Granite VS Marble Countertops in Your Kitchen – Which is Best?

Here’s a quick comparison guide to help Kansas City homeowners decide between granite and marble

Marble or Granite can be a stunning addition to your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. The beauty and durability of natural stone is hard to beat (and hard to reproduce) which is why marble and granite remain popular surfaces for Kansas City remodeling projects and around the country.

They both contain similar characteristics and composition.  But there are distinct differences in appearance and upkeep you should know about – especially when used in a busy kitchen environment.

So let’s take a detailed look at the differences so you can make the right decision for your home.  (Or if you are ready to get started, schedule a free in-home professional design consultation and we’ll help you explore all your options!)

Natural Selection

Marble and granite countertops can add some real natural history to your home.

Marble is formed out of ancient limestone that’s been subjected to intense pressure and heat due to tectonic shifting in the earth’s crust. Look closer and you might see flecks of silica, feldspar, mica, and quartz. Marble is usually characterized by larger veins of color and a smoother surface texture.

Granite, on the other hand, is composed of calcite and grains of compressed quartz, feldspar, mica, and similar materials. As a result of its composition, granite is slightly harder than marble. Granite is usually characterized as having a more tightly packed, granular and more colorful appearance to its surface.

Natural Beauty

Let’s dig deeper into the differences in color and appearance between marble and granite. It can vary widely. In fact, the color of the stone can change dramatically from slab to slab depending on where it is cut from.

Marble ranges from white to black in color. Each slab will have some degree of variation in color over its entire surface. Marble’s vein pattern tends to be larger. Color concentrates in the veins and remains fairly consistent throughout the entire slab. For example, a gray-blue slab of marble might have darker blue veins and a gray-pink slab might contain veins that are quite red in color.

Granite, in turn, can come in a wide range of colors from very light to very dark. Each granite slab has some degree of variation in color over its surface and might have veins, flecks of color, or be solid.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It’s important to get in front of as many granite or marble slabs as you can so you can decide which material you find most attractive. (Or let us bring the showroom to you! Contact us for a free in-home design consultation, right now.)

Hardness and Durability

While both marble and granite countertops are quite durable, there are differences in their durability.

While both stones are porous, granite is harder than marble so it tends to more resistant to chips and scratches. But not all granite is the same.

Most dark-colored granites are nonporous and do not require sealing since they don’t easily scratch or etch. Some light-colored granites, however, are actually dolomites. These types of granites may scratch, etch, or stain and will need sealing every one or two years.

Marble, as was mentioned previously, is softer than granite. Marble is more likely to absorb stains, etch or lose its finish over time. Having a honed, or matte finish, for your marble counter, however, can help disguise some of the etching.

Sealing The Deal

Both marble and granite countertops are quite durable, but ONLY if you properly seal your countertops every one or two years. The porous nature of marble and granite means that liquids can and will penetrate and stain your countertops.

When the seal fades and is not replaced, marble is especially vulnerable to acidic foods and liquids, so be very careful to clean up spills immediately after contact.

Choosing Between Marble Or Granite Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

Let the design consultants at Jericho Home Improvements help make the hard choices easy with a free in-home professional design consultation. We’ll show you how to make the right choice – one that balances natural beauty with long-lasting durability. Contact us to get your stunning new kitchen or bathroom remodeling project started today.