Playing with all the Marbles

While marble is prized for countertops today, some homeowners worry about its resistance to staining and cracking.

The good news is that quality marble products, when purchased from knowledgeable suppliers, can provide both durability and beauty.

For example, homeowners who are contemplating a kitchen or bathroom update should be aware that “honing the marble makes etching less noticeable,” points out Bo Brown, owner of Stone-N-Counters in Charlotte. “So marble can be a great alternative, even in kitchens where lots of cooking takes place.”

Combined with proper care, such as wiping up spills and applying sealant at recommended intervals, the properties of finished marble “give you that Old World look and feel, and provide a great option for people who want a unique and different countertop,” affirms Brown.

Local builder Kevin Shea, and his wife Joanne, discovered that truth when the couple constructed their Georgian-style home. The kitchen had to be spectacular, explains Kevin, because “we like to cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking and entertaining.” As a functioning kitchen, the appliances are hightech.

But as a place where the Sheas spend many hours, adds Kevin, “We didn’t want all the modern gadgets to clash with the Georgian style of the home.”

How did the Sheas solve their dilemma? They designed their large kitchen island to be the focal point and then used a marble countertop to convey a timeless and traditional feel. As a custom homebuilder himself, Kevin was acquainted with Stone-N-Counters and contacted Bo to find the perfect slab—a beautiful white Carrara marble with blue veins. Because the Sheas’ slab is five centimeters thick instead of the typical three, Kevin says, “It really sets the tone and look of the kitchen.”

The option to choose the thicker slab of Carrara marble was possible because “at Stone N Counters
we do all of our own fabrication and installation,” Brown relates. “The materials come from all over the world and we hand-select the stone we use.” Though marble countertops are available from many vendors today, he states, “To get a countertop whose beauty will last, it’s our expertise that makes all the difference.”

For great ideas on how to get a unique look with stone and tile, visit the showroom of Stone-N-Counters at 650 Pressley Road in Charlotte or call 704-521-2720.