If you want to update your kitchen or bathroom, choose natural stone countertops. The beauty it adds to the room, the variety of colours it comes in, the fact that it can be cut to almost any size, and the ease with which it can be incorporated into the existing decor make it a great choice for any home.
When it comes to countertops made of genuine stone, granite and marble are by far the most well-liked options. Each material has advantages and disadvantages; choosing the best fits your needs and budget is the key. Marble, for instance, has a refined look, whereas granite is more rustic. Both options can be pricey due to their size and weight; however, marble tends to be more expensive than granite.
Despite their similarities, granite and marble serve quite distinct purposes and have very different looks. This article compares granite and marble masonry’s durability, characteristics, aesthetics, application, upkeep, and more to help you choose.
What Is Granite?
The igneous rock known as granite is composed primarily of the hard minerals quartz (up to 60%), feldspar (10-65%), and mica (up to 15%). It is made up of several amphibole minerals and silica. The granite’s bright colours and speckly appearance come from these mineral inclusions.
Quartzite is another form of rock commercially available. It is also in the same category as granites since it is composed primarily of Quartz and minerals but is tougher than other natural stones.
What Is Marble?
Marble, a metamorphic stone with lovely colours and patterns, is a popular building material. Its primary component, calcium carbonate, is far more malleable than granite.
Since granite is so long-lasting, it could even outlive the structure it was used to adorn.
The Differences Between Marble and Granite
Granite and marble are two of the most popular kitchen countertops for durability and elegance, respectively.
Appearance
Granite has a distinct visual distinction from marble. Granite’s many hues and tones result from the minerals that make up the stone, such as biotite mica, feldspar, quartz, and even amphibole.
Some rarest forms of marble have a pale green or pink base colour, but most are a solid greyish-white or cream colour with dark veins running through them. Marble’s distinctive veining results from trace minerals like iron oxides and silt.
Granite is more durable and tougher than marble, giving it a more reflective sheen and contrasting with marble’s matte finish. However, with the right polishing agents, contemporary marble may look far more glossy than ever.
Properties
A spill on either granite or marble, especially if the stone has not been sealed, will let liquid penetrate and leave a permanent stain. Granite is the more resilient option.
The “softness” of marble makes it more susceptible to stains and damage than granite. Hence, unsanded grout is advised for use with marble tiles. Unlike granite, marble is easily damaged by high temperatures and acids. Marble can be damaged by placing hot cookware on it and can be dulled by spilling acidic foods or beverages such as vinegar, lemon or lime juice. However, the resistance of marble can be greatly improved by polishing and sealing.
Marble naturally loses its lustre over time. For instance, the white marble of the Taj Mahal is vulnerable to contamination. The dulling of marble is permanent, unlike stains, which can be cleaned off to some extent.
Production
Slabs of granite and marble are produced by cutting massive blocks of the raw material down to a more workable size. Granite is more durable than marble, so that granite slabs can be carved into bigger dimensions.
Environmental Considerations
Both granite and marble could be more sustainable. Although with proper maintenance, both can last for centuries, the initial outlay of time, money, and energy required to mine, cut, transport, and set the stones might be prohibitive.
Installation
Both granite and marble countertops require a template to be translated to a slab, after which the slab is cut to size, and the countertop is finished. When the slab is ready to be installed (either onto cabinets or a plywood substrate), silicone adhesive is used to keep it in place. Working with these stone slabs while drilling holes for sinks and faucets is difficult. Both jobs require the expertise of an expert.
Maintenance
Every type of natural stone needs its own upkeep, so homeowners must watch their granite, marble, or quartz surfaces. Compared to marble, granite is more long-lasting, resistant to stains, and low-maintenance. Water will bead up on properly sealed granite once it has been installed. If you want your surface to last and perform well, you must reseal it annually.
Stone epoxy can fix minor damage, such as scratches or chips. Remember that kitchens that see a lot of action may require more TLC than average.
To keep it pristine, marble needs to be regularly sealed with a product made for nonporous stones. It’s important to remember that marble’s composition makes it susceptible to staining even after sealing, so you should always remove spills as soon as possible. Marble is vulnerable to etching by acidic liquids, including lemon juice, tomato sauce, and citrus fruit.
Which Is Better, Granite or Marble?
There are a few things you should know about these two exceptional natural stones before making your final decision:
Hardness
On the Mohs scale, marble sits between a three and a 5. Granite, on the other hand, registers between a 6 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Granite resists weathering and erosion, making it ideal for interior and outdoor applications. It’s also a great choice for kitchen counters because it’s scratch- and heat-resistant.
Juice from a lemon drop? Not to worry. Different from marble, granite won’t get scratched or discoloured when you use it around the house.
Polish and Thickness
While marble is typically polished after installation, imported granite can be purchased already polished. In addition, granite is offered in two standard thicknesses of 10 and 20 millimetres, whereas marble comes in a single offering of 18 millimetres.
Application
Due to its durability, granite is a great material for high-traffic areas, including kitchens, outdoor patios, and corridors. Its colour will not fade or fade away over time because it is resistant to UV light.
Sculptures, mantlepieces, and vanities made of marble showcase the material’s beauty and sophistication. It’s best displayed in climate-controlled locations without severe temperatures and humidity.
Granite’s resistance to wear and tear under extreme temperatures and humidity makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Their typical uses consist of the following:
Facades and elevations on the outside
Despite exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, and pollution, granites maintain their natural, brilliant hue. Therefore, they are commonly employed in exterior elevations and facades to provide a memorable first impression.
Granite flooring is a popular option for homes and businesses with significant foot traffic, such as kitchens and living rooms. Changing the surface finish to something more interesting, such as matte or anti-slip, instead of the normal shine, can dramatically affect the mood of the room.
Covering for walls
Guests will be amazed and envious of the lavish atmosphere you’ve created using exotic granites with stunning surface finishes.
Kitchen islands and counters
In contrast to the more fragile marble, granites are naturally stain-proof, making them ideal for use as kitchen islands and counters.
Showers and Restrooms
Because of their resilience, granites are great for high-traffic areas like showers and half-baths.
Cost Considerations
Granite is a more practical alternative for projects on a tighter budget than marble because of its lower price. Due to its high initial investment and ongoing upkeep requirements, marble tends to be more expensive than other materials.
Lifetime
Granite only needs to be sealed about once every three years. Marble, on the other hand, has to be polished and buffed on a more regular basis. Both materials should survive for decades with good maintenance, although granite will outlast it.
How Do You Distinguish Between Marble and Granite?
The elegance of marble and granite both stand the test of time. Despite their differences, both of these materials are excellent investments.
Veins in marble create a flowing pattern, and those veins are often a different colour than the rest of the stone. Although marble can be found in various colours, most are subdued and serious.
Although flecking of varying colours is the norm for granite, this is only sometimes the case. Due to its minerals, many varieties of magnificent granite come in vivid colours with a rainbow range of veins and patterns.
Helpful Advice for Deciding Between Marble and Granite
Choosing between Marble and Granite can be difficult, but several things must be considered. Which stone is best for your ideal home relies on several factors, including the stone’s intended function, the user’s level of carefulness or lack thereof, and the style of the home in question.
Based on Budget
Marble is more costly than Granite; examples are the renowned Calcutta and Emperador Marbles. However, costs vary depending on customisation and order size. However, Van Gogh’s stone is just one example of the rarity and strong demand that drives up the price of Granite.
According to Your Specific Needs
Individual preferences can cause needs for natural stones to vary. However, Granite is more popular than Marble for countertops, especially in kitchens, because of the effort required to keep Marble at its best. And because of the opulent feel it gives any room, Italian marble flooring is a popular option for high-end residences.
According To Appearance
While Granite is more of an aesthetic choice, Marble lends the home an air of refined luxury. Both stones come in various colours, so picking one over the other will ultimately come down to personal taste and the existing colour scheme in your home.
Decorating Concept
Choose the best stone for your home carefully, as both have a wide variety that may be used to enhance the look of different rooms. Decorate your home with warm marble stone to provide a touch of elegance and luxury. Granite stones add a genuine feel to any space and can also be used for decorative purposes.
Should You Go with Granite or Marble?
It all comes down to personal preference; marble is an excellent choice if you’re primarily concerned with aesthetics in low-traffic areas. However, if you’re looking for both tough and compelling and strong and refined, granite is your best bet.
Conclusion
Natural stone countertops are a popular choice for updating kitchens and bathrooms due to their beauty, variety of colors, and ease of incorporation into existing decor. Granite and marble are two popular options for natural stone countertops, with each having advantages and disadvantages.
Granite is an igneous rock composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, while marble is a metamorphic stone with lovely colours and patterns. It is more durable and tougher than marble, giving it a more reflective sheen and contrasting with marble’s matte finish. Marble, on the other hand, has a refined look and is more resistant to stains and damage.
Properties of granite include its ability to withstand high temperatures and acids, making it suitable for use with unsanded grout. Marble can be damaged by hot cookware and acidic foods or beverages, but its resistance can be improved through polishing and sealing. Marble naturally loses its lustre over time, unlike granite, which can be cleaned off to some extent.
Slabs of granite and marble are produced by cutting massive blocks of raw material down to a more workable size, while marble slabs can be carved into larger dimensions. Both granite and marble are more sustainable, but the initial outlay for mining, cutting, transporting, and setting the stones may be prohibitive.
Installation of granite and marble countertops requires a template, cutting, and finishing, with silicone adhesive used to hold them in place. Maintenance is essential for granite, which is more long-lasting, resistant to stains, and low-maintenance. Stone epoxy can fix minor damage, but kitchens with high activity may require more TLC. Marble needs to be regularly sealed with a product made for nonporous stones, as its composition makes it susceptible to staining even after sealing.
Marble and granite are two exceptional natural stones that have different properties and applications. Marble is hard, with a Mohs scale of 3 to 5, while granite is between 6 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It resists weathering and erosion, making it ideal for interior and outdoor applications, especially kitchen counters. It is also scratch- and heat-resistant, making it suitable for kitchen counters.
Granite is available in two standard thicknesses: 10 and 20 millimetres, while marble comes in a single offering of 18 millimetres. It is suitable for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, outdoor patios, and corridors, as its color won’t fade or fade over time. It is best displayed in climate-controlled locations without severe temperatures and humidity.
Granite is used in exterior facades, walls, kitchen islands, and countertops, while marble is more fragile and requires regular polishing and buffing. Both materials should survive for decades with good maintenance, but granite outlasts it.
However, marble and granite differ in their veins and patterns. Marble has subdued and serious veins, while granite has vivid colors with a rainbow range of veins and patterns.
Choosing between marble and granite depends on several factors, including the stone’s intended function, user’s level of carefulness, and the style of the home. Marble is more expensive than granite, but costs vary depending on customization and order size. Granite is more popular for countertops, especially in kitchens, due to the effort required to maintain its quality.
Appearance is another factor to consider when choosing between marble and granite. While marble is more of an aesthetic choice, granite adds a touch of elegance and luxury to any space. Ultimately, the choice between marble and granite depends on personal preference and the overall look of the home.
Content Sumamry:
- If you want to update your kitchen or bathroom, choose natural stone countertops.
- When it comes to countertops made of genuine stone, granite and marble are by far the most well-liked options.
- Each material has advantages and disadvantages; choosing the best fits your needs and budget is the key.
- Despite their similarities, granite and marble serve quite distinct purposes and have very different looks.
- This article compares granite and marble masonry’s durability, characteristics, aesthetics, application, upkeep, and more to help you choose.
- Granite and marble are two of the most popular kitchen countertops for durability and elegance, respectively.
- However, with the right polishing agents, contemporary marble may look far more glossy than ever.
- A spill on either granite or marble, especially if the stone has not been sealed, will let liquid penetrate and leave a permanent stain.
- Granite is the more resilient option.
- The “softness” of marble makes it more susceptible to stains and damage than granite.
- Hence, unsanded grout is advised for use with marble tiles.
- Unlike granite, marble is easily damaged by high temperatures and acids.
- However, the resistance of marble can be greatly improved by polishing and sealing.
- For instance, the white marble of the Taj Mahal is vulnerable to contamination.
- Both granite and marble could be more sustainable.
- Although with proper maintenance, both can last for centuries, the initial outlay of time, money, and energy required to mine, cut, transport, and set the stones might be prohibitive.
- Working with these stone slabs while drilling holes for sinks and faucets is difficult.
- Both jobs require the expertise of an expert.
- Compared to marble, granite is more long-lasting, resistant to stains, and low-maintenance.
- It’s important to remember that marble’s composition makes it susceptible to staining even after sealing, so you should always remove spills as soon as possible.
- Granite resists weathering and erosion, making it ideal for interior and outdoor applications.
- Not to worry.
- Different from marble, granite won’t get scratched or discoloured when you use it around the house.
- While marble is typically polished after installation, imported granite can be purchased already polished.
- Due to its durability, granite is a great material for high-traffic areas, including kitchens, outdoor patios, and corridors.
- Sculptures, mantlepieces, and vanities made of marble showcase the material’s beauty and sophistication.
- Granite’s resistance to wear and tear under extreme temperatures and humidity makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
- Therefore, they are commonly employed in exterior elevations and facades to provide a memorable first impression.
- Granite is a more practical alternative for projects on a tighter budget than marble because of its lower price.
- Due to its high initial investment and ongoing upkeep requirements, marble tends to be more expensive than other materials.
- Both materials should survive for decades with good maintenance, although granite will outlast it.
- The elegance of marble and granite both stand the test of time.
- Despite their differences, both of these materials are excellent investments.
- Veins in marble create a flowing pattern, and those veins are often a different colour than the rest of the stone.
- Although marble can be found in various colours, most are subdued and serious.
- Although flecking of varying colours is the norm for granite, this is only sometimes the case.
- Due to its minerals, many varieties of magnificent granite come in vivid colours with a rainbow range of veins and patterns.
- Choosing between Marble and Granite can be difficult, but several things must be considered.
- Which stone is best for your ideal home relies on several factors, including the stone’s intended function, the user’s level of carefulness or lack thereof, and the style of the home in question.
- Marble is more costly than Granite; examples are the renowned Calcutta and Emperador Marbles.
- However, costs vary depending on customisation and order size.
- However, Van Gogh’s stone is just one example of the rarity and strong demand that drives up the price of Granite.
- And because of the opulent feel it gives any room, Italian marble flooring is a popular option for high-end residences.
- While Granite is more of an aesthetic choice, Marble lends the home an air of refined luxury.
- Both stones come in various colours, so picking one over the other will ultimately come down to personal taste and the existing colour scheme in your home.
- Choose the best stone for your home carefully, as both have a wide variety that may be used to enhance the look of different rooms.
- Decorate your home with warm marble stone to provide a touch of elegance and luxury.
- Granite stones add a genuine feel to any space and can also be used for decorative purposes.
- It all comes down to personal preference; marble is an excellent choice if you’re primarily concerned with aesthetics in low-traffic areas.
- However, if you’re looking for both tough and compelling and strong and refined, granite is your best bet.
FAQs About Masonry
Are Granite And Marble Equally Heat-Resistant?
No, granite is more heat-resistant than marble. Placing hot objects directly on marble surfaces can lead to discolouration and damage.
What Influences The Cost Difference Between Granite And Marble Masonry?
The cost difference is influenced by factors like rarity, sourcing location, extraction difficulty, and the complexity of working with each stone. Marble tends to be more expensive due to its limited availability and the skill required to work with it.
Can Granite And Marble Be Used Together In The Same Project?
Yes, both stones can be combined in a project for aesthetic contrast. However, due to their different properties, careful planning is required to ensure they’re used appropriately for their respective strengths.
How Do Environmental Factors Come Into Play When Choosing Between Granite And Marble?
Granite is often considered more environmentally friendly due to its abundance and ease of extraction, while marble extraction can have a higher environmental impact due to the more intricate quarrying process.
Which Stone Is More Prone To Chipping Or Cracking?
Marble is more susceptible to chipping and cracking compared to granite, primarily because of its softer composition.