Is Marble Better Than Granite
Marble has always been considered a classic choice for countertops, floors, and walls. But is it really worth the extra cost?
Marble is a natural stone that comes from the earth. It’s durable, beautiful, and long-lasting.
Marble can also be very resistant to heat and scratches. It has a reputation of being a material of grandness and luxury.
While marble is certainly a great material, it does come at a price. The average cost of installing marble ranges between $50-$100 per square foot.
That means you're looking at spending anywhere from $3,000 - $4,000 for a kitchen or bathroom remodel.
Granite is another popular option. It is another natural stone material, made of grains from compressed quartz, mica, and feldspar.
It is slightly harder than marble, but they are both still known for their durability.
This article will be discussing both marble and granite, so you can have a better idea of what to use in your home.
Appearance
Granite is a type of rock that comes in different colors and patterns.
Homeowners love it because of its many colors and patterns.
It's important to choose a specific slab, since no two are alike.
Marble is an ancient stone that was used by many civilizations as a building material.
It is recognized by its beautiful veins and patterning.
There are different kinds of marble including white, cream, brown, black, gray, and golden. Veins vary from light to dark.
Each kind of marble has a specific pattern.
The most popular types are Carrara marble, Calacatta marble, and Emperador marble.
Granite and marble come with different types of surfaces. You can decide among polished, honed, and brushed finishes.
When it comes to picking one out, it is best to find the finish that matches your style.
Installation
Marble and granite counters are fabricated using the same process.
Templates are made from existing countertops, and these templates are used to make new countertop slabs.
These slabs are then cut to fit the desired shape of the countertop.
Once the slab is cut to size, it is bonded to the cabinet surface.
Occasionally, holes will be cut into both these materials to make spaces for sinks, or any other additions you are adding.
Marble slabs can often be smaller than granite slabs, so you may need more pieces for completing a whole kitchen if you have chosen to use marble.
No matter which material you decide on, they should both be installed by a professional.
Durability
Both materials are durable, but this will depend on their makeup.
True granite, such as Absolute Black, is nonporous and will not scratch or etch easily. This makes it very durable.
However, some lighter granite is made with dolomite, a metamorphic stone, which can wear and tear much easier.
Marble may not be the most durable material, as most of them are made from calcite.
This is a soft mineral that is porous, meaning that it can absorb stains and lose its finish eventually.
There are other kinds of marble that are more durable.
For example, green marble is made from serpentine, and does not scratch or etch too easily.
You can also find some Quartzites, labeled as marble, such as Thassos, or Azul Celeste.
These are known for being more durable and can be even stronger than granite.
While it is thought that both these materials are incredibly durable as they are stones, this will depend on the kind that you choose.
Most materials of this kind will still require some kind of maintenance.
Maintenance
Both materials require some maintenance. Marble requires regular cleaning, while granite may only need occasional cleaning.
Countertop surfaces made of granite or marble need sealing once every 2 years, as this will protect the surface from moisture and stains.
Scratches on granite can be repaired with an epoxy sealant, and granite should always be cleaned with mild soap and water.
Oil-based products should never be used on granite.
Marble should be sealed every 6-12 months to prevent stains and etching.
Cleaning marble requires a specific detergent and a pH-neutral cleaner.
Wiping up spills immediately helps prevent staining and etching of the countertop.
Heat-Resistance
Granite and marble are both heat-resistant. They are both stones that were formed through heat.
This was done through either volcanic activity or large quantities of pressure and heat.
Using hot materials such as hot pots or pans should not affect either of these materials, but placing these objects directly on the materials is not advised.
Both granite and marble should also not discolor if heat is used around them.
Costs
The costs of installing granite and marble can be similar, depending on the kind you choose.
Installing granite usually costs around $40-$75 per square foot.
The labor and fabrication can cost roughly $330, and any cutouts for sinks will add another $100, and any edging that needs to be added will be another $10 per foot.
If you are installing a 30-square-foot counter, you could be looking at paying around $3500 for it to be installed, including the material.
The costs for marble are quite similar to granite, but the stone costs can be slightly higher, starting at $50, and can range to around $100 per square foot.
Installation costs will be pretty much the same as granite installation, but due to the initial material cost being slightly higher, refurbishing with marble is slightly pricier.
Costs vary by shape, size, and color.
Higher quality stones and rarer colors are more expensive, and larger slabs or larger pieces of both materials are more costly.
Making The Final Choice
Granite and marble are easy to maintain and clean.
Their beauty makes them an attractive choice for kitchen and bathroom counters.
Countertops made out of these materials tend to last longer than other types of material, and they both offer great value.
When choosing which type of countertop to install in your home, consider how much time you want to spend maintaining it.
If you plan to do a lot of cooking, then select a material that won't scratch easily.
If you don't intend to cook often, then go for something that looks nice but doesn't take too long to keep looking new.
If you have children, then you'll want to pick a material that is safe and won’t stain too easily.
It is always best to shop around before putting your money down, and ask professionals for their opinion.