subject: Granite And Marble Countertops: Which One To Install? [print this page] Granite and Marble countertops have always enjoyed the reputation of being the choice natural stone material for kitchen countertops. Granite countertops in New Jersey, for example, are abundant and almost a standard modern city living, while marble tile installations are also still very much in demand not only in kitchen countertops, but also in living room areas/flooring or bathroom installations.
Given that both granite countertops in NJ and marble tiles are popular, let us discuss some differences between the two to better understand what material will be more appropriate for your needs.
There are notable similarities between marble and granite. They are both natural stones, meaning there can be variations in their color, patterns, and even texture. This is the reason why sometimes what you see on the display is not really the same (or it might have slight differences) from the actual stones delivered to your doorsteps.
Marble and granite countertops are both hard, heavy, and may become difficult and time consuming to install. However, these stones are meant to withstand external stress like heat, pressure, and scratches. In terms of price, they both start out at $60, but granite can get higher up to $200 per square foot.
Though both good quality choices for countertops, marble and granite have notable differences as well. For uses that may demand harder stress, granite is a much harder, stronger stone than marble. Aside from resisting impacts and scratches better, granite is also resistant to acids like tomato juice, lemon juice or vinegar. Also, granite is able to hide stains better because of its typically complex mottled pattern. So for hard use, granite is a better choice.
Marble, on the other hand, is simply calcium carbonate, just like chalk, but in a compressed and crystallized form. Acids can etch the surface of marble permanently and it cracks and scratches more easily. Some marbles have very little pattern (some are totally pure white) so stains and marring stand out more.
However, there are some practical reasons and purpose why people use marble for countertops. In baking for example, pastry chefs prefer marble because it is better at keeping cold, therefore the butter does not melt quickly, making it easier for the bakers to make their pastries and breads.
There are other reasons why people have valued marble as a practical surface. One of them is simply beauty. Marble countertops, even though they tend to be white and plain in pattern, can be fabricated to have fancy ogee edges (as well as other profile styles), due to its softness and overall workability.
Another advantage of marble is cutting. Marble cuts easier than granite, which is prone to chip more easily. Because of marbles overall softness compared to granite, it allows for fancier design capabilities without the fear of damage, relative to other types of stone.
So, if you are wondering whether to install granite or marble countertops, all you have to think about is what your end use is going to be like. Either way, these stones are good choices overall for your kitchen countertops.
