Marble kitchen countertops will get scratched. It should also be resealed at least once a quarter, as opposed to yearly for granite. The cost of granite is determined by thickness, appearance, porosity, and country of origin. For granite, all stones except black should be sealed shortly after installation. We outline their differences below so that you can make a more informed decision for your home. The total price for installation and materials of granite countertops is usually between $2,000 to $4,500. Get your eyes on a large number of both marble and granite slabs to make the determination of which material you find to be more attractive. The variations found in granite are unique and the reason why many homeowners choose this material. The best granite countertops can cost $175 per square foot installed while marble can top $200. It is far less common than granite, especially in kitchens, but it creates an elegant, high-end look. Always wipe up spills as soon as they are seen, and avoid placing acidic things like lemon juice, tomato sauce, or red wine directly on the counter because these can cause the stone to etch. This will make it much easier to match your kitchen décor, whatever style it is. When the water stops beading, the stone must be resealed. As part of a luxury kitchen upgrade, however, Remodeling Magazine shows that you can recoup roughly 53% of the total costs. If you choose a marble countertop, you should also remember to use cutting boards, since sharp objects can easily scratch your marble countertop. The best granite countertops can cost $175 per square foot installed while marble can top $200. © 2020 Fixr, all rights reserved. One of these alternatives to marble is cultured marble. Having a honed, or matte finish, for your marble counter can help disguise some of the etching. Appearance: These are both beautiful options for countertops. Some have specks of various colours including green, gold, and brown. Even among granites or marbles, there are variations. The best material for your bathroom vanity countertop must be non-porous, easy to clean as well as beautiful. Black granite may have whitish linear patterns, or tiny specks that resemble stars in the night sky (galaxy). More exotic stones, such as stones colored blue, may range in cost as high as $500 a square foot. The only way granite ends up in your kitchen is if it’s quarried and … However, you must keep up on maintenance if you want to keep your marble countertops in good shape. Stone has a unique beauty that cannot be reproduced by other materials, which is why it remains such a popular surface after so many years. Even with a sealer, marble may stain more easily, which can be difficult to get out even with a poultice. In the case of slabs sold for countertops, there are many different minerals and stones sold as either granite or marble because they contain similar composition and characteristics. Both granite and marble are heat-resistant. Granite is a premium building material that stands out for …, A backsplash is a practical necessity and enhances beauty wherever …, Putting an attractive bevel on a countertop enhances its beauty, …, Quartz countertops are elegant, gorgeous and long-lasting, but they are …, When homeowners are considering granite countertops for their kitchen or …, Are your marble countertops looking dull, perhaps with light scratches …, Granite countertops, like other natural stone countertop materials such as, marble, sandstone …, 5 Reasons to Choose Granite for your Countertops, Pros and Cons of Granite Kitchen Countertops, Granite Tile vs. Most marbles are made of calcite, which is a very soft and porous mineral. Fabrication, installation, cutout, and edging costs for marble are around the same cost. Granite countertops cost range from $35 to $125 per square foot installed and can go as high as $200. Granite shows the grains we mentioned. If you are willing to provide more maintenance in return for the elegant, lasting beauty of natural stone, then consider marble or granite. While much of marble’s appeal lies in its appearance, the material is also relatively durable. The complexity of the job – the number of seams and corners and the style of sink you select – will have an impact on countertop costs too. Both granite and marble are natural stones. We are asking a few questions so that we can get you better cost estimates. Either one will take your kitchen or bathroom to the next level of luxurious living. The durability of the stone you choose is dictated by its makeup. Quartz This engineered “stone” countertop material is actually a blend, comprising about 90% ground natural quartz, by weight, which is coloured with added pigments and bound with polyresins. However, most granites are lower maintenance than most marbles. Marble is notoriously more difficult to maintain than granite, which explains why many kitchen and remodeling experts recommend against it. Formica (Laminate) vs. Decomposing granite, which is found in soil, has been known to give off radon 2 gas. Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know. Comparing marble and granite head to head in important categories will assist you in deciding which stone to use in your building or renovation project. Granite Countertops: Comparisons . Today’s homeowners have so many countertop options that they will have a hard time picking the right one for their needs. Marble Countertops. True, igneous granites and gabbros, such as Absolute Black, are nonporous, do not require sealing, nor easily scratch or etch. So naturally, some people are concerned about using granite counters in their home. Let’s start by examining the utilitarian features of porcelain and granite countertop surfaces. Both marble and granite vary in appearance from slab to slab because the minerals that make up the color of the stone may change depending on where it is cut from. Virtually impossible to damage from hot pans. A granite countertop is simply more durable and less hassle to clean and maintain than a marble countertop and that's what you want in a kitchen. Both granite countertops and marble countertops are among the most desired on the market. Marble is usually characterized by having veins and a smoother surface texture than granite. For marble, all stones should be sealed regularly with a sealer designed for porous stone. Care & Cleaning: Cultured Marble vs Granite The care involved is keeping it sealed, avoiding acidic materials and wiping up spills quickly. Knowing Marble Countertops vs. The sections below will compare Formica countertops to granite countertops, helping you get a better idea of which surface may be right for your home. How To Polish Granite & Restore That Factory Shine, How to Repair Fissures, Cracks and Chips in Countertops. Marble is synonymous with luxury and is a classic choice for high-end homes. Natural stone kitchen counters make stunning additions to any home. That’s the good and the bad. Showroom samples of either marble or granite will not provide a true representation of what the stone will look like. These are natural stone materials, and both are porous. Most dark-colored granites are also impervious to staining and etching. It’s important that you make a careful selection to be sure that your kitchen or bathroom counters stay beautiful for years to come. When choosing granite, there are many options for color … But, these two materials are very different from one another in the way they look and function in a busy kitchen environment. When the seal fades and is not replaced, these stones can be easily marred by oil, wine, juice and anything acidic. Because marble is more porous than granite, the stone countertops will require re-sealing more often. The main difference is that granite and marble are made of different minerals that perform differently in regards to chemical resistance and hardness. Marble starts at closer to $100 per square foot installed. By using Fixr you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. The average granite countertop installation costs $45 - $65/sq. Marble and granite countertops have more similarities than differences. Cost varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours. FIXR provides cost guides, comparisons, and term cheatsheets for hundreds of remodeling, installation and repair projects. Marble starts at closer to $100 per square foot installed. Granite countertops do not come with an even appearance and are filled with different colors and patterns. Here are a few things you need to know when choosing between porcelain vs. granite countertops. Hardness and Durability: Granite is harder than marble, so it is more resistant to chips and scratches. They may have veins, flecks of color, or be solid. For a 30-square-foot counter, the average material cost is around $1,000 to $1,500. Typically, hot pots will not bother either stone, and neither will discolor when used near heat. Granite Countertop Stone Resistance to Damage. From natural stones like granite, marble and quartzite, to engineered quartz slabs — each of these options have their own properties which make them better than the other. 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. Some “marbles” may be a type of quartzite or quartz-based stone, and green “marbles” are made of a mineral called serpentine. Fabrication and labor add around $330 to the cost of the stone, a sink cutout adds another $100, and edging adds about $10 a linear foot on average. In your eagerness to choose a countertop for your kitchen or bath, you have narrowed it down to two materials: quartz (engineered stone) vs. granite (natural stone). Granite is less expensive than marble, starting at roughly $75/square foot installed and $100 more than that for higher-end stone. A gray-blue slab of marble might have darker blue veins; a gray-pink slab might contain veins that are quite rosy-red in color. Marble is smooth, beautiful, timeless and offers the high-end look of luxury sometimes at a lower cost than other natural stone options. Granite Countertops. Let’s get more specific about comparing marble and granite countertops. The slab is transported to your home, and a silicone adhesive is applied to the perimeter of the cabinets. These include granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, porcelain, butcher block, quartz, solid surface, and laminate. Marble vs. Quartz Countertops: Conclusion Hopefully this discussion of quartz vs. marble will help you with your own kitchen and bathroom countertop decisions. When choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, granite and marble surfaces are popular choices. Marble is another beautiful, natural stone. Like granite, marble ranges from white to black in color and will have some degree of variation in color over its surface. A template is made of your counter, and this template is transferred to the slab you want for your kitchen. Environmentally-Friendly. Both granite and concrete countertops have a relatively large carbon footprint. Looking for a new kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity but can't decide whether granite or marble is right for you? Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials on the market and a popular choice for modern or traditional houses. The slab is then lowered into place. These may scratch, etch, or stain. Marble will also scratch more easily since it scores a four on Mohs scale of hardness versus granite’s rating of seven. On their own, granite and marble counters do not have much impact on resale value. Marble will etch when exposed to acids and bases. Quartz countertops overview. Green marble, made of serpentine, does not etch as easily, but it can spall or flake with prolonged contact with water. Laminate is the obvious cheaper option but something to consider is the lifespan of a laminate countertop vs natural stone such as granite. The two materials will be evaluated based on the following categories: Appearance . However, granite is more durable than marble and less prone to stains and scratching. Quartzite and granite are two of the most popular countertop materials in the market. On the other hand, granite is an igneous rock composed of grains of compressed quartz, feldspar, mica and similar materials. Granite countertop prices are slightly lower than marble countertop costs. The color tends to be fairly consistent with veins running through it that concentrate the color. This means that marble will be more likely to absorb stains and to etch or lose its finish over time. Granite is the most heat-tolerant of any countertop material. Granite countertops also happen to be very durable, the most durable on this list between marble countertops and slate countertops. their characteristics and which of them fits the bill of becoming your vanity countertop material. Granite begins at about $75 per square foot installed. But there are alternative surfaces on the market that can hold appeal to other homeowners. Installing marble or quartz countertops is a complicated process that requires a professional to carefully measure, level, and secure the slabs on the kitchen or bathroom counters. Are Sandstone Countertops a Good Choice for Kitchens? Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons are important before puchase the stone. Both granite and marble are natural stones. Use this simple guide to discover which of these beautiful materials is right for you. Both natural stones hold significant appeal for various reasons. Granite is also a stain-resistant material. Granite can range dramatically in terms of durability. Price: Each surface material ranges in price, some being more dramatic than others. Stain Resistance “The results of our staining test carry the most weight in our countertop ratings,” Regan says. Granite Slab Countertops. On the other hand, the manufacturing process for concrete uses a lot of energy as well. Commercial granite is an igneous or metamorphic stone that is mainly comprised of silica, feldspar, mica, and quartz. This makes the material costs for a marble counter of the same size between $1,800 and $3,000 making the total range $3,800 to $5,000 on average. Marble is moderate to high maintenance. Both stones are available in slabs that can be installed as counters, and they provide years of use. Both materials are heat resistant, though caution should be used with hot pots and pans in the kitchen or hot hair tools in the bathroom. Here are some other benefits of granite countertops: today we will look at three premium countertop materials namely: granite, quartz, and marble. Granite countertop prices are slightly lower than marble countertop costs. Quartz vs. granite comes down to two things: stain resistance and looks. Cost . However, each stone is given a rating from A to D. Any stone rated D is considered weak, while stones rated A are considered strong. Both granite and marble can make a kitchen look more appealing to a buyer, which may help the property sell more quickly, particularly if the old countertop was in poor condition. This is not an easy decision because the distinction between the two countertop materials isn't apparent. Like granite, marble should always be cleaned with a PH-neutral cleanser to avoid more etching. Material costs for marble are higher, starting at around $60 a square foot and going as high as $100. Getting at least three written estimates from countertop contractors will allow you to find the best countertop prices and most experienced installers in your area. Quartzites that are labeled as marble, like Thassos or Azul Celeste, are extremely durable and much harder than some granites. Marble is a terrific … You will have to re-seal marble countertops about a few times per year. This may be thousands of miles. Installed marble countertops start … Get free advice and estimates from countertop installers in your city. Read on to find out which countertops are the cheapest and which are the most expensive. 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. Installation. Commercial marble is either metamorphic or sedimentary in composition, made primarily of calcite. Stones labeled as granite usually have a tightly packed, granular appearance to their surface. Granite. Still harder than marble, its black colour comes from its dominant minerals, namely plagioclase and pyroxene. Both marble and granite countertops are quite durable, but ONLY if they are properly sealed every one or two years. In addition, always wipe up spills as soon as they are seen to prevent potential staining, and wash the stone with a PH-neutral cleanser to prevent etching or removal of the finish. Unless you live near a granite quarry, your granite countertops must be shipped from their place of origin to your home. Specifically, they are both gorgeous natural stone materials and they both require a significant amount of care. Porcelain vs. Always use caution with hot pots in the kitchen, regardless of how well your stone handles the heat. For this reason, it is always recommended that you visit a stone yard and select the stone you want in person. Because marble slabs are usually smaller than granite slabs, you may need more pieces to complete a full kitchen if using marble. Countertop Maintenance: Most experts agree that granite requires moderate maintenance when compared with solid surface, quartz, laminate, glass or ceramic tile. They appear as specks that are varied in color, so a granite slab might contain a variety of hues – blue, green, orange, pink, red, etc., typically in medium to dark shades. There is no evidence, however, that either granite or marble slabs give off radon 2 gas in the home. This makes the 30-square-foot granite counter cost between $3,000 and $3,500 installed. Many stones may be used on the counter, but two of the most common are granite and marble. While definitely not a cheap countertop option, the look and endurance of stone make it well worth the cost. Marble and granite counters are fabricated and installed in the same way. Although quartz is a natural stone, quartz countertops are man-made. A well-sealed stone will bead water on its surface. Welcome to our Quartzite vs Granite design guide including the differences between them, their characteristics, popular colors, cost and pros & cons. Both types of stones were formed through heat, either through volcanic activity or enormous amounts of heat and pressure. Every natural stone has its own level of required maintenance. The “pattern” is larger in marble. Commercial granite is an igneous or metamorphic stone that is mainly comprised of silica, feldspar, mica, and quartz. Learn all about the characteristics of quartz vs granite vs marble. Stones labeled as granite usually have a tightly packed, granular … This means that granite is slightly harder than marble, but both offer reasonably good durability. When you see a glimmering marble countertop in an upgraded kitchen or bathroom, the first word that might come to mind is ‘elegance’. Pros & Con of Granite Countertops . Marble is especially vulnerable to acidic foods and liquids, so be very careful to keep them off the marble or to clean up immediately after contact. Granite counters range in cost from $40 to $75 a square foot on average. If you are concerned, radon 2 test kits are available, which can detect the gas. Two common options are granite and marble, and while both are natural stones, they do have significant differences. Granite countertops will look brand-new even after years of wear and tear. Beauty is subjective, of course. In the case of slabs sold for countertops, there are many different minerals and stones sold as either granite or marble because they contain similar composition and characteristics. Some thinner marble slabs may need to have a plywood 1 substrate installed on the cabinets first to strengthen them, but any 1¼-inch (3-cm) slab can be installed directly on the cabinets. Some light-colored granites, however, are actually dolomites, which is a metamorphic stone. Granite Vs Marble Vs Quartz vs Quartzite Choosing the right material for your countertop can be quite confusing because of the numerous options available in the market. Hardness . This guide will inform you on what cultured marble is, what the material can be used for and … Pros: Granite is a durable and low maintenance option for a home’s countertops. Marble and granite countertops are made entirely of natural stone but quartz countertops have partial additives. If you want the technical details, marble is a metamorphic rock formed from recrystallized carbon. It is formed out of limestone that is subjected to intense pressure and heat due to tectonic shifting in the earth’s crust. You can use granite to design your outdoor countertops. However, not all marble is made primarily of calcite. Granite countertops are aesthetically beautiful and there is a wide range of colors and styles from which to choose. Maintenance . Granite and marble are porous, so without a seal, liquids will penetrate and stain. ft. which is the same price range as a cultured marble vanity ($44 - $68 psf). This is the main thing that sets quartz apart from granite and marble countertops. They are natural stones — unlike, say, engineered quartz silestone — so both marble and granite surfaces are susceptible to chipping and staining. Granite is more versatile than marble countertops. Granite comes in a wide range of colors from very light to very dark, and each slab has some degree of variation in color over its surface. With some TLC, however, both granite and marble countertops will keep their fantastic looks for decades, elevating the beauty of your kitchen, bathroom, office, laundry area or wet bar. In general granite counters are considered more durable than marble. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Guide, both major and minor kitchen updates, which use laminate countertops, can recoup between 65 and 80 percent of the investment. Butcher block countertops come in several wood types such as walnut, cherry, mixed woods, maple, and birch. Granite begins at about $75 per square foot installed. The slab is cut to match the template and given a finished edge and any cutouts. Granite is heat and scratchy resistant. Durability . Marble and Granite Countertop Prices. Even if you have narrowed down your choices to, say, granite vs Corian, DuPont’s flagship solid surface countertop material, you still have to weigh a lot of factors before deciding which one to get.