The average American spends about 53 minutes daily in the kitchen. Whether it's for simple food prep or hobby cooking, that's a lot of time! Because of this, selecting the best kitchen countertop for your space should be a priority when you invest in home renovations.
Choosing between granite vs marble countertops can be challenging since both options have a wide range of benefits. Read on to compare these two countertop varieties and learn which is the best way to spruce up your specific space.
Granite vs Marble Durability and Longevity
Both granite and marble are natural stone countertops. However, while granite requires very little engineering after being mined, marble isn't installed into homes in its purest form. Those who manufacture slabs add synthetic resins and other materials to enhance their durability, which makes it an attractive option for those who want a long-lasting countertop.
This makes sense since marble sits at 3-5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Granite is a solid 7. With some enhancements, though, the synthetic marble used in kitchens can become just as hard as granite.
Generally, granite and marble are similar in terms of durability. Both are porous and require annual sealing to make sure that liquid doesn't seep into the slab and stain. They're also both resistant to heat, which is important in kitchens where you're cooking and setting hot pots and pans onto surfaces.
However, even with the engineering that goes into creating marble slabs, granite usually has the upper hand when it comes to wear and tear. It's less likely to scratch, crack, chip, or dent. If you plan to do a lot of cutting or banging on your countertop, granite might be the right choice.
That's why granite countertops can last for a century when maintained well. Marble alternatives only tend to last for up to 50 years, though there are exceptions. Still, both of them are made to last a lifetime, and you're unlikely to need a replacement in the future if you get proper expert maintenance regularly.
Color and Aesthetic Options
Marble countertops undoubtedly have a uniquely appealing aesthetic. They're classics that never go out of style and invoke the high-class sophistication of ancient Greco-Roman architecture.
They tend to have elegant veining across the main backdrop hue of each slab. Usually, this high-contrast veining is a white or light gray color against a darker backdrop.
However, because engineered marble is made to look even and beautiful, it comes in a massive range of colors and styles. Better yet, there are tons of quartz slabs made to look like marble, which takes this diversity a step further. From classic marble-look Lux Noir quartz to various Calacatta and Carrara hues, the possibilities are limitless.
Granite also has a lot of color and pattern options. It's usually speckled or flecked, which provides a stark contrast with the veined patterns of marble or marble-look quartz. For example, Antico Silver Granite has black and brown flecks on an off-white backdrop while Uba Tuba and Amarello granite look like black and brown sandpaper respectively.
You're likely going to make your selection based on the texture that looks best in your kitchen, so visit a Missouri showroom or talk with experts online about how you can visualize various slabs in your kitchen.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Because of granite's status as a timelessly luxurious material, it's one of the most expensive countertop types on the market. It tends to cost around $100-$150 per square foot, which is a huge deterrent for many people shopping for kitchen countertops. Marble-look quartz tends to be less expensive, so those dead-set on the aesthetic of marble often opt for this more economical alternative.
Marble countertop maintenance is also more challenging and expensive than keeping granite in good shape. It's more susceptible to etching after acidic spills, so you'll need to clean and seal it more frequently.
Granite is a much more budget-friendly kitchen renovation option. It's usually anywhere between $40-$75 per square foot.
Both have a fairly high long-term value in any home. They're sleek, durable, and modern. They're beautiful and offer traditional aesthetics.
This makes both marble and granite countertops good investments. However, the respective cost of granite and marble usually makes granite a more feasible countertop material.
Installation Process
Installation for marble vs granite is actually the same process for homeowners. Slabs are too heavy and cumbersome for people to DIY installation for. This requires you to reach out to an expert to get the slab into your space appropriately.
This is ideal because professionals have the tools and resources needed for quality installation. You won't need to worry about mistakes that could prove dangerous if your countertop becomes dislodged. You'll also save time and effort, which makes renovations less stressful than they already are.
Both marble and granite also need professional sealing. This happens at the time of installation. Having the pros put your new countertop onto its surface comes with a lot of perks that make life easier!
Granite vs Marble Countertops: Which Is Right for Your Needs?
Granite is likely the right option for homeowners who:
Want the most natural slab possible
Enjoy a speckled aesthetic
Don't mind replacing the slab after 20-50 years
Want something extremely durable
Are looking for a more economical option
However, some people might prefer marble because they:
Have a high renovation budget
Like the aesthetic of classic veining
Are committed to getting something that lasts a whole lifetime
Are okay with having fewer color/pattern varieties to choose from
If you're still unsure, talk with professionals about your specific needs!
Find the Best Kitchen Countertops in MO
Choosing between granite vs marble countertops can be challenging, especially because of the many benefits each option has. Luckily, experts in Independence and Odessa are excited to help assess your space and needs.
We offer advice on countertop selection and will help you choose the perfect slab to meet your specific needs and aesthetic tastes. Reach out to our team to learn more about how we can assist you with your kitchen renovation project!
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