Granite Countertops Vs Marble Countertops

Granite Countertops vs Marble Countertops Which is Better?

Natural stone countertops can help transform a kitchen into a beautiful space, but the question many people have is which is better to install, granite countertops or marble countertops? Unfortunately there is no simple answers as each person’s tastes and preferences tends to vary, but hopefully this information will help you make a decision that works for you.

While both granite and marble are beautiful looking surfaces when installed in a kitchen, there are a few major differences you should be aware of. Now both granite and marble are known as metamorphic rocks, which rocks simply formed by intense heat and pressure. The difference is the main elements that make up the basis of the rock. It’s these differences that affect their durability, stain resistance and maintenance requirements.

Granite is a composite rock composed of quartz and fieldspar with elements of silicon, mica, iron, magnesium and a host of other elements. These additional trace elements are what help form the varied grains and colors of granite, depending on the amounts and density of each element.

The quartz inside the granite is what helps provide granite with it’s hardness and/or durability. Due to the hardness of quartz , granite is not very porous, which makes it quite resistant to stains from spills normally found in a kitchen. Now granite is not entirely impervious to stains, so it is still recommended to seal the surface every few years

Marble is also a composite rock, but marble is formed from limestone which is mostly calcium, along with other elements. Marble in it’s purest form is near white and it’s the impurities such as clay, iron oxides and even sand which provide the patterns and veins found within marble and contribute to the various shades and color variations.

Limestone however, isn’t as hard or durable as quartz and this is the tradeoff that comes with marble’s beauty. The other downfall with marble is that it ends up being quite porous which allows it to stain quite easily. Due to this, it is imperative to maintain the sealant on the surface of the rock to avoid stains and damaging scratches. The maintenance required to keep a marble counter top looking it’s best is unavoidable and depending on use the surface may need to be resealed a couple times a year.

If you are dealing with a busy kitchen area with lots of traffic, a high potential for spills and drips and little time for maintenance then granite countertops will most likely be a better choice. If you have plenty of time for maintenance and the kitchen area isn’t used as extensively, then marble may be a great choice for you.

Copyright http://www.granitecountertopscalgary.com 2010

About The Author If you are considering a granite countertop and are curious about how to choose the best installer visit http://www.granitecountertopscalgary.com for a free guide on how to choose the best granite countertop installer in Calgary.