Marble Vs. Granite Tile Kitchen Countertop

Durability and upkeep must be considered when chosing between marble or granite.

Deciding on the classic sophistication of marble tile versus the modern look and practicality of granite tile is a choice many face when remodeling or designing a new kitchen. Both are natural stones, available in a variety of hues and colors, and both stand up well to heat, but the similarities end there.

Durability

Marble is a relatively soft, porous stone. It can easily show cuts, scrapes and chips if something heavy drops on it, or a knife slips. It can be destroyed by acids (such as those in lemon or orange juice) and can be stained by food and liquids rich in color, such as tomato sauce, wine and coffee.

Granite is one of the hardest and strongest stones found in nature. Much less porous than marble, it is far more resistant to damage from scrapes, chips and stains and is almost impossible to scratch with a knife.

Value

Marble is most commonly quarried in Europe and South America and must be shipped to the United States. Granite is more abundant than marble, and the granite used in American homes is usually quarried in the U.S. For those reasons alone, marble is more expensive. The cost of both also depends on the rareness of the color and pattern chosen. Whether marble or granite tile is used, both are among the most expensive kitchen-countertop materials available.

Upkeep

Both marble and granite tiles are sealed upon installation. Marble should be resealed yearly, since any kind of cut or acidic reaction to the sealant will allow liquids and oxidized air to seep under the sealant and discolor the marble. Granite tiles can often go many years before resealing is required. Both stone surfaces use grout between the tiles. Grout requires sealing, too, to prevent stains from discoloring it. It can easily and inexpensively be patched or completely replaced if damaged.

Patterns and Colors

Marble is more limited in pattern and color than granite. Marble has a certain "look" that is desired by marble lovers. It is a classic, timeless look that most often is found in neutral tones, such as white, beige, pale pink and pale coral. More rare and expensive are green and black marbles. Marble has dramatic veining running through it that is a dark color in light and green marble, and a light color in black marble.

Granite comes in many shades and patterns. The most common and least expensive is gray with a pebbled pattern that is fairly uniform. A different and usually more expensive look is when the pattern has a swirl in it, called "movement." Granite colors range from beige and brown, to pink and coral, to greens, blues and gray tones.

Tiles present many additional choices in patterns and designs. Tiles come in a variety of sizes from very small to large, and shapes such as square, rectangular and octagonal. They can be set in square blocks or diagonally, and often a combination of different settings, sizes and shades of tiles are used together.

Buying and Installation

Installation requirements and costs are similar for granite and marble tiles, as both require similar surface preparation, cutting of tiles and grouting. Since marble and granite are natural products, a photograph of a "typical" piece will not capture the variations in color and pattern of every individual stone. It is usually best, if at all possible, to see the actual tiles you will be installing in your home to avoid disappointment.

References

• Countertop Specialty: Your Complete Countertop Information Resource
• University of Oregon: Ask GeoMan