Joanna Gaines Shares A Money-Saving Countertop Trick For A Dramatic Look For Less

For centuries, marble countertops have been revered as a sign of sophistication and luxury. And there's a reason that the hype around marble has stood the test of time. Marble once adorned temples, sculptures, fireplaces, and Victorian halls. Today, you're more likely to find marble embellishing kitchen islands, as backsplashes, or used in bathroom countertops. It can complement a variety of different interior styles, so it's no wonder that marble is a stunning design trend that's here to stay. Though marble is a timeless addition in design, it can also be pricey. High-end marble, ones with beautiful patterns and colors, and typically thicker in composition, can cost $200 per square foot or more. The good news is, though, that according to interior designer and HGTV star Joanna Gaines, you don't need to drop a pretty penny to exude your kitchen countertops with luxury. According to her, you can get the marble countertop look for less using laminated edges that create a thick, dramatic look.

Not only is marble a gorgeous material aesthetically speaking, but like its timeless beauty, it is also praised for its durability. Marble can last decades if maintained properly. Between their staying power, both aesthetically and physically, it makes sense why marble is regarded as a premium feature that can raise property value. And this DIY is among the marble kitchen ideas for a more classic and elegant look.

You don't have to spend a fortune on marble countertops for your kitchen. The trick here is laminating the edges of your marble to give the appearance of a thicker slab, when really, you're cutting costs since you're using less material. Before you get started, you'll need to figure out what edge profile best suits your design needs.

On Instagram, Gaines uses a classic straight or eased edge for the kitchen countertop, but you can use the furniture that you are sticking your marble slab onto to help you decide what edge most aesthetically complements your kitchen. A bevel edge can elevate the sophistication of a marble kitchen island, while a demi bullnose on kitchen countertops can make a space look traditional and classic. Next, you'll want to discern the thickness you want for your marble slab. For something more affordable, entry-level marble countertops can range between $40-60 per square foot. You might opt for a slab of marble that's ¼ inch thick, which is a standard size for this material.

For the assembly, you'll need two slabs together, one main slab (which will be the countertop), and a similar marble slab that complements the top slab. Then, you will need to cut the laminate pieces to the appropriate width of the main slab. Apply a heavy-duty and high-quality epoxy that is specifically used for stone material, then clamp the pieces together, per the glue manufacturer's instructions. You may want to sand and polish the pieces once the glue has cured, concealing imperfections and ensuring a seamless transition. Finally, apply the piece to your preferred surface.