Granite versus Marble- A Comparative Study on Their Maintenance Requirements

Installing natural stones to beautify homes, proves to be of no use unless they are cared for and maintained using proper techniques. Everyone wants to own a house with marble floors, a kitchen with marble countertop or bathroom with marble walls. But, not everyone can provide the care and maintenance the stones deserve. Therefore, the choice of natural stone for your home or office must depend on how much use and abuse the stone will be subjected to, the durability of the stone, and how often will you be able to maintain it the way it requires to be maintained. 

In this article you shall find the pros and cons of installing granite and marble, the most popular natural stone choices for our homes, when compared to each other. If the origin of these stones is compared, we will find that marble is a type of stone composed of recrystallized material, most commonly limestone. Granite, on the other hand, is a hard stone which originates from ingenious rocks. Granite is more hard and durable compared to marble, hence more resistant to chips and scratches. Marble, being softer than granite, is more suitable for less-trafficked and formal areas.

Marble is known for the elegance it provides and is versatile enough to be used throughout the house in places such as fireplace surrounds, walls, flooring and bathrooms. Since it is particularly vulnerable to acidic foods and liquids, it is not a very good choice for kitchen countertops. Granite is an excellent choice for high traffic areas since it is more resistant to abrasions, staining and discoloration than most marbles. Its variety of colors and resistance to stain and heat makes it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops, bar tops, dining table, flooring including pathways and stairs, etc.

Both marble and granite are porous stones, though granite is less porous compared to marble. Hence, granite is far easier to maintain and requires sealing only after every two years. Marble, on the other hand, requires to be sealed twice every year. However, both the stones are easy to maintain. Marble floor restoration professionals advise that spills on both marble and granite surfaces should be cleaned immediately to prevent further damage. 

It is important to note that both marble and granite stones are cool under foot, so in areas where temperature remains low for relatively long period you may mix some other flooring type with marble or granite to provide warmth to a design. And the coolness of  marble and granite becomes a boon for summer months.

Though, granite installation might seem expensive initially, it will actually curtail your expenses in the long run. It is durable and can better withstand the huge traffic, particularly in the kitchen. It requires minimal maintenance and hence would be great and prudent investment if you are unable to keep up with the high traffic that your marble countertop or floor is subjected to. 

The Marble Man, Australia’s Number one natural stone restoration specialist, offers its esteemed clients expert advice on the choice of stones and proper stone maintenance and restoration procedures. Visit their Website or call them on 1300 627 626 for a free stone care evaluation.