If you are updating your kitchen, then you can’t miss this designer’s guide to the pros and cons of granite vs marble countertops.
Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular home upgrades in the country, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly. The average cost of a home kitchen renovation in America is over $23,000.
When you’re spending that kind of dough, you want to make sure that you’re doing so wisely. That means that every detail, every appliance and drawer pull and tile, should be planned out in advance.
One of the biggest focal points in any kitchen is the countertop. Countertops take up a ton of space and you’ll use them every day.
That’s why we’re looking at granite vs marble to help you decide which one makes the most sense for your kitchen. The type of countertop you choose can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your new kitchen. Read on for the pros and cons of both granite and marble before you make a final commitment!
Granite Countertops
Granite is an igneous rock. This means that it is composed of compressed quartz, mica, feldspar, and more. The compression of these grains is what gives marble it’s textured appearance.
A granite countertop will lend a beautiful natural element to any kitchen. You can find granite in a number of colors, shades, and styles, making it a versatile option for any home renovator. Let’s take a closer look at the good and the bad when it comes to granite countertops.
Pros
As we mentioned already, granite comes in a large variety of colors, shades, and styles. Black and white granite tend to be the most popular, although there are plenty of options for lovers of bold colors! You can find granite in pink, blue, green, and red.
Granite is a durable stone, which means that it can take quite a beating. It is also heat resistant, which is always a bonus in the kitchen. If you can’t find a charger or hot mat on hand, your granite won’t suffer under the heat of a baking sheet or stockpot.
Granite is also the less expensive option of the two. If you want a timeless, beautiful finish to your kitchen but don’t have a massive budget, granite is the way to go.
Cons
Granite is a porous material, which means that it needs to have the proper seal. Without this seal, you may find that your granite becomes stained over time. To avoid this outcome, you will want to have your granite countertops professionally treated at least every three or four years.
While granite is more durable than marble, it’s not impervious to scratches. Once again, having the proper seal will help prevent your granite from becoming marred. However, it is recommended that you use protective equipment like cutting boards if you want to give your granite countertop a long life.
Marble Countertops
Marble is a metamorphic rock. It is comprised of recrystallized carbon. This process occurs when limestone is subjected to extreme pressure and high temperatures as the earth’s crust shifts.
Marble countertops are some of the most elegant on the market. The vein patterns are always 100% unique, as they occur naturally when marble is formed. If you want a more clean and stark finish to your kitchen, marble may be the way to go.
Pros
Like granite, marble comes in a variety of shades. These shades range from the classic white to blue, grey, and pink. When looking at a slab of colorful marble, you’ll find that the veins are often a shade or two darker than the surface, creating a nice variance in color.
Marble is also a heat-resistant rock, which is what makes it so appealing for kitchen remodels. It is durable and built to last.
Cons
Marble is one of the most expensive options on the market. If you want to knock the socks off of buyers or guests, this may not be an issue. However, if your budget is strained already, you may not like the price tag you’re going to find on a slab of genuine marble.
Although it is more expensive than granite, marble is less durable than granite. It is more prone to scratching, chipping, and staining.
In order to prevent these issues, you will need to perform more maintenance on marble than you would granite. The seal on marble will need to be inspected and replaced every one to two years if you want to keep your marble in tip-top shape for years to come.
A Note on Installation
Whether you want a granite countertop or a marble countertop, you’re going to want to think about installation. These materials are dense and heavier than they may appear. Attempting to install them yourself could result in an injury or damage to your cabinets, flooring, or the slab, itself.
Instead, make sure that you work with professionals who have the right techniques and gear to install your new granite or marble countertop without a hitch!
Granite vs Marble: Which One Is Right for You?
Are you one of the thousands of Americans who want to embark on a kitchen remodel in the near future? Make sure that you know your budget and plan accordingly. How much you have to spend will impact everything from the appliances you select to your choice between a granite vs marble countertop.
Are you looking for more ways to spruce up your home–and your life? We’ve got tons to offer any homemaker or DIY-lover, from stretching your money to growing a beautiful garden to cooking a delicious meal. Take a look around and see how you can make your home and life even better!
