Does anyone have a Carrara marble work surface?

[lazysummer]

If so, is it a nightmare to maintain? DD would love it in her new kitchen, but would be stretched financially. Wood is the other option. Any views from experienced kitchen users?

Font go with wood it's a complete pain to maintain. What about Silestone?

I have marble (not Carrara) and it is a bit of a pain to maintain. And you do have to be careful not to let anything acid sit on it or it will etch.

I also have wood and I find it better, although it is looking the worse for wear 10 years on and will have to replace it soon.

I also have polished concrete, which I love the look of but haven't used it in anger yet, so can't talk too much about maintenance and durability.

I have it. Pros : I love it. Looks great. Matches my (very white) house. Cons: slater marks show everywhere. It's fragile on the edges. Acid such as fruit juice etch it and bizarrely egg white. Would still fit it again though as it is timeless.

• water not slater!

I've found some lovely pale granite I am using instead as I know I will be all stressy with marble. But it is sooooo beautiful!

I love the look of Carrara marble worktops but after getting a sample decided it would mark and possibly chip. The Silestone Lagoon sample seemed pretty indestructible and looks very similar. There are other brands of quartz worktops that do a Carrara marble look.

We ended up with oak worktops due to budget and my husband preferring it.

I really wanted it but the kitchen chap dissuaded me. He said I'd have to live with etching and staining.
I've got a look-likey quartz that's bomb proof. Cost 50% more though.

Did you/she make a decision?

I think if you can accept etches and stains as patina, and part of the charm of using a natual material it's fine. I live near Carrara and you see lots of workbenches and kitchen surfaces here made from it in older homes and second hand stores. It does get dented and etched and generally rougher to the touch but still looks beautiful, just different. I'd say if you like that sort of rustic, lived in look then it's fine, otherwise I'd avoid it unless you are very neat and prepared to be vigilant about preventing stains.

I also look the look of it but was advised against it in a standard house with children etc. Have a look at Compac quartz. They've just launched a finish called Unique Calacatta which is beautiful - the man from the worktop company I've been using (who stock all sorts of brands) said it's the closest finish to marble he'd seen. It was out of my price range unfortunately but definitely worth a look.