slab.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that your worktop can be supplied with either a polished or matte finish.
Physical Weight of Marble
Indeed, marble is a dense and cumbersome material. To avoid any potential damage, we strongly recommend utilising a professional installer. Our experienced teams are well-versed in handling marble, thereby ensuring your worktop will be securely installed. It is crucial to verify that your cabinets can bear the weight of the marble – you should confirm this with your supplier. Furthermore, a professional installation includes a precautionary double-check when the team comes to template the worktop.
Customisation and Features
Want a sink cut into your marble countertop? No problem at all. Your supplier should be capable of incorporating additional features to your specifications, such as cutouts for sinks, hobs and your choice of edges. At Premiere Klasse, our specialist factory is equipped with the latest Italian machinery, enabling us to accommodate any feature you desire. You can witness this first-hand when you visit to choose your marble.
Staining and Damage
Despite common misconception, marble is prone to staining. The surface, although appearing hard, is relatively soft and inherently porous. Measures can be taken to limit staining, particularly by cleaning any spills immediately. Acidic liquids such as red wine, chilli sauce, and ketchup are the usual culprits, so it is advisable to shield the surface from these substances. Prior to use, a marble surface should be sealed and then resealed after approximately a decade.
It is important to remember that marble can sustain damage, such as when a heavy object is dropped onto it. However, the good news is that marble is resilient to heat, water, and scratches. The primary concern is spills, so be mindful of these. Routine maintenance is simple: use a neutral cleaner and a kitchen cloth.
Before you commit to a marble worktop, it’s vital to take into account the practicalities. The supplier is not responsible for any damage after the product has been installed.
Value Addition to Property
Marble is a timeless material. Buyers in search of luxury could perceive a beautiful marble worktop as a significant selling point. Many potential buyers would be eager to retain a marble countertop as it’s a material that harmonises well with a diverse range of interior design concepts.
Cost of Marble
Luxury comes at a cost, and marble epitomises luxury. However, there is some flexibility in terms of price. Given marble’s ubiquitous nature and the plethora of varieties available, there is an incredibly broad spectrum of quality and price points. It is feasible to seek out more affordable options for commonplace quality marble worktops, but the flawlessly smooth marble that shimmers and gleams like a sunlit Grecian temple can be prohibitively pricey.
