Kitchen Guides
Is Granite a Better Kitchen Countertop Material Than Marble?
Can't decide between stones for your kitchen countertop? Use this guide to make an informed choice
Marble and granite have emerged as the most popular natural stone materials for kitchen countertops. However, both these natural stones function differently when subjected to a hardworking and busy kitchen environment. Find out the strengths and shortcomings of both the materials.
Marble:
- Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure.
- Marble’s beauty lies in its soft vein patterns, as seen in the image here. These natural veins give marble an elegant look; hence it is considered to be a luxurious material that is appropriate for high-end homes.
- Marble has a softer surface texture, compared to granite.
- Another characteristic of marble is that it can be polished only after installation.
- Also, marble is softer and more porous than granite.
Pick the right stone and then look for the right lighting over the counter
What are the similarities between granite and marble countertops?
Marble and granite are quite similar in the following respects:
Marble and granite are quite similar in the following respects:
- Both marble and granite are available in the form of slabs.
- Being a natural stone, the appearance of marble and granite varies from slab to slab because the stone’s colour depends on the quarry from which it is cut.
- Marble and granite are porous in nature and require to be sealed periodically.
Which countertop material is more durable?
- Granite countertops stand out because they are comparatively much harder than marble. It is one of the most durable natural stones.
- Granite is more resistant to chipping and cracks.
- Another plus is that granite is resistant to heat and can easily withstand hot cookware, which makes it a perfect material for kitchen countertops.
Which countertop material is more resistant to stains?
- Granite is highly resistant to stains as long as it is coated with a protective sealant. As a result, liquid spills do not permeate into the surface of the granite countertop.
- The major drawback of a marble countertop is that it is a very porous material, hence prone to staining.
- Another drawback is that marble is susceptible to fading and may become dull over a period of time. It has to be repolished so as to restore its original shine.
- Marble can easily get stained from spills, especially from liquids that are acidic in nature, such as citrus fruit juices and vinegar. It can even get stained by kitchen ingredients such as haldi. Hence, it is not advisable to install marble countertops in commercial kitchens.
How to maintain marble and granite countertops?
Granite requires moderate maintenance in comparison to marble
Granite requires moderate maintenance in comparison to marble
- The best part about granite is that minor scratches on the countertop can be filled with colour-matching epoxy or resins.
- Granite needs to be sealed once in two years.
Marble requires high levels of maintenance and care.
Read more:
Granite Countertop Guide: Which Finish Is Right for Your Kitchen?
A Guide to Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
Tell us:
Which countertop do you prefer in your kitchen? Tell us why in the Comments section below.
- Avoid spilling acidic materials on the marble countertop; any spill must be wiped immediately
- It is advisable to seal marble countertops at least twice a year.
Read more:
Granite Countertop Guide: Which Finish Is Right for Your Kitchen?
A Guide to Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
Tell us:
Which countertop do you prefer in your kitchen? Tell us why in the Comments section below.
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