Granite vs Marble Countertops

by Premium Kitchens Premium Kitchens

Marble and granite countertops are more similar in nature as compared to other materials. They are both beautiful and both serve the kitchen's outlook well visually. However, they also both require a significant amount of attention when it comes to taking care of them.

Before we get into details of comparing both the countertops, it is important to understand them.

Marble and granite are both naturally occurring stone materials. They are also both porous stones. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed due to intense pressure on limestone. On the other hand, granite is an igneous rock made up of a mixture of compressed quartz, feldspar, mica, and similar materials. Due to this specific quality of granite stones, they are harder in nature as compared to marble.

Granite and marble countertops can be compared in a number of ways:

Appearance

They are both visually pleasing. Since granite is made up of grains of a number of materials, the granite slabs contain a number of pigments. The patterns on the granite are formed more closely together and it usually comes in darker hues, such as brown, blue, black, red, etc.

Marble, on the other hand, contains larger patterns. The patterns are usually such that it looks like there are colored veins running throughout the marble slab. Other than the veins contributing somewhat of color contrast to the slab, marble slabs are usually uniform in color.

However, both these countertops look great in the kitchen.

Hardness and durability

So, we discussed earlier, granite is a harder stone than marble. Therefore it is more resistant to scratches than marble is. This may be the only difference between marble and granite. On the other hand, both the countertops are heat resistant and durable. However, it is only if they are properly sealed and used cautiously. Since they are porous rocks, the liquids will find a way to seep in and stain the counters.

However, both marble and granite vary a lot when it comes to durability and hardness. Durability is mostly determined by how the stone is made. Marbles made up of calcite are very soft, therefore less durable. On the other hand, marbles made up of other materials such as serpentine, are highly durable. Similarly, most dark colored granite is hard and durable. But not all granite stones are the same. Granite that is lighter in color is not igneous rocks but metamorphic rocks. This makes it easy to stain.

Countertop Maintenance

Both the marble and granite countertops require a moderate amount of maintenance. It is very important to seal them both to prevent staining. This is probably the only area requiring high maintenance in both marble and granite.

Marble and granite prices and resale values

The prices of both the countertops differ slightly. The granite countertops are comparatively cheaper than the marble countertops.

On their own, both marble and granite might not affect the resale values that much. Both of these materials help make the kitchen look more beautiful and visually appealing. Therefore they also help in selling the property more quickly due to its beautification capabilities.