In most cases, the concerns surrounding the selection of either granite countertops or marble for home design come down to elegance, cost, maintenance, and disruption. To their uniqueness, granite, and marble are the best choices for natural stone countertops due to their outstanding characteristics depending on the needs. In this guide, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of granite and marble in various integral elements to assist with the selection of the ideal material for the undertaken project.
granite countertops cost
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are considered a patented type of countertop as they come from igneous rock and thus have a very high resistance to heat and scratching. For these reasons, once installed, granite countertops are often an enduring choice for kitchens because they are tough enough to withstand the recent strain of daily cooking. Apart from the standard southern black granite countertop, blue grasses do offer a huge variety, providing more flexibility around unique design demands. Whether you intend to look for granite worktops near me or find exceptional stone choices, granite is perennial and above all, functional for the kitchen and washrooms.
Marble Countertops
However, it is worthwhile to mention that marble has a much smoother finish and an elegant look as it is a metamorphic rock. It has found usage in architecture and design for a number of years now and is much loved for its distinctive veins and the smooth finish it possesses. Marble will provide a good finish; however, it is less durable than granite as it is more porous and can get stains and scratches if it’s neglected.
Durability: Which is More Resilient?
In terms of endurance, granite tops are roughshod against marble. Granite scales the hardest off the line as it is thicker and is less prone to damage due to everyday usage hence it is perfect for kitchens. It can also withstand very high temperatures meaning that it is possible to leave hot saucepans and other pots on the counter surface without fear of damaging it.
Marble, on the other hand, is weak and can be damaged and scratched very easily, more like how an etching tool works which damages the surface. Because of this, areas with a lot of high activity such as kitchen countertops are too much for it as sharp utensils and a lot of activities will in the long run damage the marble. However, if the look is everything and you don’t mind taking good care of the marble, it can be a very expensive touch to bathrooms or any area where there is not a lot of foot traffic.
super white granite countertop colors
Granite Kitchen Countertops Granite countertops are the best not only because of the beauty they add to a kitchen but also because of the comfort they give every user in terms of durability. They can greatly survive heavy traffic which makes them a reliable surface for cooking, preparing, and having meals on. If you are going for granite countertops white, hoping to have a nice stylish touch in your kitchen area, you can also have peace of mind knowing about the durability of granite stones. Maintenance: To What Extent? Granite slab benchtops are, for the most part – low maintenance. They should only require sealing from time to time, once a year is best, for water and stain protection. Using common soap and clean water will also prevent the surface from wearing out. Marble counters require high levels of attention as they are prone to damage know the areas affected by spilling substances like liquids. Sealing is important to protecting the stone a few times a year at moderate intervals, a marble kitchen countertop can be sustained in regions such as bathrooms or kitchen sinks. Acidic substances like vinegar and lemon juice can etch a marble surface, exposing the inner material and leading to more damage. Granite Worktops and Countertops For the average busy kitchen around the house or in a commercial restaurant where traffic is high, granite worktops are also easy to maintain, which happens to be one of the granite worktops advantages. There are few cons listed anywhere for granite countertops pros and cons set in this area tipping heavily onto pros with regards to using more sophisticated looking materials such as marble stones which are more fragile.
Aesthetics: Natural Beauty and Color Variety
Undoubtedly, the first thing that attracts people to marble is the sight of it. The veining on the slab gives it a highly desirable intricate design that most people want to have in their high-end areas. It is perfect for creating eye-catching features such as in bathtubs or entrance door areas.
But then again, with more than 3,000 types of colors of granite mount tiling available, one could never run out of options in terms of aesthetic value. Many of them portray a slightly speckled finish, owing to their various impurities, which is much more muted – but no less – classy than the lines only a marble cutter could give you. In addition, there is such a vast range of colors available that there is certainly nothing out there that does not exist.
Granite Countertop Edges and Customization
One more advantage one tends to have with granite is having different edge cuts. There are a number of options one could choose from like a straight edge, an ogee edge, a bullnose edge, and several others which allow quite a bit of design freedom in terms of how the kitchen applies to the design of the architect.
Cost: Is Granite Cheaper Than Marble?
Granite is less expensive as indicated by the prices when compared to Marble. While granite costs anywhere between $50 and $200 per square foot, the cost depends on the quality and type of stone, marble, on the other hand, will cost around $100-$300 per square foot which makes granite the less expensive material.
granite countertops vs quartz
Granite Countertops Cost
When figuring out granite countertop cost per square foot, it is almost mandatory to consider the stone plus installation. Sure enough, granite is less expensive than marble, but the cost will depend on the intricacy of the work to be done and the stone’s availability.
Granite Archives: Variety and Availability
Those who look for some broad-scale selections of granite can find plenty in the granite archives and suppliers. There is an avalanche of granite selections, from granite slabs, porcelain stoneware, and prefab granite countertops to granite worktops that will satisfy different designs and functions. As a rule, existing suppliers can offer both expensive and inexpensive granites thus, the search for ‘granite countertops near me’ will produce multiple options.
Granite Vs. Quartz Countertops: How Does Granite Compare?
When it comes to home styling, quartz is also a well-liked counter material despite granite’s popularity. Quartz is tough just like granite, and it also comes in different colors. However, there are major areas of distinction regarding the comparisons between granite countertops vs quartz. As an artificial stone, quartz is composed of crushed quartz mixed with resin, therefore it is an engineered stone. This makes it non-porous and extremely resistant to stains and scratches which is even better than granite.
Nonetheless, some homeowners tend to favor the natural look of granite countertops rather than going for quartz. In contrast to quartz, granite is able to naturally have an array of patterns and colors which creates a unique surface for granite lovers. Granite, on the other hand, is resistant to high temperatures while quartz can get damaged when exposed to high temperatures.
To Conclude, Which is Better, Granite or Marble?
In the case of granite versus marble, the better of the two options is determined by the user’s requirements and preferences. In instances where low maintenance, low cost, and durability are important, granite countertops would be the best option. Their properties allow them to stand day-to-day use and work perfectly in high-traffic kitchens. With so many colors of granite and so many options for the edges of the granite countertops, they provide an abundance of options to fit any design.
When on the other hand, it may be better to use marble in case a high-end luxurious appearance is your purpose and time is no concern for preserving it. They tend to beautify the outlook of the place in most cases the restroom or any other space where durability isn’t needed. Summary To conclude, people can go for both granite and marble as natural stone countertops and both these stones have their pros and cons as well. Those looking for long-lasting and easy-to-maintain surfaces should opt for granite countertops as these are used mostly in recipe preparation areas. There are also several colors of granite kitchen countertops available which also makes them cost effective because these last for a long time and provide easy maintenance.
Though marble is weak, it brings in outstanding beauty and a classier appearance making it ideal for those areas where beauty is the major reason to have an interior. In conclusion, you simply have to pick between granite slabs and manufactured granite kitchen countertop or a marble slab and marble kitchen countertop depending on the kind of features you are looking for in terms of price and design.
