Granite or Marble worktops – Which is better?

If you’re trying to make up your mind whether to go for granite or marble worktops as part of your kitchen remodel – here are some important points to consider before making any final decision.

Both granite and marble worktops are extremely attractive options in terms of their aesthetic appeal. Natural stone worktops can help transform an otherwise ordinary kitchen into an outstanding space which is beautiful and functional. Granite and marble both require some looking after to get the most from them, but with regular cleaning and care, they will both last for a long time and indeed add value to your kitchen and home overall.

Durability

Granite and marble are both natural porous stones. Granite is typically more hardwearing than marble, but only marginally, and in terms of everyday kitchen use, there’s really not much to choose between them in terms of durability.

Visual appeal

Granite has a grain which consists of various coloured specks, so a granite worktop may appear to have distinct dark tonal shades, especially under different lighting scenarios. With marble, the pattern is typically larger than that of granite and its colour is usually more consistent, with characteristic veins which traverse its surface, giving marble its unique appearance. Both granite and marble are available in a range of colours, and at the end of the day it will be a case of personal preference regarding the look you want to achieve in your kitchen.

Resistance to heat and stains

Being harder than marble makes granite a good choice for a well-used kitchen as it provides more protection against scratches and chips which might occur under heavy and constant use on a daily basis. Both granite and marble are capable of withstanding heat, although care should be taken with extremely hot pots, pans and dishes coming from a hot oven when placed on the worktop. It’s best to use some form of mat to absorb as much of the heat as possible.

For optimal protection against the ingress of water, oil, and spills such as wine or citric juice onto a granite worktop London experts JR Stone recommend applying a specialised sealant to provide an impermeable barrier on the surface of the worktop. If properly sealed, both granite and marble provide non-porous surfaces which will reduce the buildup of mould and bacteria and provide a sanitary food preparation surface. Sealant should be reapplied each year, ideally, to maintain the level of protection. Make a habit of wiping up all spills immediately to help protect the lustre and look of your worktops.

Maintenance

When properly sealed, both granite and marble require little or no maintenance other than regular cleaning with a damp cloth and possibly a specialist stone cleaner now and then to help keep its shine.

Pricing

There is no clear winner on price, as both granite and marble have high-end and economy versions, and the most suitable will depend greatly on the overall look you are trying to achieve.