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