Granite vs. Marble Countertops

Granite vs. Marble Countertops

A countertop is typically made from granite. Granite is the most common stone to construct a countertop because it is reliable and accessible. There aren’t many differences between granite and marble, however, and the similarities between the two are more abundant than the differences.

Both are made up of natural stone matter, and both stones are porous. If you want to go into more detail, marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed out from re-crystallized carbon material. It is sculpted out of limestone that is subjected to intense pressure and heat. This process is due to tectonic shifting in the earth’s crust that allows for the formation to occur.

As far as granite goes, it is an igneous rock made up of grains of compressed quartz, feldspar, mica and similar stone materials that are related. With that being said, granite is slightly harder than marble, but both offer longevity and durability.

Without further ado, we will examine the similarities and differences of the materials.

Countertop Appearance

Both stone materials are beautiful in their own right. Each one has a unique look with different patterns that make the appearance appealing to the eye.

Granite shows the grainy specks that vary in color and size. A slab of granite could include several different hues – green, orange, blue, pink, red and so on. The colors in granite are typically medium-to-dark shaded.

The pattern in marble is larger and more visible as it resembles large waves or rings known as veins. The color tends to be consistent with the “veins” running through the mineral that concentrate the colors of the stone. The veins are dictated by the overall color of the slab of marble.

Durability

Granite is a harder/tougher stone than marble, so it is more resistant to chips, scratches and damages to the surface. Both of the stones are heat resistant but they are not completely immune to damages from heat. It is wise to be careful with hot pans or other items that could potentially damage the surface.

Both countertop styles are durable as long as they are properly restored on a yearly basis. You want to set a schedule for sealing and restoration services so that you can keep your countertop in pristine condition. Waiting until the damage is already done to have it fixed will just make it more difficult to restore back to its top quality condition.

Countertop Pricing

Granite is cheaper than marble, but marble is more appealing as far as the common opinion goes. It is more colorful and the patterns are more intricate. Granite pricing begins at around $75/sq. ft. as marble begins at around $100/sq. ft. It isn’t a large margin, but it can add up.

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