Marble Top Kitchen Island Cart

It bifurcates the kitchen visually into zones, doubles up as a storage option for everything from cookware to linen and can be wheeled into any room when you are entertaining. More importantly, there’s no need for an expensive remodel. You can stay within your budget and yet, have the functionality that you seek. When it comes with a marble top, it quickly becomes a focal point, and a durable one at that.

A standard-sized cart is approximately 36” (L) x 20” (W). But you aren’t limited to that size. You can always go for a custom made one. Or choose narrower designs that are made for small spaces. Getting the size of the island cart right is of utmost importance to ensure that you have enough room to work in the kitchen, without bruising your shin.

Open shelving avoids the need for extra space around the cart. If you are looking for enclosed cabinets, like a wine caddy, then you will need at least three feet of free space around the cart to open and close the cabinets freely.

Island carts with a drop leaf design allow you to expand the table top if need be. But the surface won’t be stable enough to sustain the weight of heavy food prep. So limit the usage for serving, when you are entertaining.

Your storage options are limited by the size of the cart. Smaller carts usually have open, adjustable shelves. These are perfect for a busy kitchen where you need hands-on access to your knick-knacks. The caveat is that they need to be cleaned frequently and neatly organized.

Closed shelves and drawers look neat. But these are typically found in carts with a larger footprint.

Marble is a soft stone and even the slightest exposure to a corrosive chemical will stain it. It is extremely important to seal the top to prevent stains, scratches and scuff marks, especially if you intend to use the island for food prep.

One of the advantages of buying a kitchen island cart off the shelves is that it will be sealed out of the box. Having said that, always ensure that you wipe off stains as soon as possible.

Marble island tops are elegant and luxurious. And unlike a decade or two ago, there’s no dearth of colors to choose from. You can pick a base color to match the countertop in the kitchen or just go with a white one, which is an infallible pick.

• A kitchen cart with a marble top will be heavy. So, the build quality, especially the frame and the casters need to be top notch.
• Metal frames are the most desirable choice if you aren’t that concerned about the aesthetics. It is durable and inexpensive.
• Hardwood is the next best option and it’s available in a plethora of designs and finishes.
• In casters, look for wheels that can be locked to park the cart in the kitchen.