Comparing Granite and Marble

Comparing granite and marble is not a difficult task. If you’re finding it difficult to choose whether to use granite or marble for your new kitchen countertop, it might be good to consider some of the factors that could help you choose between the two.

Comparing Granite and Marble

We’re comparing two of the most popular natural stone countertop materials, granite and marble, to help you decide which one best fits the needs of your busy kitchen. Natural stone is a good choice for updating your home’s kitchen and bathroom countertops. It lends beauty to the room, is available in a wide range of colors, can be customized to nearly any shape and size, and is easy to blend with any type of home decor, making it versatile no matter what the style of your home is.

Granite and Marble Pros and Cons

Granite and marble are the most popular choices when it comes to natural stone countertops. There are pros and cons to using each material, so it’s just a matter of deciding what’s right for your needs as well as your budget. Marble, for example, is elegant in appearance, while granite offers a more natural look. Both options can be costly, with marble generally being more expensive than granite, and their size and weight typically require professional installation.

Granite and Marble Features

While granite and marble share many common characteristics, they are very different in appearance and function. Let’s look closer at the good and bad of the two most popular options in the stone countertop arena.

Appearance

Marble is metamorphic or sedimentary in origin, with a smooth surface typically striated with veins of minerals. Some marble is quartz-based, while others are composed of serpentine, a greenish mineral. Commercial marble is typically available in variations of black and white. Granite is metamorphic or igneous, made up of silica, mica, feldspar and quartz, generally with a packed, granular surface.

Color varies from light to dark, presented in flecks, veins or solid patterns. Keep in mind that appearance in both types of stone varies between slabs depending on its natural source and cut location.

Installation

When it comes to installing granite or marble countertops, both types of stone are installed the same way, starting with a template transferred to a slab, which is then cut to fit and finished. The slab is set into place and secured with silicone adhesive. Holes for sinks and faucets must be cut, and these stone slabs are tough to handle. Both tasks should be performed by a professional.

Maintenance

All natural stone requires different levels of maintenance, and homeowners should remain vigilant to the condition of their bathroom or kitchen countertops. In general, granite is very durable, stain-resistant and lower maintenance than marble. Granite should be sealed after installation, and if done properly, water will bead on the surface. Resealing should be completed every year to ensure a solid and efficient surface.

Minor scratches or even small chips can be repaired with stone epoxy. Marble should be thoroughly and regularly protected with a sealant designed specifically for porous stone surfaces. Keep in mind that marble’s composition is naturally prone to stain, even if sealed, so be sure to clean up spills as they happen.

Long-Term Durability

While it’s easy to believe that all stone by nature is super strong and nearly indestructible, it’s important to know the full story. Granite and marble are both very durable but must be sealed at least annually to ensure liquids do not gradually seep into the stone. Marble and granite are resistant to heat, but you should always be careful. Granite is a harder stone than marble and holds up better to chips and scratches.

A Matter of Perspective

Both marble and granite are often mistaken for one another by non-professionals. Of course, both materials are aesthetically-pleasing. They both also have qualities that make them a perfect choice as a countertop surface. However, both never really have the same value. It’s all a matter of perspective, really, but they both have their own merits. That is why it is important to learn to tell how to tell the two together.

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Sources

www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/kitchen-remodel/granite-vs-marble-pros-cons

graniteselection.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-marble-and-granite/