Marbles and granites are often used for flooring, countertops, wall cladding, sculpture, and furniture making. Their unique texture and properties make the buildings durable and elegant with a shiny appearance. Both granite and marble are natural stones with distinctive properties that can be used for various purposes. So this brings us to the most debatable question granite vs. marble? Which one should you choose for your construction needs? In this blog, let us discuss various factors including pros and cons that can help you understand both stones better and choose the perfect one for your needs.
Marble vs granite: what is the difference?
Understanding these stones' key properties, differences, and use cases can significantly help you choose the right one. Granite is known for its unmatched natural appearance and strength, the stone’s unique veining and colour variations create a bold and one-of-a-kind look when we customized it. On the contrary, the marble is known for its timeless beauty and shiny elegance with veining patterns that give out a luxurious feel to the interiors. Choosing the best stone for your interiors depends on various factors including what is being created, budget, looks, and other considerations. Let us compare each of these stones to various properties to help you understand them better.
Composition
Marble: This stone is primarily composed of calcite along with some other minerals with veining patterns.
Granite: This is an igneous rock formed from cooled magma, composed of quartz, feldspar, mice and other minerals. This makes it durable and offers a more speckled appearance.
Durability
Marble: Marble’s softer texture makes it more prone to scratches and chipping than granite. However, it is highly durable and long-lasting due to its complex structure.
Granite: Granite is synonymous with toughness, it is highly resistant to scratches stains and wear and tear.
Porosity
Marble: Marble is comparatively more porous than granite, which makes it prone to stains as it can absorb the liquids. That is why it is important to seal the marble.
Granite: Granite is also porous, but it is less prone to liquid absorption, making it stain-resistant.
Heat resistance
Both marble and granite are composed of rock-solid materials, allowing them to handle temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cleaning and maintenance
It is always recommended to use a gentle cleaner for both marble and granite for long-lasting looks and feel. Seal both of these stones to prevent them from unwanted scratches.
Marble: Reseal annually and also buff regularly for a polished finish.
Granite: Reseal every six months or sooner. For repairing minor scratches and chips use Stonera’s epoxy solutions.
Aesthetics
Marble: Marble offers a cleaner look with elegant and timeless appeal.
Granite: Granite on the other hand can be customized into various colors and patterns.
Cost Comparison
Marble: Marble is usually more costlier than granite due to its occurrence and appearance.
Granite: Granite is a cost-effective option, while it's not glossy, it is durable.
Which is better for flooring granite or marble?
Flooring plays a crucial role in deciding the overall aesthetics of an infrastructure. It can significantly change the way a property looks and add a unique look to the property. So if you are planning on choosing the right flooring option for your residential or commercial space, here are various factors you should consider:
Granite flooring
- If you are expecting too many guests or clients over the place frequently, granite can be ideal as this resists heavy foot traffic. Ideal for commercial spaces.
- Granite is usually more rigid and can withstand continuous exposure to dust, sun, or rain. So use granite for outdoor areas.
- For other areas that you think cause a lot of mess, use granite for durability and stain resistance.
Pros and Cons
Granite
Pros: Superior durability, stain resistance, ideal for high-traffic areas, and outdoor use.
Cons: Not as glossy as marble, limited color and pattern options.
Marble
Pros: Timeless elegance, luxurious appearance, and elegant and timeless appeal.
Cons: More prone to scratches, chipping, and staining, requires regular sealing and maintenance.