What to expect from marble
Marble is a natural stone made mostly of calcite. It is softer than granite or quartz and it reacts with acid. Lemon juice, vinegar, wine and tomato can leave dull patches called etch marks, even on a sealed worktop, because sealing slows staining but does not stop the acid reacting with the stone.
Over time a marble worktop builds up a soft patina of these marks. Many people like that lived-in look; others find it frustrating. Decide which you are before choosing marble for the busiest part of the kitchen.
Honed or polished?
Polished marble is glossy and shows off the veining, but etch marks show up clearly as dull spots. A honed (matt) finish hides etching much better because the whole surface is already matt. For a working kitchen, honed is usually the more forgiving choice.
Some people use marble only where it is seen most, such as an island or a baking area, and choose a tougher material for the run around the sink and hob.
Barnet's hard water and marble
This matters more with marble than any other surface. Barnet's water is very hard: a 2024 comparison of Thames Water data ranked it the hardest of 32 London boroughs. Limescale builds up around taps quickly, and most limescale removers are acidic, which etches marble.
Wipe the area round the tap dry after use so scale never gets a chance to build. When it does, use a cleaner made for marble rather than a bathroom descaler, and keep vinegar well away.
Choosing the slab
Veining varies widely, even within one type of marble. If you have a particular look in mind, ask to see the actual slabs and agree how the veins will run across the island and where joins will fall. Bookmatched panels, where two slabs are opened like a book so the veins mirror each other, can make a striking splashback.
Fitting and sealing
Marble is templated and cut like other stone, with an undermounted or inset sink and a hob opening. We seal it before handover and tell you which products to use and how often to reseal. Marble is not as strong as granite across long spans, so overhangs need the right support.
Pricing a marble worktop
Tell us the marble you like, the layout and sizes, the finish, the sink and hob, and whether you want a matching splashback. Send it through the quote form.
Questions people ask
Will marble stain?
Sealing makes marble much more resistant to staining, but oils and strongly coloured liquids should still be wiped up quickly. Etching from acids is a separate issue that sealing does not prevent.
Can etch marks be removed?
Light etching on a honed surface often blends in on its own. Etching on polished marble can be re-polished by a stone restoration specialist.