Aside from the earth tone and warm colors of marble, another of its appeal is the veins that run through it naturally. The variance and different colors that's inherent in marble slabs are what sets it apart from other stone types, such as granite. But one issue can be found in veining: too much and it sacrifices the structural integrity of the stone. Because of this, the Marble Institute of America has come up with a classification system to rank marble according to its toughness and stability.

The criteria set for classification is the number of pits, veining, and etches naturally found in the marble slab type. The classification is labeled from A to D, with A being the toughest, and D being the weakest. But what is the significance of this for your kitchen countertop installation?

The classification of the marble slab can tell you a lot about the stone and how it will be handled by the fabricator. Class A marbles can be worked on pretty much like granite, so no extra care is needed in its handling. Class D marble would require some repairs, such as filling and cementing, and would also need some extra reinforcement due to their structure. In this sense, you would know what the fabricator would need to do given the classification of the marble.

In a more practical sense, you would understand why class D marbles would incur more costs. You may initially think that it's because of the veining and design of the stone, but the extra costs are due to the special handling needed for this stones. It is sometimes inevitable that these stones get damaged during fabrication, which would require repairs on the part of the fabricator. Extra materials such as rods, meshes, and other reinforcement materials may also be required for the job. Knowing the marble classification would help you understand why fabricators would be charging more for special handling. Usually, they charge 25% to 50% more on marbles that are classified as D. If you really want a marble that's marked as D, then you would have to fork out more cash for it.

The marble classification is a good way for both the fabricator and client to see eye-to-eye regarding the installation requirements and why a marble may have undergone some repair or filling. It will also help you understand why some marbles carry a higher price than others. The classification of marble has made it easier for one to understand the value for these precious materials. It also enables the designers to know what goes where in terms of the suitability. Unfortunately, most consumers do not understand how these materials are classified hence their work. This is why it is important to know the type of stone you require in your own home before coming yourself to buying any of them.