When completing kitchen or bathroom renovation, it often comes down to one question: Is granite or marble better? And in short, it depends! Whether you’d like a surface that is tough enough to not scratch, durable against heat, or the most bang for your buck, you’ll be able to decide for yourself.
What Is Granite?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (no pun intended), you’re probably well-aware of what granite is. But, when you get into the nitty-gritty of it all, granite is actually quite a complex and unique natural stone.
Granite is an igneous rock seen all around the world in thousands of styles and forms. Granite is one of the most prominent natural stones on earth, and is beloved across the globe for its versatility. Granite is probably most known for its application as countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, but this all-encompassing rock truly does it all!
What Is Marble?
When you think of luxury and elegance, marble may be one of the first things to come to mind. ‘Marble’ is a word originally used by geologists to describe limestone that has been metamorphosed. It is an abundant stone seen across much of the world in many different forms and applications.
Beyond countertops, marble can be seen as flooring, fireplaces, walls, and even sculptures. This stone is known and loved for its soft coloring and iconic veining across its surface. Although available in a wide variety of colors, the most notable marble facades will be a creamy white with soft gray veining.
Granite Vs. Marble
Depending on what you’re looking for in terms of design and functionality, the perfect stone for you may vary. It’s also important to consider availability in your area before determining the perfect stone to get the job done. You may love the look and performance of a certain type of granite, but have to pay a premium for it to be shipped to you. Be sure to check local availability before deciding on the best slab for your project.
In terms of hardness and longevity, granite takes the cake in comparison to marble. Granite is typically considered one of the hardest stones on the market, so it’s no surprise that it beats marble in this category. In fact, marble is actually known for being a softer stone; which is why it is used often for sculptures.
In terms of appearance, it is really up to the buyer. Marble is elegant and luxurious while granite is tough and comes in a wide variety of styles. If you know you love the classic look of marble, there’s no comparing it to granite. But if you’re after a wider selection of textures and colors, granite offers an extensive range to choose from.
In terms of maintenance, both stones will require sealing. Marble is a bit more high-maintenance in that it will require sealing about twice a year, whereas granite only needs it once every two years. But again, if marble is the look you’re after, the sealing will be well-worth it.
In terms of cost, granite tends to be cheaper than marble but this can vary greatly. Certain granite will exceed marble costs and vice versa. It depends on the style and quantity you are looking for. In all, the cost will usually not differ too severely.
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