You know that marble is a natural stone with every slab being different. Each piece is unique in its patterns and colors which makes marble an elegant addition to any home. It’s luxury and style are unmatchable but knowing the slight differences in the three types of Italian marble, which are Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuary (Statuario) is important, especially if you want to use any of them in your kitchen or bathroom design scheme.
Though these stones are quite similar, there are distinctions. So, what are the distinguishing differences between these three types of marble?
Carrara Marble
Carrara is the most common and abundant marble of the three and is named for the region in Italy where it’s quarried. Carrara marble is one of the top-rated natural stones worldwide. The stone has a gray or blue-gray background with gray veining that is light in texture as far as its patterning is concerned. Its grain is soft with feather line consistencies, which impresses homeowners. Carrara is not a pure white marble, and it’s less expensive and easier to find across the marketplace. It can also be fashioned as tiles. Carrara slabs are created from one block and when installed the look is stunning as the veining runs together for a one-of-a-kind design. You’re ensured that your design pattern is incomparable to any other.
Calacatta Marble
Calacatta is a luxurious white marble that is smooth compared to Carrara marble and is rarer. This marble is also quarried in the mountainous regions of Carrara and is available for distribution in the United States. Calacatta’s base is pure white and carries a rich elegance. It has more variation in color than Carrara marble, as its veining is thick and striking and coordinates well in most kitchens and bathroom areas. The color spread of the veining is gold and brown to a darker gray and beige. The dramatic veining in this natural stone may make it more conducive to broader and bolder decorating looks.
Statuary Marble
Statuary marble’s name means what it says, as many classic sculptors used this marble to create masterpieces. It’s highly desirable and a somewhat limited marble that can be difficult to find, though it is an exclusive stone for both residential and industrial installations and is another Italian marble that is native to the Carrara upper mountainous regions of Italy. Statuary or (Statuario) is characterized by its extremely bright white background, though it doesn’t have the variation in color that Calacatta represents. The veining is usually dark gray with a considerable contrast between the light and dark of the stone. The white marble with its luxuriously distinct gray and gold veining goes well with large applications such as countertop slabs, backsplashes, vanities, wall panels, and even floor tiles.
Price Difference Among the Three
Of the three, Carrara is the most reasonably priced and ranges from $75 to $100 per square foot, which doesn’t include installation costs. Since Calacatta marble is rarer and sought after, it can cost up to $250 a square foot, and Statuary marble is in the same price range. Prices are also affected by the marble’s thickness. Whether one or two centimeters in thickness, prices will vary. Also, prices with all three will vary where you purchase marble. Exclusive suppliers with rarer and more in-demand selections will usually charge higher prices compared to prices at chain store outlets where selections are more standard fare. With any marble slab the whiter it is, the more costly it becomes, plus more consistent veining will bring higher prices.
Maintenance Issues
With marble being what it is with its porous surfaces, there is a minor variation in the maintenance of these three types of Italian marble. Marble simply isn’t a low-maintenance stone when stains come into play. It’s not resistant to stains from acid-producing substances like tomato-based products, milk, citrus and red wine. You’ll need to seal and reseal marble to prevent the surface from stains and etching, and you’ll also need to clean up spills quickly and keep areas free of liquid and food debris. Marble requires tender loving care in order to remain stain and etch-free. It can also incur damages from breaks, chips or cracks so you want to be careful with utensils and other heavy objects around the marble.
Carrara Marble for Kitchens and Bathrooms
Consider Carrara for kitchen countertop use as it’s a stone that is darker or a slab that has a high penetration of veins with a smattering of colors that would offset possible stains from food, etching, and other discolorations. If you can afford a whiter, more pristine look with Calacatta or Statuary marble, you can learn how to clean that white marble fastidiously.
Carrara marble is also a superb choice for bathroom countertops, though using it within the sink or basin area should be thought through carefully as moisture accumulation in the sink area will require additional cleaning and wiping.
Calacatta Marble for Kitchens and Bathrooms
Though Calacatta is more expensive than Carrara, it would enhance any kitchen in its use for countertops, islands and backsplashes. Its light and luxurious veining placement make kitchens appear larger and more spacious for kitchen-related activities. As for bathroom areas, Calacatta marble can take any bathroom up a notch or two. Its brightness will intensify the space and create a feeling of luxury for anyone using the space. There will definitely be upkeep in any marble bathroom with regular cleaning and frequent resealing. You’ll need to follow a strict regimen with the right cleaning products designated specifically for marble.
Statuary Marble for Kitchens and Bathrooms
You can consider statuary marble the ideal white stone for kitchen countertops, backsplashes, and bathroom vanities, and floor tiles. Statuary pieces with dark gray and gold veining patterning are striking and amplify the look of any bathroom, particularly when used as a backsplash.
Which Marble is the Best for My Design Scheme
Before you choose a marble piece that meets your design needs, you’ll want to look at slab samples before deciding. Looking at slabs in yard areas where marble is available or showrooms will be of help. Consider the color variations and patterns and find one that meets your taste and needs. You can comparison shop by examining selected samples of all three marbles, or ask for photographs of what’s available and make comparisons from there. Whatever you view and choose will help you find what’s right for your home kitchen, bathroom or flooring design.
If you need further information about the differences between Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuary marble or you just have general questions about marble or granite companies nearby, call Marble Concepts at 215-396-7393. They’ll be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
