Granite 
Calacatta
Granite and Marble are both classic choices for natural stone countertops. With proper care, they’ll both last for decades. So how do you choose? We’ll compare the two and help you decide what will work best for your project.
First, let’s learn a little more about these stones. Marble is a metamorphic rock. It’s formed from limestone that has gone through intense pressure and heat as the earth’s crust shifts. Granite is an igneous rock that is formed from grains of compressed materials like quartz, feldspar, and mica. Both stones are porous, meaning that they’ll need to be sealed to keep them looking great. Now let’s get comparing!
Appearance
Both granite and marble are beautiful but in different ways. Granite shows off the various grains of material it’s made from. They appear as a variety of colored specs, usually in medium to dark shades of blue, green, orange, pink, red, brown, or black. These specs can be any size and are often clustered together in interesting patterns. There really is a huge variety of hues and patterns when it comes to granite.
Marble colors tend to be more consistent, falling in the white-grey range. The color appears as large veining. For example, a grey-blue slab would mostly likely have darker blue veins and a grey-pink slab may have rosy-red veins. Solid white marble is another coveted option, though many homeowners lean towards the patterned marble these days.
Durability
Granite is harder than marble because it’s an igneous rock. That means it’s less likely to be chipped or scratched. Marble is slightly softer, but it’s still a very long-lasting stone. That’s why we see marble artwork last for centuries. It may just need a little extra care to keep that brand-new look. Though some homeowners actually enjoy how marble looks after it’s been worn in a bit.
Both marble and granite are heat resistant thanks to their time hanging out in the crust of the earth. Use caution with pans right from the stove or hot curling irons, but overall these rocks can handle the heat.
As mentioned before, both stones are porous in nature. If they’re not properly sealed liquids can penetrate the surface and leave stains. If a seal is not maintained these countertops can be marred by oil, wine, juice, or acidic beauty products. Marble is especially vulnerable to this so be sure to clean up any spills right away.
Maintenance
All-natural stones require a bit of maintenance. Granite requires a moderate amount of maintenance in the form of resealing it regularly. The sealing itself isn’t difficult. Just wipe it down with the sealer and allow it to dry completely. Marbler would fall under the moderate-high maintenance category. In addition or regular resealing, you must avoid acidic material and wipe up spills quickly.
Prices:
The complexity of the job will affect the ultimate cost, but generally speaking, granite prices are slightly lower than marble. The quality and type of stone can make a difference as well. A high-quality granite could cost more than a mid-tear marble slab. Overall the costs are fairly comparable as new technologies have made marble more affordable for the average homeowner.
Do you still need more help deciding if granite or marble countertops are right for you? Contact us to find a time to come see our slabs in person.
