Granite vs. Marble: Pros and Cons

To assist you in determining which natural stone countertop material best suits the demands of your busy kitchen, we’ve compared two of the most popular options: granite and marble.

Any kitchen will seem magnificent with marble countertops, but they are prone to stains and scratches. Continue reading to find out how marble compares to granite.

The worktops in your home’s kitchen and bathroom should be updated with natural stone. It enhances the attractiveness of the space, comes in a variety of colors, can be made in almost any form or size, and blends seamlessly with any sort of home décor, making it adaptable to any type of home decor.

The most popular natural stone countertop options are granite and marble. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, so you simply have to choose the one that best suits your requirements and your budget. For instance, granite has a more raw aspect than granite, whereas marble has an exquisite appearance. Both materials may be expensive, with marble normally costing more than granite, and typically need expert installation because to their size and weight.

Although granite and marble have many things in common, their look and functionality are significantly different. Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of the two most common stone countertop selections in more detail.

Granite in a Nutshell

The positives include: lower cost; a wide range of colors and designs; high durability; little maintenance; and heat resistance.

The Bad: Varying slab compositions, staining potential, and scratch susceptibility

Marble in a Nutshell

The Positives: Beautiful vein patterns; a variety of colors and shapes; heat resistance

The negative: More costly, Less sturdy, More prone to stains and scratches, Needs more upkeep

Appearance

Marble has a smooth surface often striated with mineral veins and is metamorphic or sedimentary in nature. Some marbles are made of quartz, whereas others are made of the greenish mineral serpentine. The most common shades of commercial marble are black and white.

Granite is an igneous or metamorphic rock comprised of quartz, feldspar, mica, silica, and usually has a packed, granular surface. Light to dark color that appears as specks, veins, or solid patterns.

Remember that the look of both kinds of stone differs across slabs based on where the stone was cut and where it came from naturally.

Installation

Both marble and granite countertops are fitted in the same manner, beginning with a template being transferred to a slab, which is then cut to fit and completed. With silicone glue, the slab is placed (straight into cabinets or a plywood substrate). These stone slabs are difficult to handle, and holes for sinks and faucets must be cut. A specialist should carry out both tasks.

Maintenance

Different types of natural stone require varying amounts of upkeep, so homeowners should keep an eye on the state of their bathroom or kitchen worktops. In general, granite is more maintenance-free, stain-resistant, and durable than marble. If granite is adequately sealed after installation, water will bead on the surface. Every year, resealing should be carried out to provide a reliable and effective surface.

Stone epoxy can be used to fix tiny chips or scratches. However, keep in mind that busy or industrious kitchens could require additional care.

A sealer made especially for porous stone surfaces should be used to completely and routinely preserve marble. Remember that marble is inherently susceptible to stains even when sealed, so be care to mop up spills.

Long-Term Resilience

While it’s simple to assume that all stone is extraordinarily durable and practically unbreakable by nature, it’s crucial to understand the complete picture. Although granite and marble are both incredibly resilient, they must be sealed at least once a year to prevent liquids from slowly penetrating the stone. Although granite and marble are heat-resistant, you should always use caution (for example, avoid setting hot pots directly on the countertop surface). Marble is softer than granite, which resists nicks and scratches better.

Cost

While stone is undoubtedly not the most affordable countertop material, its durability and aesthetic appeal make up for this. Compared to marble, granite is less costly, starting at about $75/square foot for installation and $100 extra for