Choosing Your Countertops – Marble or Granite?

Kitchen countertops are an important part of your kitchen – its where you prepare food and clean up afterward. In open concept homes, it could also be part of the area you entertain in. Choosing the right material for your countertop can seem daunting, so here’s a quick look at granite verses marble.

 

The Elegance of Marble

Color variety is one of marble’s shining features. It can be delicately laced with a bit of gold or feature bold swirls of different hues. Because of the calcite on marble, it has a glossy finish that looks great in both modern and classic kitchens. Calcite is actually a tiny crystal, that is what gives marble its shine.

 

With this luster comes a maintenance concern – etching. Some people call it “staining,” but that is not accurate. Acids can cut into the calcite and reduce its shine, causing dull places on the counter. That is why thorough cleaning is important for marble to avoid any residue that may damage it.

 

The Versatility of Granite

Quartz and feldspar are usually the main components of granite. There are many different color options for granite, making it popular with a variety of kitchen styles. Some colors available include green, pink, black and grey. Flecks of other minerals can also give granite a speckled look.

 

Granite is also strong, making it ideal for countertops that see a lot of use. It’s durable and can withstand normal use and heavy activities, like banging and knife slips. Granite typically needs some sealing, but less often than marble and it’s also less prone to stains.

 

In the battle of granite verses marble, both have their redeeming features. Where marble is shiny and elegant, granite is versatile and hardy. Each has multiple color options and can have hue variety. Countertops made of either material look great in homes across America, and would look good in yours.