Carrara Marble Countertop

Another reason I decided to use that old dresser as our kitchen island is the dimensions were just right for the marble slab I had.


Lots of readers emailed asking what quarry I used in the tri-state area to get my carrara slab. Sadly, I have no recommendations for quarries. My slab is (was) a $70 coffee table, just cleaned really well and resealed:



I got it at Canterbury Antiques in Delaware, but I've seen about a million versions of the same coffee table on craigslist. They're often under $200, which is an amazing savings, compared to getting a slab cut down or even using a remnant piece of marble.



Some of you asked in your emails how the carrara has held up for me. I haven't had any problems at all with staining. I forgot to mention that this slab is polished, but if I had carrara installed in future home's kitchen, I would definitely go with a honed finish. I've heard from friends and clients with honed marble counters that if you are diligent about sealing the marble every six months or so, there are no issues at all with staining.

P.S. I'm starting to do some projects for our master bedroom and I'm using the pretty table frame to make an upholstered bench for the foot of our bed!
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34 comments:

  1. pve designMay 10, 2011 at 5:33 AM

    I had to chuckle, that you happened to have that slab just laying around. You crack me up.
    pve

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  2. meenal @ maison marigoldMay 10, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    it looks gorgeous on the island..what a find!!! xx meenal

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  3. Rosa MarreroMay 10, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/bodokitty/3458312652/

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  4. Business DirectoryMay 10, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    you settled your Kitchen in very good manners.It is looking very attractive and very decent.

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  5. 4403 Montego DriveMay 10, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    I love that you have shown us some pics from your personal projects. I've often thought about what the rest of your home looks like. Thanks.
    Nice carrara!

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  6. LeslieMay 10, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Sealing keeps the marble from staining but it does not keep it from scratching. You HAVE to be willing to live with scratches if you're going to have marble countertops. I know some people think it's part of the patina of marble but some fussier people I know can't stand it when it's actually in their nice new kitchen!

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  7. Alicia@ eco friendly homemakingMay 10, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Wow you amaze me every time I read one of your posts! What a great idea to use the table for a bench, I am so looking forward to seeing the finished project. The marble looks great and just to think that your beautiful island is from a dresser and a coffee table!! I am telling you just amazing!

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  8. nelyaMay 10, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    Really, seriously, your brilliance knows no bounds.

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  9. Kelly @ View along the wayMay 10, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    This is genius! I bet I can find a marble slab like that for my bathroom, and maybe get that carrera marble counter I've been dreaming of! Thanks for the great idea!

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  10. pattyMay 10, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I just used a tri-state area stone cutter for Jerusalem Gold limestone, both polished (vanity top) and honed (shower curbs). I haven't posted pictures of them to my blog yet, because my bath is still a minor disaster of unfinished constructions. f anyone would like a recommendation, please email me. My address is wingdangdoo at g mail dot com.

    I love your island and so covet your creativity!

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  11. AshleyMay 10, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    What a smart reuse, Jenny. Seriously, you have such a unique ability to look at something others would ignore and reimagine it...what a gift!

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  12. Brandi@ Flights of WhimsyMay 10, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    What a great idea! I see these tables like this all the time and it would save so much money.

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  13. lizziefitzMay 10, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Waste not want not! You are one very resourceful gal!

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  14. The Cuban In My CoffeeMay 10, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    WOW! I really love what you did. That is such a find and such a great idea. I am going to add some kind of cart or bar to the end of my kitchen for some added interest. Now you have me thinking outside the box. Thanks

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  15. HeidiMay 10, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    I'm even more amazed with your kitchen after learning about your marble "source"! So much so that I had to repost the gorgeousness that is your kitchen:

    http://athousandlaughingstarfish.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-want-to-move-in.html

    Thanks for sharing and continuing to inspire me and so many others day after day!

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  16. amber wallaceMay 10, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    How clever! It looks amazing on the island. And I cannot wait for the bench and your room!

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  17. Julia @ 551EastdesignMay 10, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    You seriously inspire me! I love it!

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  18. BluBabesCreateMay 10, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    It is all very polished looking.

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  19. GloriaMay 10, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    Wow! Let nothing go to waste. How awesome that it worked out like that!

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  20. SallyMay 10, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    I've said it before and I'll say it again; please do a post about how to make upholstery yourself. I have a few projects planned for summer (some old rococo chairs and a headboard for our bed etc.) but have no clue "how to"... please share your tips and tricks! Thank you! :)

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  21. kiplinghousblog.comMay 10, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Okay, this project is Brills. And now, you're going to think I'm crazy. I recently learned from a stone fabricator... that rubbing VINEGAR on polished Marble evenly REMOVES the polish, to reveal a honed finish. I mean, Im scared to try this on a huge piece, but maybe try one on a sample you have laying around. Might be the perfect (and cheap) way to get that honed look you desire.

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  22. Sarah (Matters of Style)May 10, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Wow so clever!

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  23. AnonymousMay 10, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    This is a great idea!! "Recycling" the slab is genius. I have to say though that honed counter tops show water spots and drops (a client learned that the hard way) but I do LOVE the look. I often use Absolute Black honed as a soapstone substitute. Thanks for sharing!! Joanna

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  24. kelleypMay 10, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    we have both honed and polished white carrera marble in our home. on your island just make sure you do NOT slice anything acidic directly on your polished marble, nor can you spill red wine or it will etch the polish. I have course have done both but eventually it does create a nice patina over time! but at first you will not be able to focus on anything other than the place you etched it each time you look at it. honed is SOOOO much easier to take care of.
    Kelley

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  25. AliMay 10, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    I know this is your business and so of course you must have some innate talent but you really blow me away. I love reading about how you take pieces and transform them...not the usual blog transformations. So inspired and insightful and downright lovely. I'm always in awe.

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  26. Allison EganMay 11, 2011 at 5:46 AM

    Seriously brilliant!! your blog is so inspiring! great use of the dresser as an island!!! love it!
    xo Allison

    Spicer + Bank www.spicerandbank.blogspot.com

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  27. SaraMay 11, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    That is such a fabulous idea - never would have thought of that...

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  28. UnknownMay 11, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    Wow - what a fabulous project! thanks for sharing. I am going to have to find m a piece of marble like this for my bathroom. jess @ www.nesteaglerock.com

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  29. meaghan easterhausMay 11, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    diiiid someone get a new camera?!?!?! your pics (and island) look amazing!!!!

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  30. AnonymousMay 12, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    What a great deal! And it came out looking incredible - inspiring for the day I want to redo my own kitchen (well... I want it done, I just don't want to do it right now!)

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  31. Kate NisbetMay 14, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    so smart, what a great re-purpose!

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  32. Get a free BlogMay 18, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I have found a website to get blogging for Absolutely free.And hopefully I will have more fun by blogging there.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Pink Sun DropsMay 20, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    Brilliant to use a coffee table marble slab for a kitchen counter! Found you from Full House, by the way!

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  34. JanetFebruary 8, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    What a fantastic find! GOOD FOR YOU! I am adding carrara to my kitchen this week, and WISH I could score a deal like yours!

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)