marble vs granite

The Ultimate Guide to Marble vs Granite

Trying to choose between marble and granite countertops for your kitchen? It's a big decision with many factors to consider. In this article, we'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you make the best choice for your needs and preferences.
If you would rather consult with a stone restoration professional, feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.

What is Granite?

Granite is a 100% natural stone that is mined from quarries around the world. It's cut into thin slabs and polished to be made as countertops, tabletops or flooring for homes and businesses.

Granite has been used by humans since ancient times because of its durability, beauty, heat resistance properties plus it doesn't have any toxic chemicals like formaldehyde in it unlike other types of synthetic stones you find at Home Depot which will emit out gasses when heated up too much!
Granite slabs are a more durable stone that will not scratch or stain as easily as marble, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It also has a very natural look with veins in the stone that add texture and visual appeal.

The downside to granite countertops is that they cost more than marble both upfront and over time due to their durability factor which means you'll have them longer so they will need replacement less often than marble would.

Why You Can Trust Marble Renovation

Reasons to Trust Marble Renovation
Reasons to Trust Marble Renovation
Reasons to Trust Marble Renovation
Reasons to Trust Marble Renovation

Best Maintenance Products For Stone Surfaces

This page contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product or service link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I have personally used and believe will add value to you.
  • Lithofin Easy Clean

    LITHOFIN EASY CLEAN

    Lithofin Power Clean. It’s acid free and suitable for all natural stone surfaces.
    Lithofin Stain Stop

    LITHOFIN STAIN STOP

    Lithofin Stain Stop. An excellent sealant for all natural stone surfaces.
    fine wire wool

    FINE WIRE WOOL

    Fine Wire Wool. This product helps remove surface grime without damaging the stone.
  • Electric Mop

    ELECTRIC MOP

    This electric mop comes with 4 reusable microfiber pads. Perfect for stone floors.
    fila stone cleaner maintenance

    FILA SURFACE CARE

    Fila Surface Care. Professional maintenance for all stone surfaces.
    Glean Quartz and Granite Cleaner

    GLEAN STONE CLEANER

    Glean Quartz and Granite foam cleaner. Ideal for after care.

What is Marble?

Marble is a metamorphic rock of recrystallized carbon derived from limestone. This sedimentary stone, formed over long periods and under pressure, heat, and natural chemicals develops into the marble we know today that consists entirely earth-made natural material.

On the other hand, marble is a softer stone that can be very visually appealing with it's many veins running through it. It comes in an array of colors and styles to suit every kitchen's needs.
The downside is that it's more prone to staining from acidic materials than granite, with the most common stains being red wine and oil or anything acidic such as citrus food or juice.

It also has a shorter lifespan than granite, needing replacement after around 15 years depending on the type of marble used so you may spend more money replacing your marble countertops over time than if you had chosen granite countertops instead.
David Smith Segarra
"We are a London-based family business with over 35 years experience, and passionate about natural stone. We specialise in marble restoration, providing personalised attention to detail for every customer. Based in Canary Wharf, covering all of Greater London. You can trust us for all your marble needs!"

DAVID SMITH

Marble Restoration Specialist
London, Canary Wharf
CONTACT US

Marble vs Granite Countertop FAQs

Which one do I choose, Marble or Granite?
For those who don't know already, choosing between these two will come down to personal preference. However, if you're not looking for a natural stone, quartz countertops can be an alternative to granite or a marble countertop.

If you want long lasting durability though, then we recommend granite counters.

Do I need professional installation for my renovation project?
Yes! We always suggest that you have your marble countertops or granite countertops professionally installed by certified professionals. 

This will ensure they are properly laid and level with the existing surface of your kitchen cabinets so it doesn't look as if you've added them on yourself or that they're not securely attached.


What are the differences between marble and granite countertops?
Although both marble and granite are mined from the earth, they possess very different properties. The biggest difference between granite and marble is their porosity - while marble is softer and more porous, so it absorbs water and stains easily, granite features a crystalline structure that makes it stronger than other natural stones.

Of course, marble needs more maintenance as it requires you to reapply sealant and polish every year or so to maintain its lustre.

Granite is an igneous rock formed deep in the earth's crust. The minerals contained in granite usually appear as tiny flecks along the surface of the stone. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from recrystallized carbon, and its formation alters its original appearance due to intense heat and pressure.

Marble and granite are made of stone and both heat resistant. Variations in color may be drastic because they're made by nature. Both stones need to be properly sealed every once in a while because the oils and other stains can build up.

The appearance of the marble is achieved from natural processes, which take longer than those used for manufactured materials.

Should I choose marble or granite for my kitchen countertops?
Stone countertops that are beautifully aesthetic and also durable are important in both the kitchen and bathroom. Granite is more durable and heat resistant than marble, so it is well-suited to the needs of a busy family with kids or pets that create messes.

However, granite countertops aren't immune to damage from acidic liquids, like lemon juice, if they're mishandled over time or if children play on them aggressively.

Both marble countertops and granite countertops can last for a lifetime if maintained properly. When cleaning marble, make sure to use products designed specially for marble; when cleaning granite, any mild soap will do.

Spills should be wiped up immediately and protective surfaces put in place wherever liquids are acidic or dark-coloured or oily. Contact with hot pans and dishes regularly may also damage marble slabs.

Owners of homes who have already decided to install marble or granite countertops will find, however, that both have excellent qualities including durability and the allure of beauty.
Marble vs Granite: Which is more expensive per square foot?
If you're looking for a durable surface, high end granite countertops are your best bet. On average the cost per square meter of this type of countertop will run about £270 slightly lower than marble. High-end granites can be as expensive at £450 in some cases and may require more care than lower-grade stones so make sure that's what you want before making a purchase!

Marble countertops are slightly pricier on average costing an estimated £315 per square meter but they come with their own set of pros and cons too. If it suits your needs, then marble would have potential longevity over other types due to its hardness which makes them less likely to break or chip when struck by utensils like metal forks or knives - something not possible if using softer stones.

Is Marble smoother than Granite?
In general, yes. Marble is typically smoother than granite because it is a softer stone. However, there are some types of granite that are very smooth and some types of marble that are quite rough.

It really depends on the individual piece of stone. If both have been polished to a high shine then both a marble slab and a granite slab would feel as smooth as each other.

Does Marble or Granite last longer?
Granite is more durable than marble, so it will last longer if properly maintained. However, both stone countertops can last for a lifetime if properly cared for. When cleaning white marble, make sure to use products designed especially for marble; when cleaning granite, any neutral soap will do.

Spills should be wiped up immediately and protective surfaces should be put in place wherever liquids are acidic or dark-colored. With proper care, both marble and granite countertops can last a lifetime.

Keep in mind that marble has a hardness of 3 to 5 on the Mohs scale. Marble lacks the hardness of granite and it may suffer damage from common kitchen tasks such as cutting.

How can you tell the difference between marble and granite?
Granite is a granular, volcanic rock made up of several minerals. The softer look of marble is due to its high level of calcite. Marble comes in a variety of hues, although some darker slabs are available.

Granite has a wide range of colors. Granite is more stain resistant and durable than marble, making it ideal for fireplaces, bars, and kitchen surfaces. In a bathroom, or around a hot tub, marble is softer and more permeable, so it's ideal.

Finally, granite is often speckled with a range of minerals, whereas marble is commonly veined.

Maintenance Tips For Natural Stone Surfaces

Marble Cleaning Tips
Reasons to Trust Marble Renovation
Marble Cleaning Tips
Reasons to trust marble renovation

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Have worked with David many times over the years. I highly recommend David and his team at Marble Renovation"
    Riman Verma

    RIMAN VERMA

  • "Builders trashed my marble hallway and David brought them back to their original glory. He truly cared about doing a great job; highly recommended."
    BRADLEY BERMAN

    BRADLEY BERMAN

Marble Cleaning & Polishing Services in London

We are a family-run business based in Canary Wharf, London, offering professional marble restoration services in the greater London area. With years of experience, our skilled team is dedicated to restoring the beauty and elegance of your marble surfaces to their original glory. Whether your marble surfaces are dull, stained, scratched, or damaged, we can provide a tailored restoration solution to meet your specific needs. Our services include cleaning, polishing, honing, repairing cracks and chips, and sealing to protect against future damage. 
ABOUT US
Restoring a Concrete Countertop
If you would rather consult with a stone restoration professional, feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Kelson House, Stewart Street
London, Canary Wharf
E14 3JL
David: +44 (0) 7725 752 660
Andrew: +44 (0) 7894 834 255
Mon-Fri: 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Sat: 11:00AM - 6:00PM

Final Thoughts on Marble vs Granite

So, both materials are beautiful in their ways, each with a slightly different price point. Also, keep in mind installation costs which can vary. It ultimately comes down to what you want and need from your countertops that will help you decide whether granite or marble is the right choice for you.

In conclusion, both granite and marble have their unique benefits that make them ideal for different purposes. Granite is more durable and resistant to staining, making it a good choice for kitchen countertops or around fireplaces.


Marble is softer and more permeable, making it a better choice for bathrooms or around hot tubs. Ultimately, it comes down to what you want and need from your countertops that will help you decide whether granite or marble is the right choice for you.

Call us anytime for a free estimate on polishing or renovating your marble and granite surfaces.

Further Reading: Marble Cleaning and Polishing Tips and Tricks

Discover the latest tips and tricks for marble cleaning and polishing, as well as other stone surfaces, by checking out the posts below. Our expert advice will help you maintain the beauty and durability of your stone surfaces for years to come. Whether you need to remove stains, prevent damage, or protect your surfaces from wear and tear, we have got you covered. Browse our posts now and discover practical solutions for all your marble cleaning and polishing needs, and more.

Marble Renovation

Marble Renovation is a family-owned business situated in Canary Wharf, London, with more than 35 years of expertise in stone restoration.
CONTACT US
envelopephonemap-markerclock linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram