Whether you’re renovating your bathroom or kitchen or creating an entirely new space, picking the right stone will be undeniably one of the most important parts of your project. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to know the pros and cons of each. Knowing Marble Countertops vs. Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons are important before puchase the stone. Two common options are granite and marble, and while both are natural stones, they do have significant differences. Professional designers like those at Sky Marble and Granite in Sterling, Virginia, can help you decide which stone is right for you—and a few basic pointers may help, as well.
Photo Credit | Sky Marble and Granite,Inc
Granite has become the quintessential stone for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and many other household projects—and not without reason. Granite surfaces are both durable and beautiful, making them ideal for creating a classy aesthetic that will look like new for a very long time, even in heavily-used spaces. Granite countertops won’t be easily damaged by heat, and they’re quite scratch resistant, as well. In case of a red wine spill or splattered cooking grease, granite’s non-porous nature ensures that it can be wiped clean without staining, and it is also very easy to maintain and resistant to chemicals. Different finishing options are available for granite, including full-height backsplashes, undermount sinks, waterfall edges, and a variety of other edging choices. And if you’re looking for a natural stone with great color variety, granite is hard to beat—Sky Marble and Granite offers over fifty different colors and patterns. With that many available colors, there’s sure to be something to suit your style.
Photo Credit | Design Home Philadelphia
Marble shares many of the same characteristics as granite. It is also a genuine natural stone and, like granite, it’s heat resistant. Marble also allows many of the same design choices as granite, such as undermount sinks. However, marble does have its cons. The classic beauty that makes this the stone so often equated with luxury means that it costs a little more, and it is also a bit less durable. Marble tends to stain more easily than granite—and is also sensitive to acids like vinegar and lemon juice—although correctly sealing it can help. As a somewhat softer stone, it is also prone to scratching with daily use. The available color choices are more limited as well—although Sky Marble and Granite still offers seventeen different options, ranging from dark and exotic Negro Marquina to classic White Carrara. On the other hand, while Sky Marble and Granite does offer some granite and quartz options that have marble-like veining, the timeless, swirled patterns of marble are difficult to top.
For some people, the comparative delicacy of marble is outweighed by their love of a crisp white marble look or the classic beauty of its veining. For others, keeping the space looking like new isn’t a priority—perhaps you love the character that comes with an occasional scratch or stain and appreciate the aging of your stone like that of fine wine. Marble can also be an excellent choice for areas that are mainly for aesthetic purposes rather than everyday use. Whichever stone you chose, the experts at Sky Marble and Granite will help you make sure that it’s the perfect one to make your dream design a reality.