Many people consider the kitchen to be the heart of any home. It is not just a place for cooking, but a place to gather and socialize, a place to learn and share recipes with friends and family, a place for children to do their school work, and of course, for families to come together and enjoy meals and discuss their days.
Marble and granite are popular countertop materials, and both are very visually pleasing, instantly increasing the value of any kitchen and home. When upgrading a home's kitchen, it can be difficult to decipher which of the two would be best.
Granite and marble both make for great countertops. There are two main things to consider when deciding between the two. First, the appearance. What is the style of appearance that wants to be achieved? Second, what is the desirable level of maintenance, or what is a practical level of maintenance given one's lifestyle.
Marble
Marble is a soft and porous stone, making it susceptible to stains and scratches. Also, when subjected to heat, marble tends to gradually dull. However, many find these effects on marble to contribute to its aestheticism, giving the stone, and counter, character as it ages. Stains are sometimes removed using a poultice, which is also used to reseal polished areas that have become dull.
For individuals who do not find the signs of use, like scratches, stains, and so on, to be attractive, honed marble is more ideal than polished marble. Honed marble describes a type of finish that does not have a glossy, polished appearance. In fact, honed marble is described as a matte finish, which is better at concealing characteristics like scratches and stains that do not suit some desired styles.
Granite
Quartz is a constituent of granite that makes the material hard and more durable in terms of stains or scratches, especially when compared to marble countertops. Granite is also more durable in the presence of heat, making it more ideal as a cooking preparation surface.
Over the years, granite maintains its polished appearance and, when properly sealed, it can withstand several years without scratching, staining, or chipping. A professional and responsible granite supplier will ensure all its products are properly sealed.
On the other hand, granite's durability is what also makes it prone to dullness if knives, say when cutting vegetables in the kitchen, are used on its surface. Thankfully, however, granite requires minimal maintenance, as it needs to be resealed only every few years. Resealing granite countertops will help decrease the likelihood of a dull appearance, while also improving the countertop's longevity.
Both marble and granite produce beautiful results and immediately improve the value of any home. Both types of stone require attention and maintenance, as well as professional manufacturing and installation. As both are high quality sources of stone, the main thing a home owner should consider is the type of appearance they wish to achieve.