Granite and marble are two of the top options when it comes to picking a natural stone for your countertop. Both countertop stone materials offer elegance, beauty, and sophistication.
However, regardless of their appeal, it’s technically impossible for you to use both. You’ll need to go for one, which can be quite challenging.
The fact is that while there are similarities, there are also considerable differences between both options.
They differ in appearance, cost, installation requirement, durability, and maintenance requirement. There are also differences in their capacity to resist heat, including the potential to profit from their resale.
In this article, we’ll pitch the granite and marble countertop up against themselves. We’ll also compare them so you can know the differences and similarities between them. You will also learn the pros and cons of each countertop.
This way, you can be fully informed when making a purchase.
Dive in!
Granite Countertops
Granite is a natural stone that arises from the combination of various materials, including mica, feldspar, and quartz. It’s an igneous rock that one can use as a countertop.
Pros
- It comes with various styles and colors that you can choose from
- It’s very durable
- It has a low maintenance requirement
- It doesn’t emit radioactive gases
- It’s quite affordable
Cons
- It has a high likelihood to stain
- It has a high probability to etch
- It doesn’t have a high resale value
- Each piece varies from the other
- It’s porous
Marble Countertops
Marble is also a natural stone, although of a metamorphic nature that occurs thanks to carbon reaction. It exists thanks to limestone.
This limestone is then put under intense heat and pressure thanks to the earth’s crust shift.
Pros
- It has a variety of styles and color that you can choose from
- It has a soft vein pattern
- It has a high resistance to heat
- It doesn’t emit radioactive gases
Cons
- Each piece varies from the other
- It’s porous
- It has a high likelihood to stain
- It has a high probability to etch
- It doesn’t have a high resale value
Granite vs. Marble Countertops
In understanding the options available in both choices, various considerations become of importance. And you’ll generally need to weigh each option under these categories when you’re trying to make a purchase. They include:
1. Appearance
As you now know, granite and marbles are both natural stones. And they both come with an elegance that sets your home apart. However, they are distinct in design.
In comparison, granite possesses specks that may vary in color, although in dark shades. On the other hand, marble has a larger pattern.
Also, when you want to make a purchase, always remember that they vary in color, and it’s best to have a physical view before each purchase.
2. Installation
Granite and marbles are both installed using the same way. And this involves measuring your counter and then cutting the perfect slap of your choice to fit in. In both cases, adhesive then comes in to bind the slab to your desk.
However, the distinction is that marble slabs come in a smaller size. As such, you’ll generally need to purchase more quantities of marble to complete the installation.
Marble slabs are also thinner. As such, you might need to add plywood as support during installation.
3. Costs
Generally, both granite and marble are affordable. However, their costs vary. From the cost of purchase of each slab to the cost of installation, you’ll generally spend more getting a marble than you would get a granite.
However, the range isn’t so different, and they can both fit into most budgets.
4. Durability & Hardness
Naturally, the durability of a countertop depends on its make-up, that is, the materials that make up the stone. Generally, since they are both natural stones, they are somewhat durable. However, their level of durability still differs.
While marbles scores around 3 – 5 when scaled for hardness, granite scores around 6 – 7 using Mohs scale. For instance, marble comes off calcite, and as such, it’s porous and soft. Hence, it has an increased potential for stain absorption. And it etches fast while also losing its finish as time goes on.
On the other hand, granite has increased durability when compared to marble. And this is thanks to its igneous nature. Still, some granite with light color might stain or etch.
As such, granite are less likely to experience scratches, breaks, and chips compared to marble.
Regardless, there are some marble, serpentine-made that don’t etch that fast. Also, some quartzites come off as marble, and they are somewhat durable than some granite. They include Azul Celeste and Azul.
5. Maintenance
Just like every natural stone, granite, and marble both require regular maintenance to maintain their quality. However, they both possess distinct maintenance requirements as granite generally require less.
In cases of marble stones, you’ll generally need to seal them regularly as they are porous. You’ll need to seal every quarter. And regardless of this, they remain susceptible to stains. These stains might also be challenging to cleans in some instances.
As such, it’s always best to clean spills right away. You should also prioritize ph.-neutral cleansers. And avoid any type of abrasive or harsh chemical.
On the other hand, while granite generally requires you to seal it, black granite don’t. And for those adequately sealed, it keeps water in beads on its surface. You’ll only need to seal once in a year.
You’ll also need to clean spills as fast as possible too. However, you might not need to clean it as much as you need to clean marble. As such, while granite needs reduced maintenance, marble’s maintenance needs might sometimes spike.
6. Heat Resistance
Both marble and granite possess a heat-resistant capacity. And as such, you can count on their durability in the kitchen. However, it’s still generally preferable to use protective covers, so they last longer.
Radioactive Emission
They are both regarded as safe for your home as there is no prior report of radioactive emission by either choice. In case you’re in doubt, you can always get a test kit and confirm yourself.
Resale Value
Generally, they both don’t have a significant resale value alone. However, if you do decide to include them within a luxury upgrade, then their resale value shoots up. You can recover as much as 53% of your purchase price.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of your choice, you’ll generally find marble and granite pleasing to use. However, you might want to be sure that your choice fits your needs before picking. For instance, if you want more durability, granite might be the answer. Also, if you wish to reduce costs, granite is preferable.
Here at RSK Granite & Marble, we provide the best options for either stone materials. Our staff will help guide to the best material for your needs. Please contact us by phone at 978-447-1001 or by filling out our contact form.