Marble vs. Granite: Which is the Best Option for Your Home?

Marble and natural granite stone, two of the most popular materials among homeowners and interior designers, are natural stones preferred for their beauty, properties, and durability. However, people are always bewildered when choosing any of the two for their space.

You might be eager to choose your favorite natural stone for interior design, and wall and floor applications, but it might not necessarily be an ideal choice. The material affects the overall functionality and aesthetic of the space. Therefore, it is important to consider several properties before concluding the choice and thus this blog.

So, dive in to understand the difference between granite and marble, which will help you make a knowledgeable decision.

Durability

Both marble and granite as natural stones are robust and have a lifespan of several years or even decades. Still, the only factor affecting the durability of both these stones is their porousness.

As a granite stone exporter, we can share that it is non-porous. On the contrary, marble is prone to spills, discoloration, pitting, and stains because of its porosity which is why polishing and sealing it prior to use is essential.

Moreover, marble is a soft sedimentary stone and scores anywhere between 3-5 on the Mohs scale, whereas granite, because of its great density, scores anywhere between 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

Resistance

Marble, being a soft natural stone, is prone to scratch in case of regular abrasions and exposure to sharp objects like knives. Moreover, the stone shows low resistance to damage, heat, water, and stain, which is why the marble countertop is not highly preferred for kitchen applications.

On the contrary, granite shows excellent resistance to scratch, heat, stains, and water, thus, being a popular choice among homeowners. In addition, granite has excellent strength properties, allowing the natural stone to withstand wear and tear.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Both granite and marble can be easily cleaned with a cleaning liquid and a wet piece of cloth. As a marble stone exporter in India, we suggest preventing using cleaners with strong chemical compositions as they can leave scars and may hinder the stone’s shine. In the case of marble, don’t use vinegar to wipe the surfaces as it is vulnerable to etching and pitting.

Coming to maintenance, you may need to repolish and reseal the marble two times a year, whereas granite might need it once every two years.

Outdoor Applications

It is possible to use granite in the outdoor setting with or without it, but using marble without a sealant is not recommended due to its porous nature. Moreover, marble is susceptible to stains and etching, ultimately demanding more attention and maintenance.

One thing to note is that natural stones will be slippery on excessive exposure to water, and it is best to select the stone after carefully considering the requirement and preferences.

Overall Usage

Marble is generally advised for areas with little foot traffic, such as bedroom & kitchen flooring, bathroom vanities & shower walls, center & shelves tabletops, and pooja rooms.

On the contrary, granite is relatively harder than marble and can withstand pressure, heat, and water to a certain extent. Therefore, you can choose granite for flooring, kitchen & bathroom countertops, outdoor landscaping, and wall cladding.

And the Winner is…

Well, it varies from person to person. As a natural stone supplier, we can say both stones have specific properties that make them popular for instance, marble is generally chosen for its unique charm and affordability. Conversely, granite is chosen because of its strength, durability, and resistance properties.

At last, the choice depends on your preference, requirement, and budget.