Many citizen want to know if marble or granite is better for countertops in their kitchens and bathrooms. After all, both are beautiful materials, both lend beauty and elegance to any home, and both are ready in many varieties to suit any preference.
On the other hand, there are a few differences in the middle of these two stones that you should seriously think before choosing in the middle of them. Rather than making this decision for you, why don't we let the facts speak for themselves.
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The Pros and Cons of Marble
First of all, Marble is a metamorphic rock. Its basic ingredient can be found everywhere from limestone to baking soda, from
calcium carbonate to lime (white wash). The basic ingredient goes by many other names depending on its application and its form. Limestone, a sedimentary form of calcium, which is found naturally in the earth, undergoes intense heat and pressure within the earth to be formed into what we know as marble.
This rock can also be exposed to heat and milling to become a filler ingredient for medications, writing paper, plaster of
Paris, lime (white wash), and cement hardener. This means that marble, although beautiful and durable, is porous and very indubitably destroyed by any type of acid, heat, or water. Even with a seal coating applied religiously every year, no types of chemicals may be used to wash the countertops made from it. It cannot take much abuse from water, acids such as lemon or orange juice, or high heat from pans. These will all destroy the seal coating and the marble beneath.
Since marble is so porous, it is also indubitably stained. One single scratch can allow liquids or even oxidation from the air to
leak under the seal coating and stain the marble. This doesn't mean that it should not be used. Marble is ideal for use in low traffic areas or for sculpting phenomenal art out of. But for the high traffic use of a kitchen countertop, a floor, or a bathroom countertop, marble just means high maintenance.
The Pros and Cons of Granite
Granite is also a metamorphic rock. It is a composite of quartz, silicon, feldspar, mica, and any other minerals. It too
is formed under high pressure and heat. It is also just as beautiful. It is not as porous as marble and is resistant to chemicals and acids. The proximity of quartz in granite provides the granite with a durableness and hardness unlike that of soft marble.
Granite is more stain resistant and wear resistant than marble. While it is not perfect, granite holds up far better in high traffic uses such as counter tops and flooring. With a proper seal coating on granite and with proper care, granite will last for many years without scratching, staining, chipping, or wearing away. If properly cared for, granite may not need to be resealed every year.
Granite can also be quarried locally. This means that, unlike marble, granite will not have to be shipped from South America or Europe. Granite can be quarried in Arizona, New Mexico, and some northern states. Granite is also easier to ship. Even if the granite you settle on comes from South Africa, China, Asia, or Europe, there is more granite available. This means it's easier to acquire and less high-priced to use.
Ultimately It's Up To You
Whether you pick granite or marble is up to you. When asked which one is better for the high traffic use of countertops, the respond should be clear, granite will naturally hold up better. When properly cared for under normal conditions, granite is easier to care for and is resistant to staining, chemicals, heat, and fracturing. Granite is ready in more colors and patterns and can be practice ordered for less than marble.
Marble Vs Granite Countertops - Which is Better?