Marble is a luxurious natural stone that has been part of many people’s lives since the start of modern civilization. In interior design, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a kitchen countertop – and all the brilliance and elegance that it brings to an ambiance. But did you know that marble is available in many hues other than the classic white and beige that we find on the market? In this sense, people usually overlook black marble countertops, and today we want to change that.
Keep reading the article to find out the best tips and design ideas concerning the use of black marble countertops!
You might also like: Is Granite the Same as Marble? How to Tell the Difference?
The beauty of black marble countertops
There’s no doubt that black is the color of modernity. Dark stone slabs have this simplistic, almost mysterious look that makes even the most ordinary spaces glow with intensity, and yet they’re far from extravagant. On top of that, when you pair black marble countertops with furniture such as white cabinetry, the chromatic contrast becomes unmatched by any other stone.
In truth, while black marble isn’t as sought after as its white counterpart, the value it adds to your place is outstanding. Do you want to know why? Check out some of its selling properties:
- Class and versatility: Dark marble countertops have these white veining patterns that are unbelievably charming. This adds a sense of movement as you walk by. Besides, there are techniques to make your countertop look as organic as possible (with unique strips), involving the right cuts, polishes, and brushing. All in all, visitors can have amazing first impressions of your place.
- Practical uses: As we said, the versatility of black tones is immense. Kitchens, in particular, can be decorated with a backsplash that ties everything together, transforming your plain walls into a cooktop for example. In living rooms, windowsills can be highlighted, and movie sessions can become more intimate with darker television stands. The possibilities are endless.
- Resale value: Unlike granite, which has seen a dip in popularity in recent years, a mint black marble countertop plays a huge part in your home’s resale value – especially if it matches the whole aesthetic of the place. Believe us when we say that people go crazy about well-preserved kitchens (or bathrooms) for their new houses.
The downsides of black marble countertops
As much as marble has become a top-notch investment over the years, it still has its fair share of competitors and technical deviations among, say, quartzite or granite. Black marble countertops have been regarded by many as a more expensive alternative to other natural stones – and that includes light-colored marble, too, which is already pricey depending on your location.
Check out some characteristics that might hold these counters back:
- Visible residue: Depending on your point of view, this can either be a blessing or a problem, since you might spot crumbs more often. On a dark surface, any spillages, food residue, and fingerprints can be detected by the naked eye with ease, which is not the case for white countertops. Additionally, if your countertop is placed outdoors and not properly cleaned, ants and other bugs will be able to camouflage with the stone.
- Cleaning and sealing: Just like dark stones in general, this type of marble will require a designated cleaner to avoid fade or discoloration. As we mentioned, any inconvenience will show itself on the surface, so you’ll want to be extra careful with the cleanup. Not only that, but to achieve extra protection against scratches, stains, cracks, and water spots, you will need to seal it every six months or so. Otherwise, you’re likely in for a costly repair to hide the damage – which may include polishing and special finishes.
- Price range: Compared to granite and quartz, some rarer variations of marble will cost you a lot – and black ones are not exactly common goods. If you are a perfectionist, it might also be of your interest to line up the veins of your slabs against each other to create visual constancy, which requires expensive and meticulous labor. Black marble countertops cost anywhere between $75 and $200 per square foot.
Further tips and suggestions
Before making any permanent decisions about a marble stone, it’s always a good idea to consult professionals near you. That way, you can get the best deals in your town and also get to know all the instructions to take care of your countertop in the long run.
And speaking of caring for your product, make sure to establish a weekly cleaning routine. Even upon sealing it, any natural stone – including marble – can last for centuries as long as it’s under proper care and attention.
Read our full guide on how to clean marble countertops here.
Inspiring project ideas for you
To better exemplify how gorgeous these dark slabs can be – as well as the value they aggregate – we’ve listed a few examples below. We hope the following projects can inspire your own in the near future!
Contact Eagle Stones today for top-quality marble slabs!
If you’re still having a hard time trying to decide what kind of marble you’d like, you can always look for a specialist’s opinion! Experts already know what each type of stone is suitable for and what they could bring to your home aesthetics, so their opinion can be very valuable.Here at Eagle Stones, we specialize in stone countertops – especially marble, which we have available across an expensive catalog you can see in person.
Just fill out our form, and we will send you a specialist to help you and give you a free estimate! We also handle many other kinds of stone, by the way, like quartz and granite, so we can help you pick the best fit for your home.
