That is polished marble. Unless you are meticulous, marble is not the right item for most kitchens. It stains from wine, citrus and oils and quickly loses its pristine appearance. I do like the rustic look this gives marble but many don't. Super White is a granite that has the same look as Carrera marble but has the durability of granite.

is it better to be honed vs marble for stain resistant?

Honed vs. polished you mean. I don't know if there is a difference. I think a stain may show more on polished since there will be more contrast. If I were to use the marble I would go honed and embrace the patina that comes with it.

Hi Anita,
In this project the marble is polished. I do believe polished is more durable, but it is a soft stone and will show rings. It's been used for hundreds of years in Europe and does 'patina' meaning you will see everything that's left on it. It is a personal choice going in to use it but just know it will show. I've had several clients use it and they still love it. Carrara can be quite gray, so maybe that's the way to go to hide more 'sins'.

My now two month old kitchen has honed carrara marble counter tops with matching subway tile back splash. All the negative are true, but I still love it. We are a small family and fairly compulsive about keeping neat, but lemon squirts everywhere. If you clean up quickly, it will keep the etching to a minimum. There are also kits available with which to do repairs. But, here's the thing about marble. If you are patient and don't obsess about keeping things pristine, over time it will patina and be beautiful. I went to Eataly in NYC last week and saw the marble counter tops and floors in the vicinity of the bakery. They had such a beautiful patina on them. So now, I'm not as upset as I was when I noticed that first lemon juice etch. But again, it's all personal.

rtk123, how much did that kitchen run you to remodel? and what did you do for flooring? I love the backsplash and carerra counters.

This is a galley NYC apartment. Cabinets are custom painted maple and include a customized "hutch" on the side opposite the stove/dish washer area. Jennifer Paolino, whose contact information you can fine on Houzz, designed the cabinets after a long and detailed discussion about what I wanted. The cabinets are middle-grade, soft close drawers, the drawers to the left of the range provide storage for all my pots and pans, with lager items stored in the bottom drawer of the range. I do not know what current prices are ... these things do change. However at the time the cabinets were $16,000. I used 2 foot square grey porcelain tiles with a 1/8 inch grout line between tiles to create an almost seamless look. The tiles have an appearance of coarse linen in varying tones of grey. I don't know where you are .... costs might differ in different parts of the country. Total cost for materials, appliances, lighting, electrical and instal were approximately $37,000. Counter tops and backsplash both honed carrerra.

Awesome thanks so much! We are in NYC as well. I assume prices are up from 2012 but still that's great info to know. Thanks again.

All new appliances? And did you do new kitchen flooring?

Jennifer Paolino is wonderful to work with .... please check her out. We went through several design changes ... the initial one was just beautiful and had a lot of detail, but put me way out of my budget. All appliances are Frigidaire except for the refrigerator which is a Fischer & Paykel. I went with them because that was the only make that came in a no fingerprint stainless finish, has a bottom freezer, is counter depth and wasn't do wide as to reduce counter space to left of stove. I lost about 4 inches, but I didn't want the refrigerator to bump out past the counters.

will do! thanks so much!

lasvegasstonepros
Good morning folks, I've been restoring natural stone for over 20 years. Until a few monthes ago there was no acceptable product in the world that could be applied to marble countertops that both looked great and prevented 100% of all stains and acid etching. We are currently the only company in the country certified by the manufacturer to apply a brand new revolutionary coating for marble. Yes it is a coating but this product will turn the marble industry upside down. For years people have been afraid to put marble in their kitchens. We have been working to perfect the complicated application process and I have to tell you that the finished product is absolutely beautiful. Upon completion of the application the marble looks like a reflection of crystal clear water while maintaining the depth and beauty of the marble. The best part about this coating is that it will prevent acid etching, stains from any product you can imagine including tomatoe sauce, wine, soda and even hydrochloride acid!! I will be posting pictures if the finished product in a few days. This coating can either be highly polished or honed. I know there will be skeptics. I was until I saw it with my own eyes. It truly is an amazing product.
just now

I doubt this is true. Especially since you are from Las Vegas

what's with some of you people? Please be polite towards those who are trying to help!

To the Lasvegasstonepros....I would love to hear more about the product you mention for polishing marble and when and where it will be available.

Jo Carpenter .... Google Las Vegas Stone Pros, you'll find some info there. This is just an FYI and in NO WAY is an endorsement.

rtk123 I know this is old but what did they use to seal your honed marble counters? the slab we like is polished, but will be honed.

It is a product that is supplied by most stone fabricators. I cant recall the name.

If you use marble counters you should in a cutting board or 2 & use them when cooking. That will help with stains somewhat