What Is The Difference Between Granite And Marble Countertops?

When it comes to kitchen renovations replacing your countertops is almost always at the top of the priority list. There are many different materials that can be utilized for your kitchen countertops, butcherblock has become popular in the past couple years. But, two of the most popular options have always been marble and granite, and a question which we get asked very often is “which material should you go for“?

Both granite and marble are natural stone and have their own distinct beautiful designs. When it comes to selecting the right slab for your countertops, it can easily become a really tough decision. However, before you can decide which one is best for your kitchen, you should understand the difference between the two types of stone.

1. Origin of Granite and Marble

Granite is igneous rock that is formed deep within the earth due to solidification and cooling of Magma. It takes millions of years for this rock to be formed and it becomes hard due to heating and then slow cooling over a large period of time.

Marble on the other hand, is a metamorphic stone that is formed by transformation of sedimentary stone. The sedimentary rock was buried under soil for a long period of time. There it remained under intense heat and pressure and thus was transformed into marble. Due to in addition of different impurities you can find marble slabs with different tints and shades of colours.

2. Appearance

Both marble and granite can have a similar appearance, in most cases granite will have darker shades and more variances in patterns, and more differentiating identifiers due to impurities. There is a natural color variation that is different in two stones, marble tends to have colourful veins that flow through it, while Granite has colors that are spaced out throughout the stone.

3. Strength and Durability

The strength and durability of each of these stones depends greatly upon the process they were formed. Both granite and marble will withstand the use and wear thrown at them as a kitchen countertop, but they still differ from each other. Granite is technically the harder of the two stones, and better resists any scratches that may occur from cutting and working on the countertop. Marble on the other hand may not be able to resist some hard strokes and wear that granite can withstand.

4. Stain Resistance

As natural stone both marble and granite are porous materials, and will require periodic sealing to prevent any staining of your countertops. Marble has metamorphic features and thus it is a more porous material compared to granite.

Ultimately, the choice between granite and marble is up to your design and style preferences. Both materials are gorgeous and can be cut to fit pretty much any kitchen counter style. They are both hard natural stone that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. They both also require minimum maintenance such as periodic sealing to ensure you get the most out of your countertop. So, when it comes to choosing between marble or granite, go with the material that best meets your style, budget, and timeline.