Granite and marble countertops are both natural stone surfaces that add beauty and spa-like luxury to kitchens and bathrooms, respectively. Both options can also be customized, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain.
But considering all aspects is key to selecting the perfect countertop for your home. This guide compares these two in key categories such as cost, durability and maintenance requirements.
Cost
Marble countertops are widely considered the pinnacle of luxury countertop materials; however, their price tags reflect this distinction. Granite provides homeowners with more cost-effective and aesthetic-enhancing alternatives that still feature excellent durability and longevity.
As with marble, granite is an elegant natural stone offering home remodelers a variety of color variations - although those seen in granite tend to appear as random spots across its entirety rather than veining formation as seen with marble.
Granite is a harder material than marble and therefore better protects itself from chipping, scratching, and staining than its counterpart. Furthermore, granite does not need to be sealed regularly like marble does - meaning its maintenance costs remain lower over time.
Granite countertops add significant resale value to a home and can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. A reputable granite contractor should seal your countertops during installation as well as every year afterward to prevent water and other liquids from seeping into them and causing permanent damage - this also helps ensure they look shiny and new for years to come!
Durability
When selecting countertops for your home, it is essential that both aesthetics and durability are taken into account. As they will be exposed to heat, moisture, food spills and more on a daily basis, the chosen countertop must withstand all these elements without showing signs of wear and tear.
Both marble and granite offer heat resistance and stain resistance, though the latter has the edge due to its tougher structure requiring less maintenance and standing up better against scratches and chips than its counterpart.
Marble countertops differ from its counterparts in that their soft structure makes it more susceptible to damage and requires higher-level care, including sealing it properly and wiping up spills quickly. Should you opt for this material as your countertop choice, however, moderate to high maintenance requirements must be fulfilled in order to preserve its look for years.
Noting the natural wear-and-tear that occurs over time with marble countertops is also crucial; choosing a honed finish can reduce this effect and determine when it is time to reseal marble on an ongoing basis. You can test whether this needs doing by placing water directly on the counter surface; if it beads up immediately then your existing sealant may still be working; otherwise it is time for new sealant application.
Maintenance
As natural stones mined directly from the earth, both marble and granite require regular upkeep in order to look their best and function effectively. Although granite is harder and less susceptible to scratches than marble, it requires sealing on an ongoing basis for best results.
Marble stands out with its rich array of colors and veining patterns that exude luxury. Heat resistant and better crack and chip resistance than granite, marble can still etch in acidic environments such as lemon juice or tomato sauce if exposed for too long.
Marble and granite both offer similar durability for repair of minor scratches or chips; both materials can also be resurfaced using stone epoxy to restore minor imperfections in them. However, it's important to take your lifestyle into consideration when making this choice: if you have young children or irresponsible housemates that like stains on everything including their skin then marble might not be best as it's susceptible to being stained easily while granite provides greater durability and stain-resistance than marble.
Appearance
Granite and marble are natural stones that add luxurious flair to kitchens and bathrooms. Each features distinct hues, veining patterns, and mineral inclusions that make them captivating features in both homes and offices. While both varieties look stunning together, each has unique qualities to consider when selecting their countertop material for use.
Marble and granite both require periodic upkeep in order to look their best, with marble needing resealing often and being susceptible to acidic liquids such as lemon juice or tomato sauce that could cause it to etch; while granite has superior heat-resistance and can withstand direct contact from hot pans. Although both materials look beautiful, different considerations must be made regarding durability, stain-resistance, cost, and maintenance needs when selecting which countertop best fits into your home environment. With our handy guide you can make informed choices that best suits your space!
