“Hard Marble” is one of those made up terms they use in stone yards. It usually refers to dolomitic marble, and don’t be fooled by the name. I remember learning from @karin_mt a geologist, so a true expert (search for her threads) that dolomitic marble is really only slightly harder than calcitic marble, and that they will be essentially the same in terms of etching and staining. So you will need to either learn to love it as it patinates, or you will be sealing it every 6 months. You might want to consider a honed or leathered finish, as the polished is harder to maintain.

Marble is beautiful. I’m one of those people who doesn’t mind some etching or staining, but I’m Greek, maybe it’s hard wired in me. There are lots of folks on houzz who have used and loved all types of marble, but they live in 2 camps: one where anything goes, or the camp where they baby their surfaces. Just make sure you know which camp you’re in and make peace with that.

I don’t love stone backsplashes - I call it the Stonehenge look - so my preference would be a glazed ceramic tile that harmonizes with the counter material, but that’s me. The ”all one material” look for counters and backsplashes is very in right now. Best of luck with your decision.

Get it if you love the look and the price. But it isn't going to give you any real advantage over marble. It is only every so slightly harder than marble. If you are not a fan of the aged, patina, etched aesthetic or if you don't like to be mindful of your countertop behavior then keep on looking.

Yes, to all above.......

Please show YOUR kitchen as is? Spare us the AI: )

eam44 is spot on about marble. And karin_mt's posts are fascinating and so informative.

I'll tell you that I have Danby marble, from Vermont. Its porosity is better than some granites, BUT it still etches like crazy. No staining. I'm in the "anything goes" camp because trying to keep marble from etching is like trying to stop the tides from coming in and going out. It's nature, and you either accept it as it is, or drive yourself crazy trying to make it do something it can't.

Perfection is totally overrated......: )

Yes it is.

But I'll also say that the green cabinets with white marble is gorgeous. My son and his wife recently did theirs in that color combination, with leathered Oyster White marble. It's stunning.

Yes it is gorgeous, and It is A real live KITCHEN!

And well used!

Beautiful @Diana Bier Interiors, LLC . Apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

@Diana Bier Interiors, LLC, did your son consult a pro, perhaps? 😂 Lucky duck.

Thanks Jan, Kendrah and eam44!

I did the layout for them, but my daughter in law selected all the materials. My son is the real cook, and he picked out the appliances, but left everything else to her. I'm fairly sure that her background in fashion merchandising is connected to her innate sense of style. She has a fabulous sense of pattern and color, and the contractor asked if she would like to work with them! But they have two little ones and a new puppy, so she's pretty busy!

Here is my existing kitchen. Poor lighting but here it is! Mid renovation

"There are lots of folks on houzz who have used and loved all types of marble, but they live in 2 camps: one where anything goes, or the camp where they baby their surfaces."

I have marble in my kitchen and am in the "anything goes" camp. However, the marble will haunt my husband until we take it out. It will etch, it will chip.

I am extremely inclined to believe you are lusting after dolomite.

"Everest white dolomite" refers to a natural stone, often a polished tile, that features a white or snowy-white background with grey veining. It is sometimes presented as a natural stone similar to marble but with distinct properties. While sometimes sold as a dolomite, variations like Everest White Granite and Everest White Porcelain also exist, which are different types of stone with similar aesthetic characteristics. Key Characteristics

• Color and Veining: It has a primary white or creamy white background, often with grey, black, or rusty-gold veining that can look like feathering or calacatta-style veins.
• Material: While "Everest white dolomite" specifically names the stone, there are variations like Everest White granite, which is a granite, and Everest White Porcelain, a manufactured product.
• Appearance: It offers a luxurious and elegant look, suitable for both contemporary and traditional designs

Important Considerations

• Natural Variations: Natural stones like Everest White Dolomite exhibit natural variations in color, pattern, and texture from one slab to another.
• Maintenance: Dolomite requires regular maintenance, including proper sealing and cleaning with pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaners, to preserve its beauty and durability.
• Samples: It is recommended to view physical samples rather than just pictures to understand the true color, texture, and veining of the stone. "

A single slab won't do your kitchen : ) If your source is local?

You want to take a drawer face, and a sample of your flooring to that slab. Take your layout with you.

"I have marble in my kitchen and am in the "anything goes" camp. However, the marble will haunt my husband until we take it out. It will etch, it will chip."

Haha, pennfire, my husband feels the same way! But he won't take it out--not willing to pay for a new countertop!

Those of you who have Dolomite/ hard marble surfaces, would you recommend honing or leather ing?

Honing can make it even more susceptible to etching and stains.

Dolomitized marbleis actual marble that has undergone a geological process where magnesium ions replace calcium ions. This process creates a much harder, more durable stone that can be called hard marble or dolomitic. Go with a matte finish.

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness tests the ability of one mineral to scratch another, and organizes them from 1 (talc, very soft) to 10 (diamond). Calcitic marble has a mohs scale hardness of 3. Dolomitic marble is around 3.5. It’s really not that much harder. Granite is around a 6 by comparison.

Diana Bier Interiors, LLC, did your daughter in law select leathered finish over honed for a reason? I’m curious on her thought process there. Some say it hides chips/ etching better

I think they liked the texture better--it's raised in spots unlike honed which is smooth. I didn't hear her saying anything about chips or etching.

Ok thank you! I think that’s a great choice also because it’s forgiving. At least that’s what I’m hoping for!