The Battle Between Granite and Marble Countertops: Which One is For You? 

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When it comes to luxury in kitchens, granite and marble countertops are both a wonderful choice.  Each is made of an elegant slab of natural stone with its own unique patterns, colors and features.  That said, how does one decide between granite and marble countertops for a home improvement project?  The trick is to examine the pros and cons of each type and then decide which one will work best for your expectations, needs, and personal style.  Have a look at the facts about granite and marble countertops to get yourself started.

Granite and marble countertops: the marble perspective

Both granite and marble countertops can find their sources all around the world.  Marble is more common, and is the metamorphic version of limestone.  This means that natural stone that had once been limestone went through a natural process where it experiences a great deal of pressure and heat over a very long time, until the stronger, denser, more durable stone, marble, results.

Because of this process, marble also becomes very beautiful, with different colors and veining patterns found in quarries all over the globe.  That said, as beautiful and durable as it is, it is also a porous stone.  Therefore certain precautions need to be taken to ensure that its beauty will not be injured.

A marble counter needs to be sealed every year to protect it from substances such as chemicals and acids.  Even the acid from a little bit of lemon juice could harm a marble countertop that has not been properly sealed.  That said, even a well sealed surface should be well maintained, without the use of any chemicals that could break down the seal.  This surface sealant can also be damaged by heat and scratches – though scratching can be repaired by having the seal removed and replaced by a professional.  The porous nature of marble also means that if any liquids can reach under the sealant, they can leave a stain, so great care should be taken.

Marble is a countertop that requires some maintenance, but as long as they are properly treated, they will last for a very long time and maintain their unique sophisticated beauty.

Granite and marble countertops: the granite perspective

Though granite is also a metamorphic kind of natural stone, granite and marble countertops are composed of very different minerals.  Where marble is limestone, granite is made up of feldspar, quartz, mica, silicon, as well as other minerals.

Granite and marble countertops are considered to be equals in their beauty, so the choice between them is more of a matter of personal taste and style than the superiority of one over the other.

That said, the hardness of the quartz within granite means that if the deciding factor between granite and marble countertops is durability, then granite will win hands down.  Quartz is extremely strong and allows granite to become a much harder slab than the comparatively soft marble.

Both granite and marble countertops need to be sealed, but granite does not need to have the seal replaced as frequently.  That said, the same care for the seal must be taken for both granite and marble countertops.  Hot pots and sharp knives should never come in contact with a granite surface.

When all is said and done, the choice between granite and marble countertops is up to you.  It is a matter of your preference for the appearance of the stone and the amount of maintenance you are willing to apply to your counter.  Either way, your surface will be a beautiful natural stone.

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