Marble or granite worktop is the epitome of luxury for decades now (and even centuries). Natural stones that fit into any type of space weren’t always readily available as they are today. Even now, marble or granite worktop (along with quartz) can make a kitchen go from dull to shiny and stylish.
That’s why many of the BucksMarble clients opt for natural stone worktops. But how do they choose between marble or granite worktop? Both natural stones, marble, and granite are pretty similar and practically equally striking.
The choice ultimately depends on your style and preference. However, there are some distinct differences when we talk about marble or granite worktop that you should know before you make your decision. Let’s see what they are.
Marble Worktops — Elegant and Exceptional
Today, marble is a common work surface in both private and professional kitchens. Real marble looks exceptional and is much more durable to both heat and pressure than laminate or wood kitchen countertops.
There’s a vast difference between installing a marble kitchen countertop and a marble effect worktop. Although natural stone is more expensive than wood and laminate, it’s worth the investment, which is why many people opt for it when updating their kitchens.
Pros
Marble kitchen worktops (and bathroom worktops, by the way) are highly sought-after. The natural stone has a great look that will brighten up any space. Even if you’re not doing a complete kitchen remodel, you’ll easily be able to transform your kitchen just by installing new worktops.
The main pros of marble are:
- It’s a luxury item that increases the value of your home.
- Marble is a natural stone that has exceptional durability and will last for decades (with proper maintenance)
- Each slab of marble is unique, which means your worktops will be one of a kind (meaning your kitchen design will be as well)
Overall, marble is an excellent worktop surface that will allow you to utilise your kitchen to its full extent and make it look stylish and elegant.
Cons
Of course, nothing is without faults. Although marble is stunning and has plenty of benefits, it also has some downfalls that you should consider when choosing between marble or granite worktop.
- As a luxury item, marble can be expensive.
- It’s heavy and, therefore, difficult to install (at least if you try to do it without professional help).
- Although heat and scratch resistant, marble is easily stained.
- It requires regular, frequent resealing. Luckily, that’s not that difficult to do (check out our Four tips on how to reseal marble worktops!)
- Marble is porous (more so than other natural stones).
When it comes to the pros and cons of marble, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. However, it is essential to note that if you want a square foot or two of marble in your kitchen (or more), you need to be aware of the following:
- Because marble comes in slabs, it’s difficult to cut. That means that no matter how good the installation process of your bespoke marble worktops is, the seams will be visible.
- If you’re a huge fan of light marble, you should know that it can darken with age. So, if you’re going for that glossy, white kitchen look that’s been popular over the recent years, know that it isn’t as easy to clean as some other designs and that your marble might not stay pristine white over the following years (and decades).
Variations of Marble
Marble is typically veiny. That’s due to the process of its formation. When Mother Nature puts high pressure and heat on limestone, it creates marble. Of course, the process takes millions of years.
The calcite in the limestone forms tiny crystals over time and, along with other minerals that are integral parts of marble, the crystals create both the colouring and the veining of the marble.
That’s why marble comes in a lot of colours. From fresh white and deep dark marble all the way to pink and red marble — nature has it all!
Marble is formed as a result of limestone that is subject to extreme heat and pressure. This combination of heat and pressure recrystallizes the calcite in the limestone, leading to a complete change in texture. Additional minerals create the color and veining that can be seen in various types of marble.
Granite Worktops — Remarkable and Stylish
Granite kitchen worktops are another popular choice of work surfaces. If you’re redecorating your kitchen from start to finish, then you’re probably looking to make it look as stylish as possible. The great advantage of both marble or granite worktop is that they are timeless. You don’t have to think about whether your kitchen will look outdated in five or ten years.
But does that mean that granite countertops are the best choice? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. As mentioned in our Granite vs Quartz blog post, granite has been ruling the market for a couple of years now. Even though quartz worktops are gaining in popularity, granite is still a fan favorite. But does that make it better than marble? Let’s see, shall we?
Pros
Granite has an average lifespan of 100 years. Now, if you’re looking for durability and longevity, it really doesn’t get any better than that, does it? However, that doesn’t mean your kitchen island will be usable in 100 years (although, maybe it will be). It means that granite is pretty much the perfect kitchen surface.
Durable, heat and scratch-resistant, and less porous than marble, granite seemingly has it all. Out of all its benefits, the most notable are:
- Granite is timeless, and it doesn’t lose value over time.
- What’s more, granite worktops will significantly increase your overall home value.
- Granite is non-porous, which means your worktop won’t become a bacteria playground.
- It’s incredibly heat resistant and difficult to chip and scratch (although keep in mind that it’s not indestructible).
- Granite is relatively easy to maintain.
Cons
When choosing between marble or granite worktop, granite isn’t without flaws. Overall, granite:
- is unique, so it doesn’t offer quite as big of an opportunity to achieve a completely uniform look.
- Because it’s a natural stone, granite is expensive and heavy. Just like with marble, that means it’s somewhat challenging to install.
- You can’t achieve a no-seam look with granite.
- Because it’s heavy, granite sometimes requires additional support, which is something to consider if you’re only installing new worktops without changing your cabinets.
Variations of Granite
Granite has a more grainy look than marble. That’s because it’s formed out of cooled magma. Unlike marble, granite is an igneous rock, and its distinct appearance comes from the process of magma cooling. That’s also what makes granite such a hard and durable material.
Marble or Granite Worktop – Differences
So, now that we’ve gone over the pros and cons for granite or marble worktop let’s see what the main differences between the two are. Of course, given that they are both natural stones, they also share quite a few similarities.
Origin and Appearance
As mentioned, marble originates from limestone, while granite originates from magma. Due to that, the materials have different properties. Granite is much harder and more durable than marble. It also looks different and doesn’t have that distinct marble veiny look.
When it comes to general appearance, both stones offer one huge benefit — uniqueness. Because they are natural stones, both marble and granite are unique when it comes to patterns and colors. Sure, there are some general patterns and colors that you can choose from, but the piece of marble or granite worktop you receive and have installed in your kitchen will be completely one of a kind.
Porosity
The difference in porosity is probably the biggest one. Marble is quite porous because it’s not as hard as granite, which means that you have to diligently and frequently maintain and seal it.
Granite, on the other hand, doesn’t have that issue. It’s almost entirely non-porous, which means that nothing can penetrate it (as long as it’s intact and sealed).
Strength and Durability
We mentioned it a few times now, but it bears repeating — granite is harder than marble (it has a higher score on the Mohs Hardness Scale), so if you’re looking for the most durable natural stone, you might want to consider granite.
Installation
The installation is somewhat similar when it comes to all stone worktops — marble, granite, and quartz. These are heavy stones, so installation is often a difficult task. What’s more, no matter how skilled a professional is, marble or granite worktop will always have visible seams. Of course, if you get an excellent worktops supplier, they’ll ensure that the seams are as inconspicuous as possible. But they’ll still be there.
Marble or Granite Worktop – the Bottom Line
Overall, both marble and granite are amazing worktop surfaces. They are long-lasting, durable, heat and scratch-resistant, and they’ll last you for decades to come. What’s more, they are also always in style. Even though the technology has been improving over the past few decades, no new materials (not even the well-made ones) have managed to surpass marble or granite worktop when it comes to popularity.
If you’re looking for the best marble and granite worktop supplier in Buckinghamshire, look no further than BucksMarble. We’re the best of the best and will service your kitchens no matter where you are — Amersham, Chesham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, High Wycombe and beyond!
We offer decades of experience at an affordable price and will be more than happy to help you make a choice between marble or granite worktop. So, don’t hesitate to contact us now at 01494793515 or send us an email at info@bucksmarble.com and book your consultation!