The Difference Between Marble And Granite Countertops

While it can be used as a kitchen countertop it is better suited for quieter surfaces such as bathrooms powder rooms and hot tub surrounds.

The difference between marble and granite countertops.

So let s recap the differences between granite and marble. Granite is metamorphic or igneous made up of silica mica feldspar and quartz generally with a packed granular surface. Marble starts at closer to 100 per square foot installed. Marble and granite are types of stones that are used for flooring and kitchen countertops allover the world producing stunning and elegant results.

Read on to find out which countertops are the cheapest and which are the most expensive. Marble countertops are well made and structurally sound but are less forgiving than their granite or quartz counterparts. Color varies from light to dark presented in flecks veins or solid patterns. However granite is more durable than marble and less prone to stains and scratching.

Marble is usually characterized by having veins and a smoother surface texture than granite. Each surface material ranges in price some being more dramatic than others. These include granite marble quartzite soapstone porcelain butcher block quartz solid surface and laminate. The difference lies in their formation thousands of years ago beneath the surface of the earths crust.

Marble has a softer look due to its high concentration of calcite. Like granite marble ranges from white to black in color and will have some degree of variation in color over its surface. Although heat resistant its surface is more susceptible to scratching and staining by many foods including vinegar mustard catsup citrus wine and other household materials. The color of a granite countertop is generally lighter than a marble one.

Granite is a grainy igneous rock that is composed of many different minerals. Usually granite counters are black and white while marble countertops are light and creamy. Granite countertop prices are slightly lower than marble countertop costs. They are natural stones unlike say engineered quartz silestone so both marble and granite surfaces are susceptible to chipping and staining.

When choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom granite and marble surfaces are popular choices. The best granite countertops can cost 175 per square foot installed while marble can top 200. Commercial marble is typically available in variations of black and white. You will notice that granite is generally darker than marble but that s not always the case according to the kitchen experts at kitchen infinity.

Marble is softer and more porous than granite and engineered stone so extra care should be used when selecting marble for use as kitchen countertops.