Natural stone is a perfect choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops. Marble and granite are common natural stones for homeowners to use for countertops. Many homeowners opt for granite countertop installation because of the numerous benefits granite has to offer.
Overview of Granite
Granite is a rough natural rock with a phaneritic texture. It’s formed through a gradual crystallization of magma beneath the earth’s surface. Granite is used to make outdoor items in big cities, including cemetery monuments, floor tiles, and pavers. Many popular places such as Yosemite Valley, Mount Rushmore, and Torres Del Paine are granite hubs.
Overview of Marble
The word “marble” refers to metamorphosed limestone. Marble is a metamorphic rock made of carbonate materials. The materials are formed when limestone is subjected to high pressure and temperature changes.
Granite Vs. Marble
Marble and granite may appear similar, but you can see some specific differences in the following aspects:
Appearance
Marble is sedimentary or metamorphic in origin. It has a smooth surface with natural veins of minerals such as iron oxide running through it. Some marble is serpentine, while others are quartz-based. The colors of marble countertops tend to be somewhat consistent with the color of the mineral veins.
Granite is igneous or metaphoric, made of feldspar, mica, silica, and quartz. It has a rough surface. Its color variation may appear as freckling all over the stone. Granite countertops may have a variety of hues such as red, pink, orange, green, blue, etc.
Hardness and Strength
Granite hardness on the Mohs scale ranges between 6 and 7. It’s resistant to heat and scratches damage, which makes it the best material for kitchen countertops. Granite countertops are mentioned as the most durable and sturdy and don’t discolor or scuff from everyday home activities.
According to the Mohs scale, marble has a hardness of between 3 and 5. Marble is not as durable as granite and is highly susceptible to damage from daily kitchen activities like cutting. Placing hot dishes and pans on it may damage it. Marble countertops are more suitable in areas with low traffic, like the fireplaces, and bathroom vanities.
Maintenance
Natural stones require varying levels of maintenance. Homeowners should be cautious about the state of their kitchen or bathroom countertops.
Granite requires less maintenance than marble because it’s stain-resistant and durable. With the right annual resealing, granite can remain in good condition for many years. You can repair minor dings or scratches by filing them with resin or color-matching epoxy readily available in stores near you. Professionals should repair larger cracks.
Marble requires thorough sealing with a sealant made explicitly for porous surfaces. Unlike granite, marble requires regular sealing. Sealing does not protect marble from stains because marble is naturally susceptible to stains. To prevent damage by staining, marble requires immediate clean-up in case of any spill. Unlike granite, marble cannot withstand acidic liquids like citrus and tomato sauce.
Cost
Natural stone is never a cheap countertop choice, but its sturdiness and appearance are worth the cost. High-end granite is less costly than marble. Different suppliers charge different prices. Check with your suppliers for the latest prices. Price may vary depending on the tile style, the intricacy of the job, and the stone quality.
Why Choose Granite Countertop Installation?
Both granite and marble have specific qualities and properties, but granite is more beneficial to use. Whether you want countertops for your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor space, granite is the best choice. Granite countertops are money-saving since they require minimal maintenance. For proper granite countertop installation, make sure you leave the installation to experts with many years of experience and knowledge about granite countertops.
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