A Common Question
Installation of natural stone in home can add a distinguished look and character to the premises. Marble and granite are two great options for a beautiful and long lasting stone surface, but there are similarities and differences somebody should know about before making selection process! How do marble surface and granite surface measure up when it comes to stain resistance, durability, care requirements, variety and price?
Stain Resistance, Durability & Care
Real marble tiles have a beautiful, unique look like no other surface, with all their whirling patterns and shade variations. But the same patterns that make marble beautiful can be a real headache to match from tile to tile.
Marble floors are more porous than granite floors, thus making them more susceptible to staining. Marble is also much more likely to be damaged by scratches and objects that accidentally fall on the floor. On the other hand, granite floors are far less porous and defend well against stains, scratches and wear.
Because marble floors can stain so easily, you must clean them as quickly as possible after a spill. Marble, like most stone tiles, has high maintenance requirements. It must be sealed and cleaned regularly; for cleaning, use only a mild detergent solution or a product specially designed for marble.
While granite floors are not as susceptible to staining as marble floors, you should still be careful not to use acidic liquids or cleaning supplies on them. As an igneous rock, granite is formed under very high heat and has a crystalline structure instead of a layered structure like sedimentary rock. Tile made from it is quite dense, with a strength similar to porcelain.
Variety and Price
Granite is a very unique stone, often cut for specific purposes and differing from stone to stone. Due to this variety and uniqueness, there are two major factors that add to the cost of granite: the rarity of color and the stone’s pattern. The heavier weight relative to marble also makes the cost of shipping granite more expensive, and this is also added into the final price. Marble is often manufactured in bulk, reducing the costs of cutting and shipping the stone.
A note on marble color
It is important to know that green and black marbles are not recommended for wet areas of the home, such as a shower. Green marbles will absorb water and then curl and warp. Black marbles, when wet, can exhibit “spalling” at veins, which means small pieces of the stone may break away. Black Marble is a very soft limestone often mistaken as a marble. Not recommended for interior flooring. Never use a crystallizer on black marble – The stone will blister or spall! If honing or polishing, use extreme care not to leave swirls and do not run until the powder has dried. Check frequently – polishes very quickly!