Both marble and granite have been quite popular materials for kitchen and bathroom countertops during the last decade. They offer various color, pattern, and texture choices, making home design easy. Granite is most commonly known for its extreme durability, and marble is because of its luxurious aesthetics.
It is essential to pick the suitable material for your countertops. After all, both of these options are high-end materials, so they can be quite pricy. In this comparison guide, we will discuss the similarities and critical differences between marble and granite countertops.
Similarities Between Marble and Granite Countertops
Before exploring the differences between marble and granite, let’s examine the similarities.
- Natural Origin: Both marble and granite are natural stones formed deep in the earth. Because of this natural formation, each piece of marble and granite is unique. These natural characteristics are one of the many reasons why they both became popular in the first place.
- Beauty: Marble and granite both have aesthetically pleasing appearances, and they both offer various colors, patterns, and veining. Veins running across the surface of your countertops are the perfect way to add visual interest to your kitchen and bathrooms.
- Heat Resistance: Because of the way they are formed, both stones are quite heat resistant. However, it is always a great idea to use hot pads or trivets to protect your countertops while placing hot pans or pots on them.
- Finishes: Both marble and granite have various finishes, widening design options for homeowners and interior designers.
- Porous: Both marble and granite are porous, requiring sealing and regular resealing. When adequately sealed, both stones can last for many years.
Differences Between Marble and Granite
- Appearance: Marble countertops are known for their elegant and beautiful looks. Thanks to their unique veining and wide range of colors, they have been the go-to option for many people throughout the ages. That is why marble countertops are timeless classics and highly sought after. Granite, on the other hand, has a more granular and rustic appearance when compared to marble. Yet the unique and distinctive looks of granite are appreciated by many people. Granite generally flees throughout the stone, distinctively making a difference from marble.
- Durability: Regarding durability, marble is relatively softer than granite. This is because the porosity of marble is higher than granite. That is why marble is slightly more prone to scratching, chipping, and staining. Another key feature that separates marble countertops from granite is that marble is prone to acid damage. Acidic substances can cause etching on your marble countertops. Granite is a harder and denser natural stone, making it highly durable. Being the harder stone, granite countertops are the better option for high-traffic kitchens and bathrooms.
- Maintenance: You may have already heard about how marble requires maintenance. Between these two options, marble requires more maintenance than granite. They both require sealing during installation and resealing regularly. Granite, the more durable option, requires slightly less maintenance than marble countertops. As long as you clean up spills as soon as they happen, you won’t have any sort of permanent stains on your kitchen countertops.
- Cost: The price is affected by many factors for both stones. The rarity, where they are quarried, manufacturing, and installation fees all play a massive role in the price. Generally speaking, marble countertops tend to be more expensive than granite countertops. Being the cheaper option between these two options, granite is a popular choice for people on a budget.
Granite countertops are generally considered superior to marble countertops because of their increased lifespan, lower costs, and extreme durability. However, this doesn’t mean that marble isn’t a great option, especially if you prefer better aesthetics. Homeowners who appreciate the visual aspect more will benefit more from marble countertops. Ultimately, the choice between marble and granite countertops depends on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle. If you have a high-traffic kitchen, we highly recommend choosing granite countertops for their exceptional durability. However, if you prioritize looks and don’t have a high-traffic kitchen, then select marble.
Popular Questions about Marble vs. Granite
Are marble countertops better than granite?
Marble can be considered the better-looking option between these two stones. Granite, however, is the harder and more durable option. The answer lies in your personal preferences.
Which is more expensive, granite or marble?
Both being high-end materials, granite is generally cheaper than marble. However, with so many factors affecting the price, it is possible to find rarer types of granite reaching the cost of marble.
What are the advantages of marble over granite?
Being the softer option, marble is easier to work with. That is why marble is the better option for alternative designs and installations. Marble is also considered the better-looking option with its elegant and timeless looks.
Is granite cheaper than marble?
Both granite and marble are considered high-end materials for countertops. Granite is typically the cheaper option, making it ideal for people on a budget. Generally speaking, granite runs approximately three-fifths the price of marble.
