Probably one of the most challenging decisions faced by homeowners is the decision between ‘Marble vs. Granite’ for their countertops. Moreover, natural stones are an excellent choice for updating your home’s bathroom or kitchen countertops. Both marble and granite have their benefits and drawbacks.
When it comes to design and appearance, both marble and granite are available in a wide range of colors and customized to fit any shape or size. Along with this, they can easily blend with any kitchen or bathroom design, which makes it a versatile choice.
Contrarily, both of them can be expensive, with marble being on the higher side. Most importantly, both of these require professional attention.
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Granite: An Overview
Pros
- They are expensive, but cheaper in comparison to marble.
- You will find a variety of styles, patterns, and colors.
- They are very durable and require relatively less maintenance.
- Granites are entirely heat resistant as their melting temperatures are near 1200°C.
Cons
- There are different levels available with granites, so their composition can vary.
- Granites are natural stones and hence are prone to stains.
- Although they are durable, they are prone to scratches and you need to seal them every year.
Marble: An Overview
Pros
- They look more beautiful than granite with elegant vein patterns running through.
- A variety of colors and styles are available to suit different needs.
- Similar to granite, marble countertops are heat resistant as well.
Cons
- Marble is more expensive than granite.
- Marble is not as durable as granite.
- Maintenance is high when compared to granite.
Marble Vs. Garnite Countertops
Design & Appearance
Marble is sedimentary in origin due to which it has a smooth surface with veins running throughout, and they are composed of minerals. Besides these, some marbles are quartz-based, while some are composed of serpentine. You’ll find that most commercial marble is available in variations of black and white.
Installation
When it comes down to installation, both marble and granite are pretty similar. Installation starts with the transfer of templates to the slabs, then cut to fit and finish. After that, the slab is placed directly onto cabinets or substrates and secured with a silicone adhesive. But before the installation, holes for fixtures and faucets are made.
Durability
Natural stones are super strong and are near indestructible. But before finalizing, it is better to know that they require sealing annually. This will ensure that liquids don’t seep inside the stone. Along with that, marble has seams, so it is necessary to take regular care of them.
Maintenance
All natural stones require different types of maintenance. Generally, granites are very durable, stain-resistant, and thus have lower maintenance when compared to marbles. However, you should always seal granite after installation, and if done correctly, you’ll be increasing the life of the granite countertop.
You also have to reseal it every year to ensure the longevity of granite. Still, minor scratches may come, but you can repair that with stone epoxy. In case you have a busy kitchen, you need to take extra care while cleaning granite.
Marble, on the other side, needs to be thoroughly protected with a sealant to protect it. Marble is porous, so they require a sealant that is designed specifically for porous stones. You need to keep in mind that marbles are prone to stains even if sealed, so be careful and clean them as soon as somethings spills.
Price
Granite and marble both of them are not cheap options for countertops. It is because the look and premium feel they offer are worth the price. In comparison, granite is less expensive than marble. Granite will cost you around $40 to $60 per square foot. As you start moving towards higher levels of granite, prices will begin to rise.
Signs That Granite Is A Better Option For You
Granite is a great option for you if you love the look and feel of granite. If you also want a vast selection of colors and patterns to choose from and if you have a busy kitchen and you work relentlessly, then granite is the right choice.
Signs That Marble Is A Better Option For You
Why should you choose marble? If you don’t mind spending a lot of time on maintenance and don’t mind the expensive price tag. Similarly, if you love cleaning and can work around marble’s fragility, it is a better countertop option for you.
By now, you know all the properties of both countertop materials. Marble and granite are unique in their properties and qualities.
I loved how you mentioned that they are heat resistant! My sister was telling me last night while at my house for dinner about how she and her husband want to look into getting new countertops installed for their home in a couple of weeks, and they were wondering which type would be best to choose. I’ll make sure to pass this information along to them so that they can know more about the benefits of marble countertops.