The countertops and backsplash are marble.

looks like a carerra marble, however I hope its a quartz that looks like it as marble should not be used in kitchen.

Why shouldn't marble be used in that kitchen?

marble is porous and soft,meaning easy to etch & dull out. Dealers will tell you sealers will work but it lasts for limited time, not 100% effective and wears down faster in areas of higher use. marble has been used for hundreds of years and holds up just fine overall but contemporary society values things that always look new and its unrealistic of this material.

There is no problem with marble in the kitchen. The only people who harp on that are people who can't afford it.

I have a similar kitchen to this and I have carerra marble everywhere. I have a DuPont sealer and it works very well against stains, but it etches. You have to love marble and not worry about the imperfections. I love all the marble in my kitchen even if it's not perfect. It is beautiful and organic.

Where are the electrical outlets? Thank you!

So you had a bad experience with marble in the kitchen?

Jay and Allison, If your question was to me then no. I haven't put marble in my kitchen. I know myself and am not ok with my counters having etching in polished or stains in honed marble. I understand it's part of the nature of marble but I would obsess over every little blemish. I'm just not easy going enough for marble. For these reasons, I have opted to not use marble in my kitchen.

Nothing like Carrera marble, just that simple.

why did you choose sea pearl for your new kitchen vs taj majal?

JayandAlison a lot of marble is actually quite affordable, especially Carrera. Experts do not recommend marble for the kitchen for the reasons mentioned in this conversation. It is porous and not durable enough. I had Carrera marble installed in a previous kitchen where I lived alone, and though it is beautiful and timeless, even for a single person I had issues with staining and etching. Now, with a family, I installed quartzite in our new home. I am in agreement with some others on here, I would definitely recommend quartzite for its durability and for the elegant movement on the stone that is very similar to marble. There are many styles that fit both traditional and modern homes. It is more costly than marble but worth every penny for both its beauty and functionality.

Are you guys referring to quartz or quartzite?
Doesn't quartzite etch and stain just like marble?

Quartzite is still a natural material, but is very dense thus hard to stain and does not etch. I'd still recommend a good sealer as all natural is porous to some degree.

Can anyone tell me the floor stain or wood?

I have had honed (not polished) Carrara in my kitchen for several years. I am so happy with it and I cook quite a bit...red wine, tomato sauce, lemons, etc!! It is sealed with a great product and NEVER stains. It DOES etch, but I knew that going in...it doesn't bother me. I know some people want a counter to always look like new...and that's ok too. I treat my marble counters the same way I treated the dated Formica that was in the kitchen before it - with cutting 'boards' or those clear plastic thingys. I would never cut directly on a counter no matter its material...bad for the knives and the counter. I have friends that do cut on their granite (yikes!!)...marble would not be a good choice for them. Bottom line though...I love my marble and I do not 'baby' it. And Carrara is less expensive than quartz (a man made product) and much less expensive than quartzite - a natural material. Be brave....go for it!

This looks like Calacatta marble, is it?

anyone have a recommendation for a quartz that looks like this marble. not too white. Thank you!

What quartz did you end up with? Im looking for the same effect.

I’d love to get marble...what product is best to seal it with? Mary Ann Fido? You mentioned a great product...can you share?

Another Houzzer recommended Akemi Stain Repellent...works great! I appied it when the counters were new, then again a few months later. Now I apply about once a year.

I've heard/read so many mixed opinions on marble kitchen counters. Very confusing. I really want to feel comfortable with my decision about using marble for kitchen.

I saw marble counters at several places that had been installed many years ago - so a lot of etching. It didn’t bother me at all...but some of my friends didn’t like it. It is a hard decision...but knowing the main issue (for me) was etching - and I was ok with that - I decided to go for it. What is your comfort based on? If you think the etching may bother you, I wouldn’t do it. By the way, they can resurface honed marble

you can get all quartz counters (not the manufactured quartz) that looks very similar to marble-and are more durable

Mary Ann Fido - can you share some pics @ anandrajk@ Gmail.com. We are designing a new kitchen and are thinking of 1) Carrara marble on the island and quartz on the outer periphery of the kitchen or 2) Carrara everywhere. Option 1 because we thought island won’t be as heavily used like the area next to range. Would love to get some inputs from you.

I debated for weeks about using marble. I chose marble and I love it! There is no material that can compare to the look and feel of marble. Many restaurant bars use marble. If you are a perfectionist than don’t choose marble. I had it sealed and it is guaranteed for life. Blake London uses marble on most of his kitchens. They are stunning. https://www.blakeslondon.com

Porcelain is a beautiful alternative to marble. It’s durable and exquisite to touch and view. Pricey, though.