Granite versus Marble Countertops- That is the Question!

Deciding on new countertops for the bathroom or kitchen? The 2 top choices are usually marble and granite. So, let’s do a little bit of a comparison here to help you answer the question of ‘granite versus marble’.

It all depends on the look you are going for. Granite is the most popular material and is a gorgeous stone while marble gives you a more luxurious, elegant look.

 

# Granite versus Marble:

 

1. Durability

Granite is much harder than marble but they are both still durable and last for a VERY long time once they are properly sealed. They are both porous, so without a seal, liquids will penetrate and stain. Marble however, is more porous than granite is.

Granite is chip and scratch resistant. They are also heat resistant so you can easily put hot objects on it without having to worry. While it is always best to use a cutting board, it is still safe to cut meat, vegetables and much more on it’s surface. It is also easy to clean.

Like the granite, marble also has the almost same characteristics except that it usually needs to be sealed more often than granite – twice yearly or yearly.

 

2. Appearance

Granite is available in a wider range of colors, patterns, shades and tones than marble. This is as a result of melding other stones into it. Marble is a stunning stone but typically more solid grayish-white or cream with dark veins running through it. There are other colors (pale green, pink base, etc) which are rarer though. Granite also tends to have a more shiny, glossy appearance. There are polishing sealants that can give marble a look just as shiny as granite is.

 

3. Repairs and Maintenance

Sealants are used on both granite and marble. This prevents staining and etching but marble requires sealing more frequently (twice a year as recommended by professionals) while granite can be sealed once every two years. Resealing, however, is more closely dependent on how heavily the surface was used and how regularly it was cleaned. For the best results, hire a professional.

Marble requires much more maintenance and care than granite does. Also, avoid acidic materials and wipe spills quickly since it is more porous than granite.

 

4. Price and Installation

It is best to hire a professional for installation of your granite or marble countertops as the slabs are really heavy. The actual price however depends on the quality of the stone, complexity of the job and the style of the tiles, but even high-end granite is usually cheaper than marble.

 

Conclusion

The “granite versus marble countertop” debate is a very common one. Marble can be an excellent kitchen countertop if used and cared for properly. Both stones are absolutely gorgeous and will give your home a luxurious look but if you choose marble, just be prepared to put in the extra care/more maintenance required and know that it will cost more than granite.

 

You can set up a Free in-home consultation at Granite Brothers by calling 508-925-0431 with no obligation. We will offer you premium quality, at an affordable price.We will deliver the best service in the industry and our clients are raving about working with us check out our testimonials. We also offer an excellent selection of Wholesale Kitchen cabinets and RTA cabinets in Massachusetts and take the opportunity of our Free Kitchen design when you purchase a new kitchen from us.