So you’ve decided to buy marble. It’s good marble. It’s timeless (yes, we said it), it’s easy to work with, and it’s usually considered the stone of choice when you want to give a room a luxurious feel. But wait a second before you swoon over this sketchy looking veined beauty.

Despite common misconceptions, the process of buying marble slabs is not as simple as picking out the prettiest one in the yard. Whether you’re designing your dream kitchen, a hotel lobby or a bathroom that feels like a spa, the choices you make are critical to the look, functionality and cost of the project. Marble slabs have unparalleled beauty, but if purchased without sufficient research, they can single-handedly ruin the project.

Avoiding these common mistakes will save you a lot of time and money. Let’s review.

Mistake 1: Selecting Slabs Based Soley On Their Aesthetic Appeal More

We can all agree that marble slabs are stunning; however, with the amount of people set in their ways without knowing these truths, there are wood floors. Not all slabs are created equal. Slabs vary in quality, and sometimes rounder, softer types can show more wear than other types. Some planks tend to be softer, more porous, or more prone to staining.

What to do instead:

Ask about the durability, porosity and finish of the slab. Consider if it will be in a high-traffic area or near food; that shiny, delicate slab may not be the best choice.

Panda White Marble Slab
Panda White Marble Slab

Mistake 2: Not Considering the Finish

Glossy may look good in a photo, but it’s not always practical. We all know that polished marble can be slippery and show every fingerprint. Honed marble is more forgiving, but some people find it lacks luster.

How to resolve this:

Consider where the marble will go and how it will be used. Honed is your friend if it’s a kitchen countertop. If it’s a bathroom vanity, maybe honed will work.

Bonus tip: Make your decision after seeing samples in real lighting.

Mistake 3: Not Looking for Cracks or Filler

Here’s something about slabs that are repaired with resin or filler. Unfortunately, not all fillers are created equal, and a small crack that is poorly filled can compromise the longevity of the entire slab.

What to do instead:

If possible, always inspect the slab in person. Otherwise, ask for detailed photos and videos. Eliminate unusual-looking veins and uneven coloring or dull spots. And don’t be afraid to ask your supplier for other repairs or reinforcements.

Volakas White Marble Slab
Volakas White Marble Slab

Mistake 4: Forgetting The Sealing Discussion

Marble is permeable. This means that it will absorb liquids unless it is properly sealed. Buyers often assume that all slabs are pre-sealed or don’t need to be sealed. This is not true.

What to do instead:

Clearly explain if your slab needs to be sealed, how often it needs to be resealed, and what type of sealant should be used. This is critical if you are installing marble in kitchens or bathrooms.

Mistake 5: Ignoring The Thickness And Dimensions

Thickness and size are often overlooked. Some panels are cut too thin for certain applications, and some cut too thick add excess weight to existing cabinets. Choosing the wrong dimensions risks delays or worse, damage.

What to do instead:

Be sure to check the dimensions and consult with your contractor or installer before placing an order. Know if you need 2cm or 3cm thick panels, how they will be transported and if extra supports will be needed.

Choose the slab that best suits your needs

Used correctly, marble attracts attention but requires a bit of finesse. Purchases made without thought make a strong and intelligent statement.

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