which is better granite or marble countertops

What is the best alternative to granite countertops?

What is the best alternative to granite countertops?

1. Marble. The first one on our list is marble because it is a fan favourite amongst homeowners, even though the price is a bit higher.
2. Quartz. When people start looking at what is the best alternative to granite countertops, they usually end up looking at quartz.
3. Butcher Block. ...
4. Concrete. ...
5. Soapstone. ...
6. Stainless Steel. ...
7. Tiles. ...

Which one is better marble or granite?

Well, here are some key points to make sure you consider before choosing your countertop stone:

• Granite costs $58 per square foot on average
• Marble costs $60 per square foot on average
• Granite countertops are tougher and require less maintenance
• Marble has a fancy, high-class look to it

Is marble stronger than granite?

In general, marble is more porous than granite and is more prone to stain and discoloration. Regular kitchen activities such as cutting food and cooking can affect the appearance of a marble countertop. Granite, however, appears to be more resistant to scratches. A popular type of marble called the Danby marble is deemed to be stronger compared to regular marble.

Which is stronger marble or granite?

Granite may not be as durable and strong as marble, but it is stronger than marble. Granite is only as strong as the rock it came from. Granite generally resists cuts and scratches better than marble. To avoid any potential issues, granite is preferred over marble. Granite naturally is stronger than most other stones.

Which is more expensive granite or marble countertops?

Granite countertop prices are slightly lower than marble countertop costs. Granite begins at about $75 per square foot installed. Marble starts at closer to $100 per square foot installed. The best granite countertops can cost $175 per square foot installed while marble can top $200.

Which is more better granite or marble?

Hardness and longevity: Granite is comparatively harder and stronger than marble. It is mostly known as the most durable natural stone and compared to marble. It is resistant to heat and can easily withstand hot cookware therefore it is perfect for kitchen tops.

Which kitchen countertop material is best?

Granite has been the number one kitchen countertop option for homeowners for several years. While it has more competition than in the past, granite remains to be a top choice among homeowners because of its natural composition, exquisite looks, and designs that cannot be replicated.

What are the disadvantages of marble countertops?

Marble Countertop ConsPorous: Marble will stain and acidic liquids will stain permanently. ... Etching: Marble will scratch or if exposed to acid for a prolonged period, it will etch where the polish or sealant fades.More items...•

Which countertop is the most durable?

QuartzQuartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.

What is the best stone for kitchen countertops?

THE 5 BEST STONE SLABS FOR COUNTERTOPSGranite. Those familiar with interior design will not be surprised to find granite listed first here. ... Quartzite. ... Dolomite. ... Marble. ... Engineered Stone / Quartz / Porcelain.

What is the most popular countertop for 2022?

The most popular and trending countertop for 2022 is a marble countertop. Closely trailing behind is concrete countertops and butcher block countertops. What countertop edge is in style 2022? Waterfall edge countertops have been on the come-up for years now.

What is the best countertop for the money?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, quartz countertops are the best to go for when looking for an affordable countertop material that will give you a long service.

What is the most popular countertop for 2021?

The most prominent kitchen countertop trends for 2021 include quartz counters resembling marble. The grey, white, and other lighter colored variants have been trendy. Apart from this, it is also likely that you will get to see substances that closely look like natural stone in medium and darker shades of grey.

Why is marble not good for kitchens?

In the kitchen, that means marble countertops can scratch and scuff more easily than other surfaces, such as granite or quartz. Marble is also a porous stone, so it's more prone to staining due to harsh cleaning products or acidic liquids.

What is the downside of granite countertops?

Cons for Granite Countertops If homeowners are lax in their maintenance, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also harbor inside granite if not sealed properly. As Americans utilize their kitchens more, there are more chances for accidents to happen.

Can you put hot pots on marble?

But what about heat and marble? Although you can generally place hot items on a marble countertop without worrying about any major damage, it's best to play it safe. In reality, placing pots and pans directly on marble is more likely to cause scratching than cracking, discoloration or yellowing.

Which is good for health marble or granite?

Allergies: Marble flooring (or other natural stones like granite) is better for those who want to minimize the risk of allergies. Tiles and the thick grout lines between them can be open allergen traps that are quite difficult to clean and get rid of – especially in humid areas.

Which is heavier marble or granite?

Granite: A 1/2-inch-thick slab of granite weighs 6.5 pounds per square foot, making a 30-square-foot slab of granite 195 pounds. Marble: Marble is even heavier than granite. At 6.67 pounds per square foot, a 30-square-foot slab or marble weighs about 200 pounds.

What are the disadvantages of granite flooring?

Disadvantages Of Granite FlooringDifficult To Install. Granite is the most costly flooring material to install compared to other options. ... Granite Is Heavy. Granite tiles are a fantastic choice for your home's flooring. ... Maintenance May Require Expert Services. ... Expensive Flooring. ... Slippery. ... Require Sealing. ... Granite Is Fragile.

Does granite stain easily?

The answer is that while no material is completely 100-percent stain-proof, granite countertops are surprisingly stain-resistant— and that includes light colors, too! The natural stone's hardness gives granite its resistance to staining.

What is the difference between marble and granite?

Commercial marble is typically available in variations of black and white. Granite is metamorphic or igneous, made up of silica, mica, feldspar and quartz, generally with a packed, granular surface. Color varies from light to dark, presented in flecks, veins or solid patterns.

What is the best countertop for a kitchen?

Durable and dependable, the granite countertop is a top choice for a wide variety of kitchens.

What is the best countertop material for natural stone?

Granite and marble are the most popular choices when it comes to natural stone countertops. There are pros and cons to using each material, so it's just a matter of deciding what’s right for your needs as well as your budget. Marble, for example, is elegant in appearance, while granite offers a more natural look.

How much does granite cost?

Granite is less expensive than marble, starting at roughly $75/square foot installed and $100 more than that for higher-end stone. Installed marble countertops start at around $100/square foot and can go over $200. Prices fluctuate, so check your local supplier for up-to-date prices.

Is marble durable?

While it’s easy to believe that all stone by nature is super strong and nearly indestructible, it’s important to know the full story. Granite and marble are both very durable but must be sealed at least annually to ensure liquids do not gradually seep into the stone.

Is granite the same as marble?

While granite and marble share many common characteristics, they are very different in appearance and function. Let’s look closer at the good and bad of the two most popular options in the stone countertop arena.

Is granite or marble more durable?

In general, granite is very durable, stain-resistant and lower maintenance than marble.

How long do granite countertops last?

Both marble and granite countertops are quite durable, but ONLY if they are properly sealed every one or two years.

What color is granite?

Granite shows the grains we mentioned. They appear as specks that are varied in color, so a granite slab might contain a variety of hues – blue, green, orange, pink, red, etc., typically in medium to dark shades. The “pattern” is larger in marble.

What color veins are in marble?

The color tends to be fairly consistent with veins running through it that concentrate the color. A gray-blue slab of marble might have darker blue veins; a gray-pink slab might contain veins that are quite rosy-red in color. Exotic Gold Veigned Granite Countertop. Beauty is subjective, of course.

How much does granite cost?

Granite begins at about $75 per square foot installed. Marble starts at closer to $100 per square foot installed. The best granite countertops can cost $175 per square foot installed while marble can top $200. The complexity of the job – the number of seams and corners and the style of sink you select – will have an impact on countertop costs too.

What is the best stone for a kitchen?

If you are willing to provide more maintenance in return for the elegant, lasting beauty of natural stone, then consider marble or granite. Either one will take your kitchen or bathroom to the next level of luxurious living.

Is marble good for cleaning?

Marble is especially vulnerable to acidic foods and liquids, so be very careful to keep them off the marble or to clean up immediately after contact. Countertop Maintenance: Most experts agree that granite requires moderate maintenance when compared with solid surface, quartz, laminate, glass or ceramic tile.

Does the complexity of the job affect countertop costs?

The complexity of the job – the number of seams and corners and the style of sink you select – will have an impact on countertop costs too.

What is the best marble for kitchen countertops?

This elegant black marble has white veins that will give your countertop a dazzling appearance. Crema Marfil. This is a beige or yellowish marble. The marble is marked with irregular vein patterns and is typically used for kitchen countertops because of its complementary colour. Talathello.

Why is granite considered a countertop?

Granite is ideal for countertops because of its natural hardness and durability. As a countertop, it has a hard surface that resists most scratching or abrasions, it can withstand prolonged weathering, has a strong heat resistance and can be polished to achieve a desirable sheen.

What Is Marble?

Marble is a rock formed by subjecting limestone to extremely high temperatures and pressure under the Earth. This changes the characteristics of limestone, making it a lot more dense and hard. Because of the physical changes (recrystallizing) that the limestone undergoes, marble is called a metamorphic rock. Marble is also porous.

What is the color of Carrara marble?

Carrara. Carrara marble is predominantly white in colour with intricate vein patterns including grey and gold. It looks similar to the more uncommon and expensive type, namely, the Calacatta marble. Calacatta. The Calacatta marble has thick vein patterns and is a brighter white than the Carrara marble.

Which marble is more luxurious, Carrara or Calacatta?

The Calacatta marble has thick vein patterns and is a brighter white than the Carrara marble. A very luxurious and desirable marble. Statuary. Statuary is also a white marble but has veins that are fine and subtle. Nero Marquina. If you are looking for black marble, Nero Marquina is the most popular option.

What is black granite made of?

Black : On the opposite spectrum there is black granite. Black granite is made of gabbro rock. Still harder than marble, its black colour comes from its dominant minerals, namely plagioclase and pyroxene. Black granite may have whitish linear patterns, or tiny specks that resemble stars in the night sky (galaxy).

Why is marble considered attractive?

Marble may have the advantage when it comes to attractiveness and appeal because of its veining patterns and luxurious look.

How to tell the difference between marble and granite?

Granite tone variants generally appear as flecks throughout the stone while marble features colorful veins that swirl throughout the porous stone.

How much does a marble counter cost?

Material costs for the latter are higher, starting at around $60 per square foot. So for a marble counter of the same size, expect to pay between $1,800 and $3,000. You will also need to consider the cost of sink cutouts, edging, backsplashes, and labor.

What is the Mohs scale for granite?

Enter the Mohs scale of mineral hardness — a qualitative ordinal scale that characterizes scratch resistance. Granite has a hardness of six to seven on the Mohs scale, whereas its counterpart falls behind with a hardness ranging from three to five.

How to keep granite shiny?

You can simply wipe it down with a sponge and hot water on a daily basis, using a specific granite cleaner every so often to keep it fresh. Specialized polish will also help keep it shiny in the long term.

What do the patterns on granite look like?

The patterns on granite tend to look incredibly intricate.

How much does it cost to build a marble counter?

Material costs for the latter are higher, starting at around $60 per square foot. So for a marble counter of the same size, expect to pay between $1,800 and $3,000. You will also need to consider the cost of sink cutouts, edging, backsplashes, and labor.

Do granite countertops need to be resealed?

The majority of stone countertops require some effort and resealing to keep them in tip-top shape, and granite and marble are no exception. You may even need to consider a daily, weekly, and monthly care routine. Out of the two materials, granite requires less maintenance.

Which is more durable, marble or granite?

Granite is the more durable of the two, although marble will stay in great shape with proper care.

What is the difference between marble and granite?

In terms of appearance, marble will provide you with a classy and timeless look. The natural stone’s elegant veining will be sure to impress anyone who sees it. Granite will provide your home with an elegant look, especially if you choose to use it for a kitchen countertop.

Where Should I Have Marble?

Marble can work well in various places throughout the house. It is often seen in use for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. Between the kitchen and bathroom, you may be better suited using marble for your bathroom countertop, as it will typically not be prone to spills from acidic substances like it would be in the kitchen. If you decide to go with a marble countertop in your bathroom, just be mindful that it is properly sealed, as it will face a high amount of moisture. You can also have a marble table, as long as you are not using it to prepare food or to eat and drink on.

Where Should I Have Granite?

Granite also works well in many places around the house. The main difference comes in the kitchen, where granite is a much better choice. Granite will be able to sustain any wear and tear from the kitchen significantly better than marble can. The main factor in its favor is the material’s heat and stain resistance. Overall, when used in the kitchen, granite will require much less maintenance than marble will. Granite can also be used as a table material, and a granite table will be suitable to prepare food, eat and drink on.

What type of marble should I use for my kitchen countertop?

Common types of marble include Carrara, Calacatta, Emperador and Crema Marfil. Marble will provide your countertop with a smoother feeling than granite. If you are looking for any type of marble, from Calacatta Borghini to Rainforest Green, Marble.com can help you find one that is right for your new countertop.

How is marble formed?

Marble is formed as a result of limestone that is subject to extreme heat and pressure. This combination of heat and pressure recrystallizes the calcite in limestone and changes the texture. Additional minerals create the color and veining that can be seen in various types of marble.

What happens if you spill something on a granite countertop?

However, if you spill something on the surface and it is not properly sealed, the liquid may sink down into the natural stone and cause it to be compromised.

Which is better, granite or marble?

Generally speaking, granite is more durable and scratch-resistant than marble. If you’re working in a kitchen environment that is quite hectic and prone to damage, then I’d recommend granite over marble for sure.

What color are granite countertops?

Usually, granite counters will be dark grays and blacks, while marble countertops will be lighter whites and creams.

What is Granite?

Granite is another natural stone that is very frequently used for kitchen countertops due to its strength and natural heat resistance. This stone is one of the strongest natural stone materials on the market, so it’s highly sought-after when it comes to kitchen counters because it’s so durable and etch-resistant.

What is the most common countertop material?

Marble and granite are 2 of the most common kitchen countertop materials you’re going to come across when looking to remodel your kitchen. However, which one of these natural stones wins in the great marble vs granite countertops debate?

How hot can marble be?

On the flipside, marble countertops can handle temperatures of around 480°F (248°C). That’s the resistance for Carrara Marble, though you might find that some other types can handle a little over 500°F.

What is the best countertop for a kitchen?

If you just want a nice-looking countertop that will survive everyday burns and scratches, then go for granite. However, if you’re looking to create a high-class kitchen and you don’t mind the additional maintenance, try marble.

Is marble countertop good for kitchen countertops?

Marble countertops require regular maintenance to keep them useful, as this is one of the weaker natural sto nes that’s used for counters . Still, if you’re a fan of the light color, matte finish, and distinctive veining, then marble could be the opulent kitchen countertop material for you.

Why are granite countertops so popular?

For one thing, they’re durable, can last a long time and add a sense of sophisticated elegance to any kitchen.

What is the best material to use for a kitchen countertop?

To prevent unsightly marks on your kitchen countertop from ruining your kitchen’s design, we recommend installing a countertop made from heat-resistant materials such as marble .

Is granite more porous than marble?

If you’re looking for a stain-resistant countertop, granite is less porous than marble. However, it still needs to be sealed.

Is quartz countertop heat resistant?

However, unlike the other two, quartz isn’t heat-resistant. Can’t decide between the two? Consult your local kitchen remodeler.