Italian marble is considered the finest marble in the world, and there are good reasons for that. It has been used since ancient times in architecture and for sculpturing. It is prized for its durability, purity, and color. In addition, Italian marble is quarried using high standards of quality control and precision cuts developed in Italy.
How do you know if marble is Italian marble?
Authentic Italian marble, most commonly from the Carrara region, is quarried in Italy, explains Marble Unlimited. However, sometimes, marble quarried in Vietnam and China is shipped to Italy for cutting and is cataloged as Italian marble.
To ensure the marble you are interested in is authentic Italian marble, talk to an expert and make sure the marble is quarried in the Carrara region of Italy.
Is all Italian marble white?
Although classic Italian marble is white with grey veining, there are other colors of Italian marble. Italian marble can be white, grey, black, brown, and fused colored. The veining color ranges from subtle grey to black, with some Italian marbles having pink, gold, or white veins.
Are there different types of Italian marble?
Yes. There are several types of Italian marble in Italy. Each has its unique characteristics and appearance. Some of the most common are:
1. Carrara:
This Italian marble features a classic white background with subtle veining in shades of grey. It is typically used for flooring, countertops, and walls. Most people picture Carrara when they think of Italian marble. It is less expensive than Calacatta marble because it is readily available. It is commonly used in residential settings.
2. Calacatta:
This marble has a pure white background with dramatic veining. Aria Stone Gallery says it is quarried in the Apuan Mountains in Carrara, Italy. Because it is relatively rare, it is more expensive than Carrara marble. It is typically used for elegant furnishings in high-end facilities such as resorts or museums.
3. Statuario:
This marble is quarried in the Carrara region in Italy. It is bright white with grey veining ranging from thin to thick. It contrasts sharply, but the coloring does not vary much within the stone. This marble can be quite pricey as it is rarer than Carrara marble. It is typically used in high-end establishments and gives the room clean, elegant air.
4. Michelango:
This marble features veins of grey or gold against a white background. It is typically used for countertops, flooring, or walls. It adds dimension and creates a clean, elegant look to kitchens and bathrooms.
5. Panda White:
This marble gets its name from the bold black veins against a white background. This dramatic marble is commonly used as a statement piece. It can be used for either walls or countertops to make them stand out and command attention.
6. Emperador Marble:
This marble is unusual because it has a brown background with white veins. Its earthy color adds warmth to any room. Many prefer it for countertops because it creates a homey feel to the kitchen and always looks clean. As a bonus, this brown marble tends to conceal crumbs on the counter.
7. Breccia Oniciata:
This marble is warm and inviting, with an earthy beige background. Veining consists of swirls of gold, pink, or white. It is often used on accent walls or for fireplace surrounds to make rooms feel warm and cozy. It can be used on counters as well.
How is Italian Marble used?
Italian marble can be used both commercially and residentially for countertops, walls, flooring, and fireplace surrounds. It can be used on accent pieces or walls to highlight its beauty. Of all the marble flooring Italian is the most durable, but it does require proper care and maintenance.
Sometimes, the entire room — think fancy resorts and spas — can be furnished with marble to give the establishment an air of elegance and cleanliness.
In the home, the most common uses for Italian marble are bathroom vanities, tub or shower surrounds, and walls or floors in the bathroom. In the kitchen, it may be used for countertops, backdrops, or floors.
Is Italian Marble Expensive?
Italian marble costs more than other marbles because of its purity, beauty, and durability. Because some types of Italian marble are relatively rare, they garner a higher price.
According to Forbes, you should expect to pay $40 a square foot for Carrara marble, while Statuario marble costs about $50 a square foot. Calacatta marble costs nearly four times as much at $180 per square foot.
How long will Italian marble last?
Technically, Italian marble will last over 100 years; however, a marble countertop or floor needs special care to ensure its longevity. It is essential to have marble countertops and floors sealed and reseal them yearly to maintain their natural beauty.
What are the Pros and Cons of marble in residential settings?
There is no question about it: fine Italian marble in your home will wow your guests and make you feel like you are living a life of luxury. But there are some things you should keep in mind before installing Italian marble in your home.
Let’s look at the most common uses and the pros and cons of each.
Marble Countertops
If you have visions of sleek, clean countertops in your kitchen, marble may be a good choice for you. However, there are some things you should know.
Pros
- Increases the resale value of your home.
- Easy to clean.
- Great surface for cooking as its surface is smooth and remains cool.
- Brightens the room and creates a sophisticated look.
- Long-lasting.
Cons
- Expensive to install. This expense can range from $1000 to close to $10,000, depending on the size and type of marble used.
- It is prone to etching and staining from acidic foods if not maintained and sealed appropriately.
- It can be scratched or nicked with inappropriate use of kitchen knives and utensils.
- It needs to be resealed once a year.
Marble Walls
Marbled walls as accent walls in a living room can add richness and warmth to the room (depending on the color of marble used), while marbled walls in the bath create a sense of luxury, but there are pros and cons to consider before installing marble walls, too.
Pros
- Elegant and luxurious appearance.
- Brightens up the area by reflecting natural light.
- It is easy to clean and polish (as long as it has been properly sealed and maintained).
- It is waterproof and is not prone to mold or mildew.
- Increases the resale value of your home.
Cons
- Porous and susceptible to stains from hair dyes, makeup, and other personal hygiene products.
- It can take on odd hues from minerals in your water, such as iron.
- It needs to be resealed frequently.
- Scratches easily.
- Expensive to install.
Italian Marble Flooring
Marble floors elevate the appearance of your home, creating a luxurious living space, but marble flooring isn’t for everyone. Consider the pros and cons of Italian marble flooring before you invest in Italian marble.
Pros
- Natural material.
- Luxurious and elegant.
- Easy to polish
- Works great for radiant floor heating.
- Increases the resale value of your home.
Cons
- Requires professional installation.
- Scratches easily.
- Stains from acidic substances.
- Requires resealing with a protective sealant.
- Cold on the feet. If you live in a northern climate and don’t have radiant floor heating, marble can be chilly on the feet, especially in the morning when you are likely to be heated to the shower.
- It can be slippery when wet.
- Expensive to install. The cost of installation ranges from around $2000 to close to $6000, with an average cost of approximately $4000.
Using Italian marble as countertops, walls, or flooring in your home can elevate the beauty of your home and increase its resale value, too. However, it is wise to consider the pros and cons of marble surfaces before renovating your home.
While it may be sleek and elegant, marble may not be the best choice for a busy family with small children and pets, as it is prone to scratching and can be damaged by muddy boots and paws. If you have your heart set on luxurious Italian marble, try using it in the master bath or guest room and opt for more kid-friendly products in common areas until the little ones are grown.
