Italian vs Vermont: Get The Facts On Marble Countertops
Is Vermont Danby Or Italian Marble Better For Countertops?
When it comes to kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities, nothing is quite as luxurious and stunning as a beautifully veined marble. Every slab has a unique look that is determined by where it was quarried and how it was formed millions of years ago. Marble has long held esteem among artists, architects, designers, and homeowners. Once the stone of royalty, today, marble is the countertop of choice for many homeowners remodeling or upgrading their kitchen. It's a versatile stone and comes in a variety of strains, colors, and finishes, it's a luxurious finish that can add a grand aesthetic to your kitchen or bath.
Though quarried in many countries, marble is closely identified with Italy. The most popular variety is white Carrara marble which comes from the Alps in north-central Italy. Calacatta and Bardiglio marbles are also found in this region, which is considered the heart of Italian marble, both in terms of variety and volume extracted. However, there are many other famed areas for different types of marble, Red Verona from Veneto, Portot from Liguria and Custonari from Sicily to name just a few.
Today, we have a contender for these beautiful varieties right here in America. Vermont Danby marble rivals Italian marble in color, and character. Marble from Vermont is well known for it's clean, white coloration and light veining. Coming in a variety of types, and color variations, Vermont Danby marble is one of the most naturally durable marble slabs around, in fact, it's often referred to as “marble's marble!”
Let's take a look at Italian vs. Vermont marble for your kitchen countertops.
Why Kitchen Designers From Vermont To Alabama Love Marble
Marble has a long lifespan; in fact, a marble countertop can last for decades with little wear if adequately cared for. It's a material that offers designers a way to express shape, color, texture, and movement in their designs. Italian marble, like Carrara, is a stone that is deeply rooted in history, universally recognized, and valued for the sophistication it brings to any design. Marble offers homeowners an expression of nature for their home and immense value thanks to its longevity, durability, and beauty.
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Every species of marble gets its unique qualities from the geographic area from which it is quarried. Color, purity, and patterns depend on several factors including the concentration of minerals in the locality where it is mined. These minerals can influence the colors and graining. For example, micro-crystals of hematite are visible as shades from pale pink to brick red. Chlorite casts light to dark green color, and pyrite offers light to dark grey veining. The absence of these minerals or minimal quantities gives marble a classical pearly white, to pure white color.
Which Is The Right Choice For Your Countertop: Vermont Danby Marble or Italian Marble?
Both Italian marble and Vermont Danby marble offer homeowners a luxurious material that is at home in any luxurious, sophisticated kitchen design. Your choice depends mainly on personal preference and your aesthetic needs. While Italian marble comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, Vermont Danby marble is also available in a variety of shades from solid pristine white, to creams, pinks, reds, black and gray it's even one of the most durable marbles available. If you're looking for a clean, subtle and elegant material, Vermont Danby is a very pure material. The veining can range subtle to strikingly intense and full of movement. White Vermont Danby rivals Carrara in terms of its classic purity and deep white color.
Today, sustainability is an essential factor for many homeowners. Italian marble has a high carbon footprint, mostly due to the fuel needed to ship it to the US. Vermont Danby is extracted here in the US and uses much less fuel in terms of transportation.
In terms of durability, Vermont Danby wins this contest, hands down. While Italian marble is beautiful, it is also very porous and requires significant maintenance to prevent staining, etching, and scratches. Due to its mineral content, Danby is much less porous and as a result, less prone to staining. If you have kids, Danby can stand-up to the daily use and abuse of spilled juice boxes and smoothies better than say, Carrara or Calacatta.
In terms of price, Italian marble has a “classic” reputation and higher transportation costs which can make it an expensive choice. Vermont Danby is often a more affordable choice.
So Which is Right For You?
The bottom line is that it all comes down to your style and budget. If you love the luxurious look of Italian marbles but are concerned about the environmental impact, Vermont Danby is quarried right here in the USA. Like Italian marble, The look and price Vermont Danby vary. For example, Royal Danby rivals the look of Carrara, but is denser and resists staining. It's also the most common variety of Danby and being on the lower end of the price range, more economical than the Italians. It's an excellent choice for the budget conscious. Imperial Danby is the rarest variety and is priced accordingly.
As with any material seeing it in person, comparing the look, finish, and feel is the key. When comparing marble, look at full slabs to get a real feel for the overall look of the stone. If you're planning a kitchen remodeling, take a look at both Italian and Vermont Danby side-by-side to truly compare the look and aesthetic. Consider that Vermont Danby is a very dense stone and is better at resisting staining, etching, and scratching when compared to the Italian varieties, and then make an informed decision. The best option is to speak with your designer or kitchen and bath remodeling contractor. They will be familiar with the many choices of marble available and can help you to make the appropriate choice to meet your needs.
If you're planning a kitchen remodeling and you live in the greater Tuscaloosa, Alabama area, give the experts at Toulmin Kitchen and Bath a call at (205) 366-0807. Our designers are up to date on all the latest marble choices available and can help you to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the countertop for your dream kitchen.