Granite vs Marble Countertops

The time has come to remodel your kitchen or bathroom. You have made the majority of the decisions that are necessary to get the project started – wall color, flooring, vanity, fixtures, accents, and wall art. However, there is one decision looming over you – what type of countertop to choose. You have narrowed your choices to two – marble countertops and granite countertops. The problem is, you are unsure of which one you should choose. Discovering the differences between granite countertops and marble countertops can really help you make the best decision. Here, the debate of granite vs marble countertops will be discussed for you.

Appearance

The first thing you will want to consider is the appearance. Both marble and granite are natural stone materials, so if that is the look you are going after, then you are on the right track. Aside from their natural beauty, both marble and granite are aesthetically similar, and in most instances, the choice really comes down to a matter of personal preference. Granite is available in a variety of different colors and each slab of granite has varying patterns of what is referred to as veining and swirling of different colors. Marble, on the other hand is typically only available in white or black, but does possess natural veining and swirling as well.

Durability

For many homeowners, durability of the material plays a major part in the final decision. Many homeowners use their kitchen on a daily basis, and prefer a material that is going to withstand kids, friends, and family, and look great while doing so. With that said, it should be noted that granite is considered to be the hardest and most durable natural stone countertops available on the market. It has the ability to resist cracking and chipping, and tends to be heat and stain resistant. In addition, although it is not recommended, you can cut directly on the surface of granite countertops without causing damage. On the other hand, marble is also considerably strong and has the ability to resist damages. However, marble is a more porous material, which means it has a tendency to stain much easier than granite.

Maintenance & Repairs

Both granite and marble do require routine maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape, looking brand new for years. Granite does need to be sealed upon installation, and in most instances needs to be resealed at least once a year. There are simple tests you can conduct to determine if your granite needs to be resealed earlier or more often. Essentially, the more damage that is done to the granite the more often it will need to be resealed. This includes, not cleaning up spills right away, or using harsh materials or chemicals on the surface, all of which is not recommended. Furthermore, in most instances, minor dings and scratches to granite countertops can be filled in with resin or epoxy, while larger cracks and chips can be repaired by professionals. Marble has similar maintenance and repair procedures and schedules, which makes them fairly even when it comes to the debate over which to choose.

Installation Difficulty

As has been mentioned, hiring a professional installer is important whether you choose granite countertops or marble countertops. The first step will be measuring, which needs to be done exact. Professionals have the skills and the knowledge to do this correctly, where you could make a mistake that can cost you a lot of money. Next, cutting out the sink holes and other holes is not easy. That is, unless you are a professional installer. In addition, the materials are both very heavy and is very difficult to move around the kitchen. However, professionals have teams that can handle the material much easier, reducing the risk of damage to large slabs of granite. This debate ends in a tie, encouraging you to hire a professional as opposed to trying to install granite or marble countertops on your own.

Price Considerations

Last, but certainly not the least important thing you should think about is the cost of granite and marble countertops. It was once believed by the average homeowner that elegant natural stone countertops were outside the budget. However, more recently, the price of granite has come down dramatically, which makes it more affordable for just about everyone. With that said, marble is still quite expensive, and the only way you can save money is by getting marble tiles as opposed to full slabs. However, this may not give you the look you want.

Taking each of these aspects into consideration will help you make the decision about whether you should choose granite countertops or marble countertops. Both are similar in some aspects, such as installation and maintenance. Granite is the clear winner when it comes to color, appearance, durability, and price. The decision is made – granite wins the debate between granite vs marble countertops.