Granite vs. Marble
As a homeowner debating what type of material to put in their home, you might have heard many different things about the advantages of one stone versus another. The two classics that most people end up considering at some point are Marble and Granite. Both have excellent qualities and characteristics that make them equally desirable, but they are very different in terms of performance depending on how they are used.
Granite
Marble
Style
In the world of interior design, there’s nothing that quite compares to the classic beauty of a slab of white calacatta marble. This timeless favorite is currently all the rage among designers and architects when specifying dramatic spaces. White has been an especially trendy color with utmost versatility and combined with distinctive veining, a very luxurious statement piece. With a multitude of colors and vein structures available, Marble easily wins the style contest. Granite offers it’s own distinctive veining and colors, but none rise to the level of design favorites as of yet.
Durability
Being formed from the earth’s crust gives Granite the edge in strength and durability. Being a 7 on the mohs scale of hardness, Granite leverages its chemical structure in your favor. Composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, granite is resistant to staining and etching as compared to marble. While no stone is impervious to abuse, granite is more capable of serving a busy family. Marble is formed of calcite and calcium carbonate and is much more susceptible to staining and etching by acidic liquids. Lemons, tomatoes, and red wine should be used with caution on marble surfaces.
Care & Maintenance
Both granite and marble should be sealed on a yearly basis to maintain top performance. In marble, this can help limit the damage caused by acids or staining. Granite can resist harsher chemicals than marble can, but should be avoided. A simple household cleaner should do the trick for everyday cleaning. Bleach and abrasive cleaners should not be used for either stone.
Ultimately, the choice between granite and marble is one of your own lifestyle. If you want a pristine, perfect marble kitchen, you need to be ready for vigilant care and maintenance. But, if you don’t mind a patina of use, go right ahead with it! Granite allows you to be less panicked when a glass of red wine is spilled or when a loved one cuts lemons on your counters. Either way, pick a stone that fits with your life and level of comfort.