Marble vs. Granite Countertops: Which One Is Better for Your Kitchen?

One of the biggest issues that homeowners face during a remodeling project is whether to choose marble vs. granite countertops. Some people make a decision based on things like staining issues with marble countertops, but this in-depth guide reveals everything you should know about each material. Discover more about granite and marble counters and reach out to NorthWest Stone Fabricators for high-quality countertop installation services.

Granite Countertops: Key Things To Know

Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials because it looks high-end and has impressive durability. This natural stone slab is desirable for homeowners who want to give their kitchen a modern look yet personalize it to their style. Let’s go over the main qualities of granite countertops that every homeowner needs to know.

You Can Choose Various Colors and Patterns

When debating marble vs. granite countertops, the stone’s appearance is a huge factor that usually tips the scale. Granite countertops are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you have more variety in your kitchen design. These slabs are known for their distinct specks of color that add texture and depth to your countertops. 

The Stone Is Extremely Durable

If you want to choose a countertop based only on its hardness, granite is a smart choice. It’s a great option for any kitchen because it resists heat, cracks, and chips. Granite is also fairly easy to clean, but it is porous, so be sure to wipe any spills quickly to avoid stains. 

If you install granite countertops in your kitchen, make sure there is a protective seal on the slab to prevent moisture from seeping in. You can make your counters easier to clean and keep them low-maintenance this way.

The Basics of Marble Countertops 

To help you decide on marble vs. granite countertops, let’s cover some of the defining characteristics of marble slabs. Many associate marble with luxury thanks to its clean finish that adds sleekness to any space. It often goes up against granite when homeowners are deciding on a countertop material, but the two have distinct differences. 

Marble Offers Modern, Clean Finishes

Granite has seemingly endless options when it comes to colors and patterns, but marble is a little more limited. The most common color for marble slabs is white, though other neutral colors like black, gray, and beige are also available. The material provides a sleek finish thanks to the primary stone color and the signature “veins” of color that feature on the slab. 

Marble Is Available in Several Forms

Did you know that you can install various types of marble countertops? Carrara marble is the most common type, but you can also select slabs from the following:

• Calacatta marble: Features more distinct veining and runs at a higher price
• Crema Marfil marble: Known for its beige and yellow tones
• Emperador marble: Available in a variety of brown shades

Marble vs. Granite Countertops: Which One Is Better?

Choosing the right type of countertop ensures that you’ll get the most value out of your kitchen remodeling project. While there are pros and cons to each material, you must choose the one that is best for your scenario. Let’s dive into some of the key reasons why you might select marble over granite and vice versa. 

Pricing

These two materials are fairly similar in price, though granite tends to cost a little less on average. According to Home Advisor data, the average cost of installing a marble slab is $60 per square foot, while granite slabs cost between $40 and $60 per square foot. 

Keep in mind that both materials will require some maintenance, which is another cost to consider. Home Advisor reports that marble costs an average of $12 per square foot to polish and restore. Granite once again comes in cheaper at $5 a square foot. 

Durability

Do you constantly cook and entertain friends and family? You’ll likely need a more durable countertop that can handle any kitchen mishaps that occur. In this instance of marble vs. granite countertops, granite is ideal. 

Marble is more prone to scratching and tends to stain easier than granite. It is fairly durable and resists heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as leaving a hot pan on the counter, could cause it to crack. With a granite countertop, you can place any hot pans and dishes directly on it without fear of damaging the slab. 

Overall Maintenance and Upkeep

Your countertops need proper care if you want them to last a long time. This is especially prevalent with marble vs. granite countertops. Each natural stone needs some maintenance, but you should only choose the one with upkeep requirements that you can handle. 

Experts recommend sealing marble countertops every six months, while granite countertops need sealing every two years. The main reason for applying a sealant is to resist moisture, but it also protects the surface from cracking, scratching, or staining. 

The daily maintenance that each material needs is also an important factor to consider. Both stones are porous, so even with a water-resistant seal, you can’t ignore spills and need to wipe them right away. You can clean granite surfaces with gentle soap and water, but avoid using abrasive cleaning agents, which could damage the stone. 

You’ll need to use a pH-neutral cleaner that is specifically for natural stone when cleaning marble countertops. This type of cleaning solution is the best way to lift stains from the marble slab. 

Count on NorthWest Stone Fabricators for Stunning Countertops

If you are still debating marble vs. granite countertops, reach out to the experts at NorthWest Stone Fabricators. We install the highest-quality materials, so no matter which type of countertop you choose, your kitchen will look stunning. Reach out to us when you have questions about the installation process, how to care for marble countertops, and much more. 

Call 425-881-5100 to speak with a specialist and request a quote.