Marble dining tables have long been a popular way to add a touch of elegance to kitchens and dining rooms. However, with advancements in technology and design, there are now several alternatives that offer the same luxurious look with added benefits. Promising perks like less maintenance and greater durability, read on to explore the different marble effect dining table options available. Plus the pros and cons of each to help you pick the right one for your home.

Marble dining tables: an overview

Marble tabletops are known their unique natural veining and high end finish – especially when polished. They are made from quarried stone consisting of calcium carbonate or dolomite. And the purest forms, like Italian Carrara and Calacatta, are white. With that said, marble comes in an array of colours and patterns as a result of mineral impurities in the stone. Because of this, no marble dining table is ever the same – ideal if you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind centrepiece.

However, there are downsides to choosing marble. As well as irregularities in pattern and colour due to its organic creation, marble is also a relatively soft stone. In fact, it scores just 3 out of 10 on the Mohs scale – for comparison, granite ranks at 6-7. Because of this, marble is susceptible to scratches and it is also porous, so will absorb stains unless sealed. A marble table will therefore need re-sealing once or twice a year, depending on how often you use it.

On top of that, marble is prone to etching – even if sealed. As such, you need to use coasters and placemats, as any moisture pressed into the stone will leave a mark. These range from dull patches to changes in surface texture, which aren’t easily reversed. Similarly, anything acidic will damage the surface so you’ll need to use only specific pH neutral cleaning products.

In short, while marble dining tables are beautiful and can last for years, they demand care and regular maintenance. So, if you’d prefer a table that requires less upkeep, keep reading…

Dekton marble effect dining tables

Unlike naturally occurring marble, Dekton is a state-of-the-art material designed by Spanish surface specialist Cosentino. A mixture of raw materials like porcelain and quartz are combined under intense pressure and heat. This creates extremely dense and robust slabs for finishing tables, counters, floors and more. But why choose a Dekton table over real marble dining tables?

• Durability – with a high score of 8 on the Mohs hardness scale (more than twice that of marble), Dekton is extremely tough and resistant to scratches. This makes it ideal for dining table surfaces which knives and dishes are likely to scrape at some point. Chips are also rare, unless subjected to heavy impact – perfect for high-traffic areas.
• Stain & heat resistance – a Dekton marble effect dining table won’t stain if you accidentally spill something on it either. The hygienic surface doesn’t absorb liquids, so spillages can simply be wiped away without leaving a mark. And while we wouldn’t necessarily recommend placing hot pans directly onto your dining table, Dekton is fully heat resistant. As such, you won’t have to worry about scorching the surface if you do. Likewise, Dekton won’t be affected by UV rays, so is suitable for outdoor tables too.
• Maintenance-free – better still, Dekton doesn’t need to be sealed (or re-sealed) to maintain its stain resistance. The material is entirely non-porous and will remain so over the course of its lifetime – at least 25 years according to the manufacturer’s warranty. It can also be safely cleaned with most mild household cleansers. And in the unlikely event of a chip, you can have your Dekton table repaired to a like-new state.
• Versatility – while real marble tabletops are 20mm thick as standard, our Dekton marble effect tables come in thinner 8-12mm thicknesses. This offers a more streamlined look for modern homes and means your dining table will be lighter for easier manoeuvrability. And, as Dekton can be cut thinly without compromising its strength, it can be used for matching items too. For instance, flooring, wall cladding and splashbacks, plus coordinating console and coffee tables, which we can supply.
• Various colours & finishes – love the look of marble? Then you’ll be pleased to hear that our Dekton collection features a host of marble-inspired designs with distinctive veining. However, Dekton patterns are more consistent, without the imperfections of real stone. And alongside natural colour variants, we have some bolder designs too – great for adding character to otherwise neutral décor. Browse our bestsellers below.

Popular marble effect finishes in our Dekton range

Perhaps unsurprisingly, neutral tones are typically the most popular when it comes to marble dining tables. Primarily, that includes classic white, black and grey. However, creams and browns are also gaining traction given that warmer, more homely tones are trending this year.

For a sleek finish, Dekton Aura is a timeless yet contemporary choice. The matte white background with subtle grey veining offers a soft look that mimics Italian marble. Alternatively, if you’re after something more striking, the white-based Dekton Reverie boasts terracotta and inky blue accents. Or you might like the similarly toned high-gloss Dekton Trance instead.

Meanwhile, moody Dekton Laurent oozes sophistication. Inspired by the natural stone of Port Laurent, criss-crossed gold veins are showcased against a dark brown/ black background. Incorporate this into your home décor to add just a hint of drama to your entertaining spaces.

Other marble tabletop alternatives

Alongside Dekton dining tables, we offer two other alternatives materials for marble dining tables. The first is Neolith, another sintered stone prized for its durability and resistance to heat and scratches. However, unlike our Dekton products, every Neolith table is made from 100% natural, recycled materials. And the colour pigments used in each design are naturally sourced too. As such, Neolith is a more eco-friendly alternative for those keen to reduce their carbon footprint.

Better yet, you won’t have to compromise on design. Neolith’s new Classtone collection features more than 20 marble-inspired finish options. This includes award-winning Calacatta Luxe – a reproduction of white Calacatta marble with a modern twist. Plus stylish designs with gold, grey and black veining, each with varying levels of subtlety to suit your preference. Neolith Arabesque, for example, is particularly eye-catching if you’d like a statement tabletop.

Alternatively, you might prefer our more cost-effective ceramic marble dining tables. Known for its unique finish, colour options and stain repellence, glazed ceramic is an attractive, hardwearing surface option. And while it isn’t quite as robust as Dekton or Neolith, it withstands everyday wear and tear well, with minimal maintenance required. Our bistro-style Oregon ceramic table is a top pick for compact spaces, while the rectangular Vesuvius design is perfect for families.

Browse marble effect dining tables & samples at New England

Keen to learn more about our alternative marble dining tables? Then why not call into our Horsham showroom to view them in person? Styles on display include the fixed Arizona dining table featuring a white marble-effect Dekton Reverie tabletop. As well as the extending Dover model with Dekton Laurent black marble top for contrast. And we also have a number of complementary console and coffee tables fitted with marble-inspired surfaces too.

We can also provide access to our library of Dekton, Neolith and ceramic samples, to peruse at your leisure. That way, you can explore different colour combinations and finishes before making your choice, including polished and matte styles to suit your taste. Alternatively, you can order samples online and we’ll arrange for them to be posted out to you.

And, if you can’t find exactly what you had in mind, we can supply bespoke dining tables too. Just speak to a member of our team in store or send us your ideas and we’ll get back to you.