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Granite VS Marble; Which one Suits Your Home

best kitchen countertop

When building a new home or remodeling your kitchen you are faced with the decision on which countertop material to use. The kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity countertop material you choose should bring out the elegance and style. Granite and marble countertops are both very elegant materials that will keep their look for decades when properly take care of and maintained. Granite has been the countertop king for ages while marble is synonymous with high class and luxury. In this article, we look at the similarities and differences between the two countertop materials and where best to use each one of them.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Countertop Material

Use of the countertop

Before you choose the countertop to use, choose the one that suits your kitchen needs. If your kitchen is high traffic then you require a hard stone such as granite

Budget and cost

Talk to the granite company and get a quotation for each countertop material. Choose the one that suits your budget

Style

Marble is more classic and elegant as compared to granite which is more common. Granite, however, comes in different colors as compared to marble.

Making of Granite and Marble

Marble is a natural stone which is made from limestone which has been subjected to intense heat due to tectonic shifting of the earth’s crust

Granite is also a natural rock made from compressed quartz, feldspar, mica and other minerals. Granite is harder than marble.

Both the materials are porous and offer good quality countertop material.

Granite Vs Marble

The comparison will help you decide which countertop to use for your kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity countertop.

Appearance

Although both materials are made from the natural rock they are different in appearance. Granite has speckled colors that it gets from melded stones and comes from numerous shades and tones.

Marble has veining characteristics with a deep, rich feel and comes in fewer colors and variety. Marble is commonly available in black and white.

Granite is shiny and glossy as compared to marble which has a dull smoothness. Marble can be made to look like granite by applying a sealant.

Cost of the Countertop

The cost of marble vs granite varies according to the collar and appearance. Marble is, however, more expensive than granite. It may not be possible to get large chunks of marble due to its soft nature while you can get for granite as its sturdier.

Durability

Granite is hard and resists chipping and cracking when it’s well maintained. On the other hand, marble is softer and it’s more prone to scratches and cracks and therefore require more care.

Both the rocks are porous but marble is softer, making it easy to stain and damage as compared to granite. Marble is susceptible to heat and any acidic liquids and it’s therefore important that extra care is taken. Granite, however, is harder and can withstand heat to a certain level.

Use of the Countertop Material

Granite is harder and therefore more durable and can be used in kitchens with moderate traffic as a kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity countertop. Marble is appropriate in places with little traffic and can be used both in the kitchen and bathroom.

Maintenance

Both granite and marble are porous and require sealing so that they don’t absorb spills. You need to reseal marble countertops at least twice per year while you can seal your granite countertop once every two years. Marble will require more maintenance work as compared to granite.

Repair and Installation

In case of chips, the repaired chips are more visible in a marble than in granite due to its flecked pattern. Make sure that the installation of both granite and marble is done by the expert from the granite company to avoid any installation problems and breakage.

Marble countertops require more maintenance and care but if you are willing to trade that for the classic and elegant look then go for it. Granite, on the other hand, is common in most homes, but it’s harder and more durable. Granite countertop Durham will work well even for the outdoor kitchen island and it requires moderate care and maintenance. Before making your choice speak to the granite countertop installers and they will advise you on the best kitchen countertop and bathroom vanity countertop for your house.

Pros and cons of Granite bathroom countertops

Nowadays, bathroom countertops are available in plenty of color, shapes and material choices. The latest fabrication and cutting technology can provide you the countertop exactly according to your specifications. Granite has always been the most popular choice when it comes to the countertop material. Undoubtedly, granite acquires all the qualities which homeowners look in a countertop material.

Granite bathroom countertops

Granite countertops are mostly tried and tested in the kitchen. Granite offers arrant working surface as a kitchen countertop material. Now what about bathrooms? Is granite apt choice for bathroom countertop material? Is it right to install granite countertop in bathroom? Well, read below mentioned information before opting for granite as your bathroom vanity to material.

Pros to granite bathroom countertops

Just like kitchens, granite is a suitable material for bathrooms countertop as well. Granite is one of the hardest countertop materials available in the market. Every homeowner expects their countertop to provide countless years of services. Since granite is hard and durable, it can withstand in your bathroom for a good number of years to come.

Granite countertops can survive even after getting wet. This countertop material does not lose its shine due to water. Water does not affect the granite countertop. It means you freely use granite in your bathroom.

The scratch and stain resistant quality of granite are another reason for choosing it as a bathroom countertop material. Granite does not develop scratches easily. It means your countertop will remain unaffected by daily wear and tear. Also, you need not have to worry about nail polish stains, lipstick marks and other spills on your granite bathroom countertop. Your countertop will not get stained.

One of the most remarkable features of granite countertops is their beauty. Just like in kitchen, granite looks equally beautiful in the bathroom.

Cons to granite countertops

Granite slabs are extremely heavy, which makes their installation quite difficult. Since it is a heavy material, its transportation and granite countertop installation cost is also more. In total, granite is an expensive material for bathroom counters. Moreover, if you want to use granite countertop in your bathroom, you will have to pay attention over granite sealing.

How to Determine Whether Granite Countertops Are Right for You

Whenever homeowners think about bathroom and kitchen countertop replacement, granite is probably the first name which pops up in their mind. But why? Why granite countertops are so popular? Why granite counters are apt for both kitchens and bathrooms? Why any other material cannot compete with granite? Well, it is because of the fact that granite has become the prototype for countertops. Though, in reality, granite countertop is not for everyone!!

Granite countertops

Undoubtedly, granite can make your kitchen or bathroom look luxurious but look is not everything. While choosing countertop material, you should consider your needs and requirements first and then run after look. The below mentioned things can help you in deciding whether granite is ideal countertop material for your kitchen and bathroom or not:

Fitting Granite into Your Budget

The very first thing that you need to analyze is whether granite countertop fit into your budget or not? Granite countertops are among most expensive countertops that you can buy. It is because of fact that granite countertops are made up of natural stone and have natural luster. Thus, before finalizing granite, make sure that you can afford granite countertop installation.

Does Granite Match with the Style of Your Kitchen or Bathroom?

Every homeowner has different aesthetic sense and thus, their kitchens and bathrooms have distinct décor. Instead of going with trends, do some research and try to understand whether granite will go with your existing décor or not! You can also take suggestion from your bathroom or kitchen contractor. Your contractor will help you in choosing apt countertop material, as granite is not the only countertop material available in the market. The countertop materials like marble, siltstone, quartz, tile, wood etc. also have great features.

Usability of countertop surface

It is important to consider usability of countertop before finalizing any countertop material. Check whether granite can bear daily wear and tear of your kitchen and bathroom. Also, look for maintenance and cleaning requirement, because granite kitchen countertops require frequent sealing.

So, these are some important aspects which you need to consider before finalizing granite or any other countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom.