What is the Difference between Marble and Granite?

To people who are busy planning out the interiors to their new home, research is crucial. A lot of layout decisions and interior designing messes are ironed out once homeowners do their due diligence.

One of the more popular decisions homeowners find difficult to make is choosing between marble and granite kitchen countertops. That is because most people don’t even understand the difference between them.

Both marble and granite are often mistaken for one another. Of course, both materials are aesthetically-pleasing. They both also have qualities that make them a perfect choice as a countertop surface.

However, both never really have the same value. It’s all a matter of perspective, really, but they both have their own merits. That is why it is important to learn to tell how to tell the two together.

Aesthetics

Marble and granite are both natural materials. For the untrained eye, both will look exactly the same. However, they have distinct physical features that you can use to tell them apart.

For instance, granite showcases a veiny look that appears as specks on the surface and differs in color where slabs contain a variety of hues. Meanwhile, this veiny pattern appears larger on marble with veins that run through the slab with fairly consistent colors.

Of course, beauty and appeal are subjective. Be sure to look through numerous slabs with a variety of patterns and hues for both marble and granite to choose one that you find most appealing.

Porosity

Porosity matters, especially when talking about kitchen countertops because it will decide whether a material can withstand the elements in the kitchen. And if we were to declare a winner in the porosity contest, it would be marble. It is compact and sturdy, making it an obvious choice for durable yet elegant kitchen countertops.

On the other hand, marble is a porous material. This porosity could come in handy in hotter climates because of its ability to repel heat. This also means, however, that it is susceptible to stains and spills.

Similarly, granite is also a porous material. It readily absorbs wine, oils, condiments, or other materials that can stain the surface.

Origin

As mentioned earlier, both are natural materials. This means that to acquire these stones, mining, and excavation is a necessary process.

Buried in the ground for millions of years, granite is a kind of igneous rock. It is a by-product of molten magma that has cooled down and solidified throughout the decades. Granite is formed after it goes through periodic heating and cooling, which also gives it its durability and hardness.

Now, marble goes through the same formation process like granite, with the exception that it doesn’t involve magma heat. Marble is a combination of sedimentary rocks and other natural elements. It is a product of years of natural meshing of rock and soil for millions of years. Its exposure to extreme heat and pressure causes the natural design of the stone to appear.

Incorporation of minerals is an unavoidable part of creating marble stones and tiles. Hence, it is able to showcase a wider range of colors. This adds to the variety of hues in some marble designs, giving more options to buyers.

Check the best-looking projects we did over the years in the industry to solve your Granite vs marble dilemma.

See our projects

Durability and Maintenance

Since both stones are natural materials, durability is high in both cases. Of course, this is only true if they are properly maintained.

As mentioned earlier, marble is more porous. Hence, it is more susceptible to spills and stains. Take note that it is especially weak against acidic liquids so always clean up after every mess.

Granite is less porous than marble. But sealant can also be applied to further improve its ability to resist stains and spills.

Cost

When it comes to cost, what is the difference between marble and granite?

This is one of the questions that people take into consideration when deciding which kind to use. Sometimes, the cost becomes the deal breaker. Building a home can be quite expensive and the cost takes a lot of play.

If we only look at the cost of the materials, marble is in fact slightly more expensive than granite. At best, marbles cost closer to $60, while granite can cost around $40 per square foot. These are just the basic kinds. Other factors may come in to play, which could cause the price of marble and granite to go as high as $150 and $100, respectively.

Cost of installation and maintenance should also be considered when considering the price of your kitchen countertops. For this reason, it is paramount that you seek counsel from your local experts to get a better estimate of the cost.

Word of caution: only seek expert advice from professionals. Only they can give you the best estimate on the true value of your kitchen countertop.

Value is in the Eye of the Beholder

At the end of the day, what really matters is how much value you place on your countertop. It should always be just about you and your home. Choose the countertop surface that speaks to you the most and goes with it.

Whether you choose marble for its delicate elegance or the tough yet polished exterior of granite, you can never really go wrong. Both offer unmatched beauty of natural stone while also offering something unique.

Take the time to decide on the surface that you want. Never rush a decision. But if you ever find yourself needing the help of a professional, you can always count on Granite Selection to give you professional advice.

Granite Selection is the premier destination for everything stone, whether it’s granite, marble, or quartz. We are a manufacturer and installer of natural stone countertops and have been doing this for many, many years. Our team of stone professionals has over 50+ years of combined experience. So if it’s expert advice you seek, look no further than Granite Selection.

If you are in the Chicagoland area, be sure to stop by our depot. We are located in Elk Grove Village, IL. We serve a 70 mi radius. We will be more than happy to receive your request.

Give us a call at (888) 906 3317 and we’ll be happy to assist you.