Marble or quartzite kitchen island: ideas, sizes and which stone
The island is the most visible piece in a kitchen, which makes it the best place for a stone with character. Here is which stone to choose depending on how you will use it, the design options (waterfall, bookmatch, overhang) and what to know about sizes and slabs before asking for a quote.
Marble or quartzite for the island?
It depends on whether the island is a work zone or a gathering spot.
- If you cook and chop on it, a quartzite copes better with acids, scratches and heat. Many quartzites look like marble, such as Taj Mahal.
- If it is mainly a bar, a landing zone or a breakfast spot, marble looks stunning and develops a lovely patina over the years. Read the pros and cons of marble countertops first.
- A very common solution: perimeter worktops in quartzite or another hard stone, and the island in the statement stone.
Design ideas
Waterfall island
The stone runs down the sides to the floor, and the veining wraps around the corner. It is the design that shows off the stone most. See our waterfall countertop guide.
Bookmatched island
Two consecutive slabs from the same block, mirrored on the top or the front. The symmetrical pattern turns the island into a one-off. See what is bookmatching.
Stone-fronted island
A tough stone on the top and a more striking one on the side facing the living area, or the same stone on both.
Sizes to keep in mind
- Slab size. A large island without seams is only possible if the slab is big enough. If the island is longer than the slab, there will be a seam, best planned in the slab layout.
- Thickness. Slabs usually come in 2 or 3 cm (about ¾ or 1¼ in). A mitred edge can make it look thicker. More in countertop thickness.
- Seating overhang. If the stone overhangs for stools, your fabricator will work out whether it needs support depending on the stone, thickness and overhang.
- Weight. A 2 cm slab weighs about 52–56 kg/m² (around 11 lb/sq ft) and a 3 cm one about 78–84 kg/m² (around 16–17 lb/sq ft). Try our weight calculator.
Stones that shine on an island
Stones with lots of movement gain most on an island, because you see the whole pattern:
For more inspiration, see our natural stone ideas.
How to get a quote
- Send us the island dimensions and whether it will have a waterfall, an overhang or a stone front.
- Tell us which stone you like, or how you will use it if you are not sure yet.
- We will send photos of the slabs available with today's price, and reserve consecutive slabs if you plan to bookmatch.
Get a quote for your island: we work with real slabs and ship worldwide.
Have a project in mind?
Ask us for a no-obligation quote: we will reply with an indicative price.