This gallery of marble slab backsplash ideas shares the best options for Calacatta & Carrara marble slabs for kitchens, and pros and cons of marble slabs.
Because it’s a classic material, it has withstood the test of time and has proven to be popular then and now. While marble continues to be a popular material, as it is a natural stone, it does come with its pros and cons.
Marble Slab Kitchen Backsplash Designs
For most types of kitchen backsplash applications, you’ll encounter less problems and limitations in using marble compared to using it as a countertop. First, a backsplash isn’t subject to as much wear-and-tear as a countertop; it doesn’t experience too much weight or impact, and only gets wet occasionally. You won’t have too much problems with keeping marble backsplash in tip-top shape.
The two most popular marble materials are:
1. Calacatta marble: a high-end marble known for its distinctive veining. It has fewer but bolder veins, and it always creates a unique look. Usually, the whiter the background is, the more expensive it gets
2.Carrarra marble: this marble has a creamy color and has more veins compared to Calacatta.The veins are also fine/thinner and are usually gray in color.
Depending on your budget you can use marble as slab or as tiles. Slab is the most expensive option, and does have size limitations, but it’s the best option if you want to highlight the pattern of your marble.
This is the most common choice for Calacatta marble. If you have a more limited budget, you can also buy them in tile sizes. Choose an option that matches your budget and aesthetic goals.
As for maintenance, the regular cleaning of marble is just as important as the resealing. Although backsplash generally doesn’t get damaged as quickly as countertops, make sure you clean them well.
You can use a stone cleaner that is appropriate for marble, but you can also use mild soap or dishwashing liquid and use soft cotton rags to wipe any dirt or stain away.
Calacatta Marble Slab Backsplash
In this modern kitchen design the marble was laid out horizontally on the counter wall to counteract with the vertical grains of the cabinet laminates. Meanwhile, on the other wall, the marble pattern is vertical, giving an illusion of height to the area.
Carrara Marble Slab Backsplash
Small gray carrara marble tiles are also trendy these days. The small tiles allow you to create various unique patterns and add a fun texture to your backsplash. Experiment with various patterns and installation techniques to see which suits your kitchen the best.
Marble Slab Backsplash Kitchen Pros and Cons
Pros of marble slab backsplash
• Beauty: The natural patterns and veins of marble is its most sought-after feature; no one slab is 100% with another, so it adds uniqueness to any space
• Variety: Depending on where you source your marble, you have a variety of veins/patterns and hues that you can choose from
• Timeless: Whether you place marble in a classic style kitchen or a modern one is no problem as marble matches any design style. If you invest in marble, as long as you maintain it well, it can last you for many years.
Cons of marble slab backsplash
• Cost: As marble is usually imported, it can get very expensive depending on the type of marble you get
• Maintenance: Marble is a porous material so it needs constant resealing to maintain its quality. There’s also a possibility of staining, if you don’t seal it properly. This constant resealing cost can incur over time
• Cracks: Marble can be more prone to cracking the older it gets, so you need to be cautious about small cracks and fix them as soon as you see one.
Marble Slab Backsplash Cost
But if you are able to commit to its upkeep and maintenance, a marble countertop is a really good investment that can raise the resale value of your property.
However, marble costs around $100 to $200 per square foot. So keep those numbers, along with potential upkeep costs in mind when considering these marble slab backsplash ideas.
See more related content in our article about Carrara marble shower on this page.