Granite vs. Marble Countertops
If you’re going to remodel your kitchen (or are building a new house) there’s pretty much no question: you’re going to want stone kitchen countertops. But while you already know you want stone; you might be undecided about what kind of stone you want. There’s a lot of debate about marble versus granite for kitchen countertops. So, here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.
Marble Countertops
We’ve all seen creamy Carrera marble countertops and imagined them in our kitchen. There’s no denying that marble is beautiful, but there are a few more things to consider about this natural stone countertop option:
- Marble usually has veined patterns
- It’s available in a variety of colors
- Has excellent heat resistance
- Marble is slightly less durable and requires more care and maintenance
- Prone to staining and scratching, so not good for high traffic family kitchens unless you’re very vigilant about spills!
- Marble costs more than other kinds of stone
Granite Countertops
Granite is a different type of rock to marble. Instead of sedimentary, which usually has layers or veins, granite is an igneous rock, which means it’s more likely to have a flecked, almost granular pattern. There are pros and cons to granite countertops too, which include:
- It’s less expensive than marble
- There are more colors and patterns to choose from
- Very durable, low maintenance and heat resistant
- Susceptible to staining and scratches
Which One Should You Choose?
Marble and granite countertops are more similar than they are different in terms of durability and installation. So, the choice really comes down to what your budget is, which stone you like the look of more, and whether you want to do the maintenance that you will probably need to do to marble to keep it looking good.
Because natural stone slabs vary so much in both marble and granite, it’s always best to visit a stone supplier and choose your stone in person. Pictures and websites never really do natural stone justice.
Are There Any Installation Differences?
No. When it comes to marble and granite countertops, the installation process is the same.
First, you will pick out the stone slab or slabs that you love. Next, a template will be made that fits your countertops and kitchen exactly. Then the stone will be carefully cut to match the template, including joints where they might be necessary.
The slabs are installed on a plywood base on your countertops and fixed in place using special adhesives.
Tips for Stone Kitchen Countertops
Whether you choose marble or granite kitchen countertops, there are a few things you should know.
First, natural stone countertops are heavy, so your cabinets need to be sturdy to support them. Always have a specialist assess your cabinets if you’re remodeling before you invest in the stone. If they’re not built to carry the weight, you might need to upgrade them too.
Next, you might consider mixing countertops if the cost of natural stone is too high. Butcher block on an island and stone on the counters (or vice versa) is a trendy and cost-effective way to mix materials in your kitchen.
If you need more kitchen counter advice or tips, feel free to contact us at Planet Stone. We’re always happy to help!
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