Granite vs Marble Worktops: A Comparison

Durability

Granite is highly resistant to scratches and chipping. This is because it consists of very hard materials such as natural quartz and feldspar. Granite is an igneous rock, formed during the cooling of magma.

Marble is known as a metamorphic rock because of physical changes during its formation. It starts out as limestone and extremely high temperatures and pressure physically changes limestone into marble. Marble scores lower than granite on the Mohs scale but endures for longer in terms of staying on trend.

Stain Resistance

Granite kitchen worktops are resilient to acidic foods and liquids. The fact that granite is a natural solid stone makes it capable of resisting stains. Therefore, granite is highly suited for use in kitchen countertops designs.

Marble is more porous than granite, making it more susceptible to stains from food and liquid. White marble kitchen worktops will eventually carry the “scars” of long term use particularly in busy areas of the home like the kitchen. Spices, fruit, alcohol and certain cleaning products, eventually damage even the most looked after marble surfaces.

Heat Resistance

Marble and granite are both resistant to high temperatures. Natural stone formed in extremely high temperatures can withstand heat. Although it is recommended that hot pans and utensils are placed on hot pads to protect kitchen countertops over the long term.

Maintenance

Granite countertops require very little maintenance. As a worktop material, granite can last a lifetime, as long as it is sealed every one to three years. On the other hand, marble should be sealed once or twice a year. Sometimes more, depending on whether it absorbs water.

Marble needs sealing more often than granite due to its softer nature. Spills must be cleaned up immediately. Whereas spillages can be on granite for a few minutes before staining.

Weight

Granite as a worktop material may need reinforced support when installed in your kitchen. Slabs can weigh between 15 to 20 pounds per square foot. Worktop overhangs that exceed 12” will need extra support.

Marble is even heavier. Even distribution of granite and marble worktops is essential in preventing damage to floors and misalignment of cabinets.

Installation

Granite is similar to most natural stone in that its installation requires lots of labour. Costs per square metre are generally cheaper than rates for marble. However, unforeseen difficulties during installation, or project-specific complexities sometimes increase labour costs. The installation of marble can also run into the same issues.

Aesthetics

Marble is synonymous with luxury. When incorporated in kitchen design or other rooms for that matter, marble truly adds beauty to any home. Patterns vary from striking veins of black graphite, jade green and golden brown, to more subtle, subdued styles. 

Granite adds depth to your space with its flecks. Catching the eye with intricate patterns. Some variations of granite even have veins that can match the sleek elegance of marble.

Which is Better?

Both marble and granite share key similarities. Resistant to heat, both are beautiful and will last a long time. Ultimately, whichever one you choose is down to your preferences. Perhaps you like the look of marble more than granite. Or prefer the low maintenance of granite over the high demands of marble?

We think the best approach is to carefully select natural stone for different roles in your home. Granite might be better suited in your kitchen and bathroom as it is stain resistant. Similarly, marble’s beauty makes it perfect to adorn low-traffic areas of your home. A fireplace, perhaps?

Hopefully, we’ve made the choice between granite and marble that little bit easier. Still unsure? Get in touch. We’re more than happy to help you out.