carrara marble
The classic beauty and timeless elegance of Carrara marble have contributed to its reputation. Originating from Italy's Carrara region, Carrara marble has been used for centuries in the making of sculptures, buildings, and the interior of homes. This article outlines the interesting history, size, type and application of Carrara marble, as well as information about the installation, maintenance and price of this stone.
Carrara Marble is a Romantic marble with a long history. The Romans used Carrara Marble throughout the Empire and the most famous representation of Carrara Marble today would be the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column. The Renaissance saw the marble reach its peak in uses for works of art through sculptors like Michelangelo, who carved The David from one block of Carrara.
Different Types of Carrara Marble
Carrara marble comes in many different types, all of which have specific characteristics. Here are some examples of popular Carrara marble types:
Bianco Carrara - Bianco carrara is by far the most popular type of Carrara marble and has a light grey base colour with a subtle amount of veining.
Statuario - Statuario is known for its very pale white base colour and stunningly strong veining.
Calacatta - Calacatta is typically a whiter colour than Bianco or Statuario and generally has less veining. These two characteristics are what make calacatta marble especially suited to high-end uses.
Each Carrara marble type has its own distinctive look and can therefore be used in an almost endless number of ways in the interior design world.
Applications of Carrara Marble
Countertops and Tiles
Many homeowners select Carrara marble as their countertop choice for the kitchen and/or bathroom because the smooth look of Carrara marble gives you a high level of sophistication. The cool colors of Carrara marble, combined with the uniquely patterned veining, help to give each room a feeling of elegance.
Carrara marble tile flooring and wall applications are another popular way to use Carrara marble, and they help to create a continuous flow of design throughout the entire house.
Sculpture/Art;
The combination of Carrara Marble beauty and its ability to work with create makes Carrara Marble to be the preferred stone of sculptors. Because of the fine grain of Carrara Marble, sculptors can produce very delicate detail on works and also create more durable pieces that will last through time.
Furniture/Decor;
The use of Carrara Marble is not limited to sculptures; Carrara Marble is used in furnishings such as coffee tables and side tables; therefore giving a chic look as well as a luxurious feel to any home environment. The beauty of Carrara Marble is its ability to fit both contemporary and traditional interior designs.
Advantages of Carrara Marble
Carrara marble has many advantages, which is why it is one of the most commonly used materials for several applications:
Beauty: The classic beauty of Carrara marble will enhance the aesthetics of any room.
Durability: Although Carrara marble is much softer than granite, it is still very durable and can last decades when properly maintained.
Versatility: Carrara marble is available in many different varieties and finishes, allowing it to match a variety of design styles.
Granite Styled as Carrara
If you love Carrara marble's beauty but are looking for something that will hold up better than marble, then you might want to look at these choices of granite that have characteristics that closely resemble Carrara. All of these types of granite can provide similar aesthetics to Carrara, with the added benefit of being more scratch- and stain-resistant than Carrara; thus making them a good choice for areas that receive heavy traffic.
Carrara Marble Installation and Maintenance
Installing Carrara marble is a task that requires precision and skill. Be sure to hire a qualified professional to assist you with the cutting, sealing, and installation of your Carrara marble, as improper installation can lead to the costly replacement or repairs of your Carrara marble.
Care and Maintenance
Carrara marble can be a strong material; however, it needs attention and regular upkeep in order for it to remain beautiful:
Sealing: Marble should be sealed at regular intervals to avoid staining and etching.
Cleaning: Use only very mild pH neutral cleaners. Strong cleaners can damage the marble surface.
Avoiding Damage: Use coasters and trivets to minimise scratching and thermal damage.
Estimating Cost and Access
The cost for Carrara marble varies depending upon the type, thickness, and finish. Carrara is a mid-priced marble option. While Carrara's expense may be higher than other types of marble, it is always a worthwhile investment due to the timeless beauty of Carrara marble and the value it brings to real estate.
Carrara Marble Supply Companies
To buy Carrara marble, you should only work with reputable suppliers who can ensure the quality and authenticity of the marble. Most suppliers will have a full line of products available (i.e., slabs, tile) to meet the needs of your project.
Carrara Marble Sheets London
In London, you can find many suppliers to purchase Carrara marble sheets from some of them will also provide you with installation services, which makes it easy for builders and homeowners to have a great experience when using Carrara marble.
Carrara marble is a timelessly beautiful material, and has been used for centuries as a form of decoration, creating sophistication in any room that includes carrara marble in its design. In addition to adding an elegant look, Carrara marble is also a versatile building material that has many uses from beautiful countertops, stunning sculptural pieces and to creating stunning furniture. Understanding the many different types of carrara marble, your needs, and how to care for carrara marble will help you make informed decisions in your purchase of carrara marble, which will enhance your home for many years to come.
Let the timelessness of Carrara's charm and the sophistication it brings to elevate your home or project.
