A Guide To Choosing Your Marble Kitchen Worktop
Marble has long been associated with elegance and refinement, and its versatility makes it a strong choice. Whether you’re in a period property or a sleek new build, it carries a weight of luxury that few materials can match. But is it the right choice for your kitchen? Here's what you need to know.
The worktop is the hardest-working surface in any kitchen. From sizzling pans to sharp utensils, chemical cleaners to the occasional red wine mishap, your worktop needs to stand up to serious wear and tear. At the same time, it's often the centrepiece of the kitchen - setting the tone for the entire design. For many homeowners, especially those renovating with both beauty and function in mind, the idea of a marble worktop is as tempting as it is timeless.
the APPEAL of MARBLE
There’s no denying marble’s visual power. A large slab with delicate veining, especially in varieties like Italian Calacatta Borghini Marble (as used in No.17 House, supplied by Imperial Stone Group), Carrara or Arabescato, can instantly elevate a kitchen, transforming it into something special. No two pieces of marble are ever quite the same, which gives each installation a one-of-a-kind quality.
Natural marble also responds beautifully to changing light. Throughout the day, its tone subtly shifts, revealing new depths of colour and pattern. It feels soft under the hand and cool to the touch, making it especially appealing for bakers, who prize its temperature-stable surface for working with pastry and chocolate.
From a design perspective, marble suits a wide range of styles. It looks just as at home in a classic shaker kitchen as it does in a sleek, contemporary space. And unlike some materials that come and go with trends, marble has a long history - and future - in design.
the PRACTICAL REALITIES
However, marble isn’t without its challenges, especially in a kitchen environment. First and foremost: it’s a soft and porous stone, which means it can stain, scratch and chip more easily than many other surfaces. Acidic foods like lemon, vinegar or wine can cause etching - dull marks where the surface reacts to the acid. Even water can leave rings if left to sit for too long.
For those who love their kitchens pristine, this can be a deal-breaker. But for others, it’s part of the charm. Over time, marble develops a patina, a soft, lived-in look that reflects its use. Rather than viewing this as damage, many homeowners see it as part of the material’s story and soul.
Sealing the marble can help reduce its vulnerability, but it’s not a one-time fix. Most experts recommend resealing every six to 12 months, depending on how heavily the surface is used. Routine maintenance, like wiping up spills quickly and using chopping boards, is essential to keeping it looking its best.
COST CONSIDERATIONS
Marble carries a reputation for being expensive, but it’s not always the most costly option on the market. In fact, some types, like Carrara, are relatively affordable due to their wide availability. Prices typically start from around £300 per square metre. Installation costs are broadly similar to other stone surfaces like quartz, but be aware that the fabrication process can add extra costs. Mitred joints, curved edges, or large islands will all push the price up. Still, when compared to premium quartz or sintered stone, marble can offer surprisingly good value, particularly if you’re choosing a more accessible variety.
is IT RIGHT for YOU?
The big question for many UK renovators is whether marble fits their lifestyle. If you cook often, have young children, or want a surface that you never have to worry about, marble might not be the best fit. For others, particularly those who see the kitchen as a curated, character-filled space rather than a clinical one, marble brings personality and warmth that no engineered surface can quite match. Some homeowners opt for a hybrid approach, using durable materials like quartz or laminate in high-traffic zones and reserving marble for splashbacks, islands or breakfast bars. This strategy allows you to enjoy the beauty of marble where it has the most visual impact, without subjecting it to daily punishment.
Marble isn’t for everyone, but for those who appreciate natural beauty, tactile materials, and a kitchen with character, it’s hard to beat. Yes, it marks. Yes, it requires care. But it also tells a story, ages gracefully, and never goes out of style. In a world of perfection, marble is a refreshing reminder that beauty often lies in the details, and sometimes, in the imperfections.
Click here to read our full guide to marble, how to source and fabricate and every detail you need to know, in our Renovation Guide
Click here for our address book of marble and stone suppliers
the DESIGN NOTES
On an entertaining island
Using marble to make a statement on an island is guaranteed to inject character into this space. Note here the triple bullnose on this curved island. Teamed with the oak finish and the open leg design, it gives the look of a giant refectory table.
As a statement splash back
There’s nothing shy about this kitchen. Wall-mounted cabinetry was abandoned for lower storage and flanking floor-to-ceiling cupboards, which left a space ideal to showcase this Calacatta Monet marble, also used on the expansive kitchen island.
To elevate a budget kitchen
When it came to reimagining her Amagansett kitchen, Athena Calderone knew that she wanted keep her Ikea kitchen but replace the cabinet fronts, which were black. The new colour ties not only ties in tonally to the existing marble, it also completely changes the look and feel of the marble, making the whole kitchen feel new.
To add interest to small kitchen
If you’re designing a compact kitchen, marble offer myriad opportunities to elevate the design. Set against these plain white units, the gentle veining creates interest, it offers texture and also a handy shelf - another useful styling opportunity.
