Granite vs Marble Kitchen countertops

Marble and granite are both types of naturally occurring stone that are extracted from quarries. Although marble and granite share some fundamental characteristics, they also differ significantly. Their usage in the construction sector dates back to ancient times and still, they are the most popular materials used.

You should make a well-informed decision when you are choosing between marble & granite for your projects. Knowing the key differences & how the properties of each of these materials will amplify your spaces. 

Let’s start by knowing how are these materials made.

Granite is a natural mineral consisting of Feldspar & Quartz. Magma that is located deep inside the earth solidifies and cools to form granite over the course of millions of years. This turns granite into a very hard substance. It is an igneous rock since it formed when molten magma cooled.

Marble is a natural mineral and is made up of calcite or calcium carbonate. It is categorised as a metamorphic stone as it is made from sedimentary rock These rocks transform below the earth due to high heat and pressure over millions of years. Other minerals also get mixed and this lends various colours & textures to the marble.

Now we know that both granite & marble are natural materials and it takes millions of years for them to be made available today.

Let’s explore the key differences between marble and granite:

1. Color & Textures:

Granite has more spotted textures & marble as more vein-looking textures.

Granite & marble both come in natural colour hues but what is distinctive is the surface texture of both of these. Usually, marble's colour mimics the stone's vibrant veins but color variations in granite typically show up as flecking throughout the stone.

2. Durability:

Granite is more durable than Marble.

Granite is definitely harder than marble. It ranks 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale whereas marble ranges from 3 to 5. This makes granite far more durable and resilient than marble. It is also important to choose which area of the space will suit which material. Granite should be used in busy spaces like kitchen countertops, living rooms, staircases, and bedrooms. Marble works better for spaces that do not get used much and have more decorative purposes.

3. Resistant to Stain:

Granite is more stain-proof than marble.

Marble is a porous material and it will partially absorb some of the liquid that will come in contact. The porosity of marble will result in the absorption of some materials upon contact. This property makes it less resistant to stains. So, if you are making a marble kitchen countertop, any spills of oils, wine or food will lead to permanent discolouration. Granite is non-porous and has high-density material. This makes it capable of resisting virtually all stains. Even acidic liquids like vinegar will not permeate granite as long as you maintain an effective sealant barrier on the granite.

4. Ease of Maintenance:

Granite is easy to clean as compared to marble.

Granite surfaces are easy to maintain and can be cleaned with ordinary soapy water, rinse the soap off with water & wipe it with a dry cloth.

Marble surfaces are high maintenance and need to be cleaned with more care. To prevent the marble from becoming stained, use a pH-neutral cleaning agent. On marble, avoid using abrasive cleaners as they could dull the finish.

5. Installation:

Installation of granite is more affordable than marble.

Marble and granite both require sealing to maintain their aesthetic appeal. A professional will apply a sealant to both materials before or right away after the installation as a precaution against harm.

Granite requires less frequent sealer application than marble materials since they naturally resist stains. Depending on the type of sealer you choose, you should apply a fresh layer of sealant once a year or every three years for best effects.

Marble needs to be regularly resealed in order to protect the porous surface. At least twice a year, marble should be resealed; more frequently if you see that water is permeating the marble rather than collecting on the surface.

There can be several differences between granite & marble and but you must first think about your project and its needs. Marble is an excellent alternative if you want a good, affordable design, while granite is a good choice if you want something that will last for a long time and is willing to spend some money on it.

Both marble and granite have distinctive attributes and characteristics of their own. In the end, it all comes down to how this stone will look and where you plan to utilise it.

Choose marble if you're willing to invest some time in tile care to create a more stunning and opulent appearance. Granite is the greatest choice for you if you're looking for a natural stone with more durability, scratch resistance, and less wear and tear ability.

Explore our vast range of granite that is well suited for both residential & commercial projects. Connect with us to get the best quotes now!