Do granite and marble slabs work best in GTA kitchens?  How do they stack up against each other under pressure? Read on to find out!

 

Granite and marble are both natural stones and each have advantages and disadvantages. Taking into account lifestyle, it can be tough to decide between granite and marble for kitchen countertops.

 

Consider these categories when comparing granite and marble slabs for GTA kitchens to help make the most informed decision.

 

 

Granite is a very hard, nonporous stone, making it highly resistant to scratching and staining. It offers an ideal material for almost any kitchen counter. And because granite slabs have little porosity, spilled liquids typically leave no stains after they are wiped away.

 

Marble is a soft stone that is prone to staining and chipping. Applying a sealer to a marble countertop provides a barrier to liquids, making them less likely to stain after spills are wiped clean. Alternatively, marble can be used as an accent in the kitchen instead of an entire countertop.

 

 

If a hot pan is placed directly onto a granite countertop, it will typically have no marring effect, such as melting or burn marks. Granite is naturally resistant to chemicals and other acidic substances like wine, vinegar, alcohol, and lemon juice.

 

Marble is also somewhat heat resistant, but to avoid potential surface discolouring, it's best to place a trivet underneath a hot pan. Acidic or citric items may leave an etch mark on a marble-topped counter. The etching appears as a dull, lackluster spot, which is irreversible and cannot be prevented.

 

 

Any surface, including granite with its crystalline structure, has the potential to chip or crack when it comes in direct contact with high-impact blows from a hard, sharp object. Under ordinary kitchen use, however, chipping or cracking is highly unlikely for a granite counter, and daily use will not overstress this hard, durable stone.

 

Since marble is a much softer material than granite, it is more prone to chips and cracks under frequent, everyday use in the kitchen. Marble is best suited to bathroom vanity tops where it is not exposed to the same amount of wear and tear as a kitchen countertop.

 

 

Marble countertops set the bar high for creating an upscale, luxurious look, although granite also conveys sophistication. Granite slabs can be sealed to provide an additional layer of protection for the inherently tough stone. A quality sealant should have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

 

It is highly recommended to seal a marble countertop since it is a porous material, but because of the softer nature of marble, it won’t be as durable as granite even with a sealant.

 

Wipe down granite and marble countertops with a clean, damp cloth for everyday cleaning. Add a touch of soapy water to the damp cloth to remove stubborn food residue, but avoid bleach, ammonia, or other harsh cleaning agents. With a marble countertop, it's imperative to thoroughly dry the wet surface as it is being cleaned. Here are more easy care tips for marble.

 

 

A kitchen is a high-traffic area that calls for a tough surface. Granite will stand up to a kitchen’s ruggedness and marble should be used more sparingly.

 

Both granite and marble slabs are great for GTA homes and the ultimate decision lies with the homeowner.