Slab Sunday: Carrara marble

For as much as I talk about Carrara marble around here I can't believe that I am just getting around to doing a Slab Sunday about it.
Better late than never though.  Today is all about Carrara marble.

Carrara marble is quarried from a bedrock quarry in Carrara, Italy. 
It is a dream of mine to someday visit this quarry.  If I were to have a bucket list, this would be on it.  :)
There are several quarries in this region that produce white marble.  Carrara is actually one of the least expensive marbles that comes out of this area.

Photo from MGS by Design.  This is a slab from our current stock.

Carrara marble has rich history.  It has been used in construction and sculptures for centuries.  The Pantheon and Trajan's Column in Rome are constructed out of it.  Michelangelo's David, was carved from Carrara marble. For Michelangelo, Carrara marble was valued above all other stone. 

Below is a picture of the Carrara quarry in Italy.

Photo: Delicious Italy

Photo: Decorpad

Carrara can have pitting in the surface of the stone.  This is normal and shouldn't be considered a defect in the stone. 
It is a calcium based stone, so anything acidic that gets on it will etch the surface.  (Read more about etching here).  Also, marble is softer than granite.  So it will scratch and stain easier. 

modern kitchen design by san francisco architect J. Weiss Design

Obviously in Italy they have used Carrara in their homes forever.  If you have ever been there you will notice that the stone in their homes it etched, stained and scratched.  They don't expect the marble to look perfect.  It is an aged and worn look.  A lot of people look at this as charm, other people can not handle it.  You need to know which category you fall into before putting Carrara (or any other marble) in your home.

eclectic bathroom design by chicago interior designer Kristin Petro Interiors, Inc.

Carrrara has been one of our most popular stones for countertops in both Kitchens and Baths this year and last.  It's a beautifully classic countertop option that homeowner's are appreciating more and more.

spaces design by san francisco interior designer Mark Newman Design

Photo: Decor Pad

modern bathroom design by san francisco architect John Maniscalco Architecture

Photo: Hooked on Houses

contemporary bathroom design by toronto interior designer Melissa Davis

Photo: Stone Forest

modern kitchen design by los angeles general contractor See Construction

traditional bathroom design by birmingham photographer Sylvia Martin

modern spaces design by san francisco general contractor Dijeau Poage Construction

Carrara marble is available in 2 cm and 3 cm slabs.