Granite or Marble, Which One is the Best Choice for Your Kitchen

There is no substitute for the beauty of natural stone when it comes to kitchen countertops. The biggest drawback to granite and marble is that they tend to be more expensive than engineered products, but the luxury they provide is priceless. Although both are natural stones, there is a difference between granite and marble. What are they and which one works best for you? It depends on your preferences and budget. 

Composition

Granite is a natural rock that is formed deep within the Earth’s crust. Granite contains quartz, feldspar, and mica, along with other minerals. The major advantage of granite is that it is hard and highly durable. Marble, on the other hand, is a metamorphic rock formed from the recrystallization of limestone or dolomite under high pressure and heat. It is made from calcite or dolomite crystals and is softer and more porous when compared to granite.

Aesthetics

Granite can come in various colors and usually features a speckled or mottled look depending on which minerals are present. The primary colors of granite are white, gray, black, red, and green. Marble has a more uniform appearance, typically with veins and patterns created throughout it due to mineral impurities. It also comes in a vast number of colors including white, beige, gray, pink, and green.

Durability

Granite is a common choice for active households because it is highly durable and hard. It is resistant to scratches, wear, and heat, which makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Marble is softer and more porous than granite, which makes it more susceptible to staining, scratching, and etching from acidic substances like lemon juice, wine, and vinegar. Although it is beautiful and used for countertops, it requires a lot more maintenance and care than granite.

Maintenance

Granite is a very low-maintenance material because it is impervious to staining and etching. Regular sealing is recommended to protect the surface and maintain its appearance. Marble requires more frequent maintenance to reduce the risk of staining and etching. You can use sealants to protect it against discoloration, but you have to be very cognizant of putting substances on it like citrus juices and anything acidic.

Commonly Used for

Granite is an ideal choice for homeowners for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall cladding, and flooring because it is durable and resistant to heat and staining. Marble is usually used for decorative accents, bathroom and kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds, and flooring in lower foot traffic areas. Marble is a bit harder to maintain and not as good for high-traffic or high-use areas when compared to granite.

When it comes to a luxury home, nothing enhances the beauty of a kitchen or bathroom like natural stone. For high-traffic and hectic homes, granite might be a better choice due to its durability and need for low maintenance. Marble is also a natural stone that usually comes with more uniformity, but it is a softer material and requires more maintenance. Because marble is softer and more porous, it requires more maintenance and prevention to keep it looking beautiful. If you are looking for the beauty of natural stone, and are unsure sure which product to choose, contact us today for help!