When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are two main types of materials that homeowners and remodelers typically choose from: marble and granite.
Both have their own unique benefits, as well as drawbacks. Here is a look at the key differences between marble and granite countertops:
Appearance
The physical appearance of granite is very different from that of marble. Granite has a variety of speckled colors resulting from the melded stones within it — mostly, quartz, feldspar, biotite mica, and sometimes amphibole — and comes in numerous shades and tones.
Granite is a stronger and harder stone than marble is, which lends it a shiny, glossy appearance compared to marble’s dull smoothness. However, with certain polishing sealants, modern marble can be made to look much glossier than it did in the past.
As the more porous of the two stones, marble’s “softness” is far easier to stain and damage than granite overall, which is why it is recommended to use unsanded grout with marble tiles.
Marble is also specifically susceptible to heat and acidic spills in ways that granite is not. Placing hot cookware on marble may cause damage to the stone, and spilling acidic foods or liquids, like vinegar or lemon, or lime juice, can dull it.
Over time, marble also naturally becomes duller.
Applications
Granite’s durable nature makes it suitable for kitchen countertops and floors, while marble is more appropriate in areas with less traffic, like bathrooms, where it can be used for vanities, tub decks, shower walls, and flooring.
Marble can create a light and unique look and can be good for surfaces that will not get much use, or for people who are willing to put in the maintenance work and do not mind if their surfaces have a bit of character over time. Both granite and marble are also found in sculptures and gravestone markers.
Maintenance
As both granite and marble are porous, they absorb liquids from spills. Sealants can help improve and prevent staining and etching on both marble and granite, but it is still best to wipe up problematic spills as quickly as possible. For marble surfaces, resealing is recommended twice a year, while for granite resealing once every two years should be sufficient. But how frequently either needs to be resealed depends on how heavily the surface is used.
Stain Removal
Whether a stain can be removed or not depends on whether any permanent and deep damage has been done to the stone. Some stains are relatively superficial and can be removed with a stain remover; others seep down into the stone’s pores and cause permanent changes to the chemical makeup of the stone.
Cost
Granite and marble countertops both cost around $40 to $150 per square foot, including the cost of installation. Costs vary according to color and general appearance. However, high-end marble tends to be more expensive than equivalent high-end granite.
