Granite Countertops: Why They’re Better Than Marble

Granite Countertops: Why They're Better Than Marble
Granite Countertops: Why They’re Better Than Marble

Countertops are the focal point of a home’s kitchen and bathrooms. They can add a unique aesthetic that accentuates the surrounding interior design elements in a home. They’re also highly functional.

Choosing the right countertop isn’t a decision you should rush into. There are a number of options, so you need to consider the pros and cons of each.

Granite countertops have long since had a reputation for being the higher-quality choice over marble. Why is this?

Marble is certainly a classic choice and has many benefits. However, if you break down the distinct qualities of granite, you’ll find they come with some advantages.

Let’s go over why granite may be the best choice for your new countertops.

Durability

This is a big advantage to granite countertops, especially if you have a large family and your kitchen and bathrooms get a lot of daily use.

Granite is an extremely hard material. In fact, it ranks pretty close to diamond, reaching between 6 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Marble, on the other hand, is a much more porous and softer stone.

This means that when you install granite countertops, they’ll probably be the last ones you’ll need. There’s very little chance of chipping, and on the off chance that it happens, they’re very easy to repair.

Granite is also heat resistant. Accidentally setting an extremely hot pan on them won’t result in damage, which may be inevitable with laminate or marble.

In addition, marble is vulnerable to acidic liquids like lemon juice or vinegar, which can cause dullness and discoloration. This isn’t a problem with granite.

Any way you slice it, granite wins the durability contest. And this means a longer-lasting material that will endure daily use and still come out looking new.

Scratch and Stain Resistant

Along with overall structural durability, granite is much more resistant to smaller scratches and stains. You should consider this if you prepare meals daily and if your kitchen is a high-traffic area.

You’ll need to apply a sealant to your countertops to ensure added protection. This is important for both marble and granite countertops and needs to happen every few years to maintain durability and appearance.

However, even after sealing marble countertops, they’ll still be susceptible to scratches and stains. This is because the sealant used on marble tends to sit below the outer surface.

If you do end up with a stain, marble will be much more difficult to clean. If it’s a relatively deep stain, removing it may be impossible. This is due to the porous nature of marble, of which liquids can easily penetrate.

If you do a lot of chopping or have children (which means more spills), you should consider granite over marble. You don’t want risk having damaged countertops after only a year of use.

Easier to Maintain

Of all countertop materials out there, granite is one of the easiest to maintain.

Remember, you’ll still have to have them sealed like any other material. But once they’re professionally installed and sealed, you’ll have maximum protection from stains, scratches and even bacteria. This makes cleanup extremely easy.

Another great benefit to granite is that after the initial installation and sealing, you can apply further sealant yourself. This may be an option if you want to keep maintenance costs down.

Aside from that, day-to-day cleaning is very simple. Just remember to clean up spills, dirt, and grime quickly and you’ll enjoy years of beautiful countertops.

Marble, on the other hand, requires much more attention. If you don’t clean up acidic liquids quickly, you’ll end up with a stain. This could happen even if you have them professionally sealed on a regular basis.

Unique Appearance

The appearance of granite is the epitome of luxury and elegance. It’s one of the most appealing things about granite and why many people won’t consider any other material for their home.

Because granite stones get mined and then cut into slabs, every piece is completely different. This means the granite countertops you choose for your home will be 100% unique. There’s simply no way to duplicate it.

There’s also much more versatility when it comes to granite. Many color options are available, along with many natural patterns that add to their unique appearance.

When looking at different options, you’ll notice a wide variety of veins, swirling patterns, and specks which all combine to create an interesting aesthetic. Plus, the appearance of your counters will change depending on the type of lighting involved.

While marble is a beautiful material, it’s also much more basic and uniform in appearance. Granite provides an eye-catching visual element that demonstrates how beautiful nature can be.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Your home is an investment, so you want to outfit it with the highest-quality materials. Aside from quality, you want it to look good if you ever decide on selling.

Adding granite countertops makes your home much more appealing, and because they hold up so well, they add long-term value.

Think about it. How much more attractive would a home be to a potential buyer if it had beautiful granite counters instead of laminate or damaged marble?

Granite will also be much more cost-effective to you as a homeowner. Someone who opts for laminate or marble countertops may have to replace or repair them many times over the years in order to maintain their appearance.

With granite, all you have to do is properly maintain them and you should never have to replace them. Opt for granite and you’ll not only save money, you’ll increase the overall value of your home as well.

Ready to Install Granite Countertops?

Everyone has a different goal when it comes to the interior design of their home. In addition, everyone has different tastes.

If you’re replacing your counters and want something that’s both unique, highly functional, and durable, go with granite. You’ll be doing your home a favor.

We provide a wide range of granite options and also installation services in the Tampa Bay area. Contact us today to learn more.