Kitchen

Carrara Marble Countertop

Another reason I decided to use that old dresser as our kitchen island is the dimensions were just right for the marble slab I had. Lots of readers emailed asking what quarry I used in the tri-state area to get my carrara slab. Sadly, I have no recommendations for quarries. My slab is (was) a…

Another reason I decided to use that old dresser as our kitchen island is the dimensions were just right for the marble slab I had.

Lots of readers emailed asking what quarry I used in the tri-state area to get my carrara slab. Sadly, I have no recommendations for quarries. My slab is (was) a $70 coffee table, just cleaned really well and resealed:

I got it at Canterbury Antiques in Delaware, but I’ve seen about a million versions of the same coffee table on craigslist. They’re often under $200, which is an amazing savings, compared to getting a slab cut down or even using a remnant piece of marble.

Some of you asked in your emails how the carrara has held up for me. I haven’t had any problems at all with staining. I forgot to mention that this slab is polished, but if I had carrara installed in future home’s kitchen, I would definitely go with a honed finish. I’ve heard from friends and clients with honed marble counters that if you are diligent about sealing the marble every six months or so, there are no issues at all with staining.

P.S. I’m starting to do some projects for our master bedroom and I’m using the pretty table frame to make an upholstered bench for the foot of our bed!

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36 thoughts on “Carrara Marble Countertop

  1. Sealing keeps the marble from staining but it does not keep it from scratching. You HAVE to be willing to live with scratches if you're going to have marble countertops. I know some people think it's part of the patina of marble but some fussier people I know can't stand it when it's actually in their nice new kitchen!

  2. Wow you amaze me every time I read one of your posts! What a great idea to use the table for a bench, I am so looking forward to seeing the finished project. The marble looks great and just to think that your beautiful island is from a dresser and a coffee table!! I am telling you just amazing!

  3. I just used a tri-state area stone cutter for Jerusalem Gold limestone, both polished (vanity top) and honed (shower curbs). I haven't posted pictures of them to my blog yet, because my bath is still a minor disaster of unfinished constructions. f anyone would like a recommendation, please email me. My address is wingdangdoo at g mail dot com.

    I love your island and so covet your creativity!

  4. What a smart reuse, Jenny. Seriously, you have such a unique ability to look at something others would ignore and reimagine it…what a gift!

  5. WOW! I really love what you did. That is such a find and such a great idea. I am going to add some kind of cart or bar to the end of my kitchen for some added interest. Now you have me thinking outside the box. Thanks

  6. I've said it before and I'll say it again; please do a post about how to make upholstery yourself. I have a few projects planned for summer (some old rococo chairs and a headboard for our bed etc.) but have no clue "how to"… please share your tips and tricks! Thank you! :)

  7. Okay, this project is Brills. And now, you're going to think I'm crazy. I recently learned from a stone fabricator… that rubbing VINEGAR on polished Marble evenly REMOVES the polish, to reveal a honed finish. I mean, Im scared to try this on a huge piece, but maybe try one on a sample you have laying around. Might be the perfect (and cheap) way to get that honed look you desire.

  8. This is a great idea!! "Recycling" the slab is genius. I have to say though that honed counter tops show water spots and drops (a client learned that the hard way) but I do LOVE the look. I often use Absolute Black honed as a soapstone substitute. Thanks for sharing!! Joanna

  9. we have both honed and polished white carrera marble in our home. on your island just make sure you do NOT slice anything acidic directly on your polished marble, nor can you spill red wine or it will etch the polish. I have course have done both but eventually it does create a nice patina over time! but at first you will not be able to focus on anything other than the place you etched it each time you look at it. honed is SOOOO much easier to take care of.
    Kelley

  10. I know this is your business and so of course you must have some innate talent but you really blow me away. I love reading about how you take pieces and transform them…not the usual blog transformations. So inspired and insightful and downright lovely. I'm always in awe.

  11. What a great deal! And it came out looking incredible – inspiring for the day I want to redo my own kitchen (well… I want it done, I just don't want to do it right now!)

  12. The tabletop is super cute! Must have been a great deal, ain’t it? Just maintain it carefully, don’t forget you’re dealing with marble here!

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