What’s the difference between granite and marble? It’s true the two have some similarities. They have many more differences than you might think, though. It’s about more than just aesthetic. Marble vs. granite gives you two very different flooring options.
What’s the Same?
Both marble and granite are extremely durable. They’re both natural stone, after all. Both are scratch-resistant and are very difficult to damage.
Both surfaces can be relied on for their hypoallergenic properties. Marble and granite are unlikely to accumulate allergens. This makes them good solutions if someone with allergies or asthma is living in the home.
These surfaces are also very easy to clean and take longer than most flooring alternatives to get dirty. Those are the broad similarities, but going a little deeper: what’s the difference between granite and marble?
Marble vs. Granite: What’s the Difference?
Even extreme durability isn’t equal. While both flooring options will stand the test of time, granite is even stronger than marble. Notice that you see a lot of granite counter tops, but not marble ones. There’s a reason for this: granite is more resistant to the acids you find in foods. This also makes granite more resistant to staining.
Marble is also more porous than granite. That means it can be more absorbent if not sealed. If marble is stained, the stain stays. The takeaway is that marble needs to be sealed more frequently than granite does. Granite is also more scratch-resistant and slip-resistant than marble.
All these factors combine to indicate that long-term ease of maintenance is a bit lighter for granite. Because of all this, granite sees much more outdoor use than marble.
The Aesthetic of Marble
That said, marble is often recognized for having a more beautiful look. Both are aesthetically pleasing, and granite does come in a wider range of colors. However, it’s usually more mottled in its visual texture. By contrast, marble has a look that’s often interpreted as a bit classier, with distinctive swirls.
The tones of marble are more limited – usually to white, gray, or cream with darker swirls. How each is used in a home usually blends factors of aesthetic and durability. Marble, which is less durable but elevates a room, is usually reserved for formal areas. Granite, which is still beautiful but is more durable, gets used in areas that see practical, everyday use.
If you’re deciding between marble vs. granite, get in touch with East Coast Flooring & Interiors. Our experts will help you make the right choice for your needs.