What’s Better- A Marble Countertop Or A Granite Countertop?

When looking for countertops for a kitchen or bathroom, most homeowners go for natural stone as it provides a limitless range of patterns and colors. Granite is a popular countertop material and a popular choice for traditional and modern houses. On the other hand, marble is associated with luxury and is an elegant choice for high-end homes. This guide will help you understand each material to pick the most suitable one for your needs.

The Difference Between Marble and Granite

Granite and marble are natural and porous stone materials. Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms from recrystallized carbon. It forms when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure due to tectonic shifting inside the earth’s crust.

Granite is an indigenous rock made of compressed mica grains, feldspar, quartz, and similar materials. Due to this, granite is a bit harder than marble, but both provide practically good durability.

Marble vs. Granite Countertops

Comparing granite and marble is essential to helping you make the right decision while renovating your kitchen.

Appearance

Marble is sedimentary or metamorphic in origin. It has a smooth surface, usually with veins of minerals. This material can be quartz-based or composed of a greenish material known as serpentine. Commercial marble is generally available in variations of white and black.

Granite is igneous and metamorphic, and it is made of quartz, feldspar, mica, and silica. It has a packed, granular surface. The color of granite varies from light to dark, and it is available in solid, veins, and fleck patterns.

Please note that the appearance of both materials depends on their cut location and natural source.

Durability and Hardness

Granite is tougher than marble, which means that it resists scratches and chips better than granite. However, both marble and granite are heat resistant. Granite and marble countertops are durable, but only when adequately sealed after one or two years. They are both porous materials; hence stains and liquids will penetrate without proper sealing.

When the seal wears out, it should be replaced with juice, wine, oil, or anything acidic that can easily penetrate the surface. Marble is most affected by acidic liquids and foods.

Maintenance

Natural stones need varying levels of maintenance. Generally, granite is low-maintenance, stain-resistant, and more durable than marble. It requires sealing after installation and yearly resealing to ensure an efficient and solid surface. When maintained accordingly then it can serve the house owner for quite some time.

Marble should be regularly and thoroughly protected using a sealant customized for porous stone materials. The composition is susceptible to stain, even after sealing, so ensure you clean spills as soon as they occur. Avoid spilling citrus, tomato sauce, and lemon juice on marble countertops as they can etch into the surface.

Final Thoughts

Granite and marble have individual unique qualities and properties. Choose the material that most appeals to your budget and preference. Marble offers an elegant and beautiful design, while granite provides durability and scratch resistance and undergoes minor wear and tear.