Gallagher Construction

The Difference Between Marble and Granite Countertops

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Marble and granite are popular countertop choices because of their gorgeous natural appeal. But each of them comes with its own pros and cons that you should know about before choosing which material to get for your kitchen remodel in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Marble and granite have a lot of similarities. For example, they both have a stunning natural appearance that homeowners love, and they both require a lot of care. But with proper and regular maintenance, they will keep their fantastic looks for decades and continue to elevate your kitchen for years to come. That’s why they are both popular choices for kitchen remodels in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Now, let’s talk more about each material.

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MARBLE

Appearance – Marble has large, elegant veining that is easily recognizable and available in different colors. However, it is most commonly available in white or black. These patterns run across the surface of the material and are generally more consistent than granite patterns.

Durability – Marble is heat-resistant, but hot pots and pans should still not be haphazardly placed on top of it. Although not as hard as granite, marble is still quite durable as long as it is regularly sealed. This is because it is a porous material, and not sealing means liquids will penetrate the slabs and stain. Marble is especially vulnerable to liquids and foods that are acidic, so make sure to clean up immediately.

Maintenance and Repairs – Marble countertops should be resealed every six months or even sooner for high-contact surfaces, so they remain durable. Minor damages, like scratches, can be filled in with epoxy or resin that matches the color of the countertop. For bigger problems, get professional help.

Installation and Price – Marble installation starts with a template that is transferred onto a slab so they can cut it to the desired fit. After that, it is set in place and secured with adhesives. Doing this is complicated, especially when cutting holes for sinks and faucets, so it must be done by professionals. The price can vary from about $100 to over $200 per square foot, but you can save money by choosing tiles instead of slabs.

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GRANITE

Appearance – Granite comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making it preferable for some people due to its diversity. It also often features flecks or veins that come in hues of pink, green, black, gold, or red.

Durability – Granite is commonly known as the most durable natural countertop material to date because it resists cracks and chips well. You can cut right on the surface without a chopping board and not cause damage, place hot pans directly on top of it, and even wipe away spills easily.

Maintenance and Repairs – Granite should be resealed once a year to make it properly resistant to stains. However, well-used kitchens may need to reseal sooner than that. When it comes to minor scratches, they can be repaired the same way as marble but cracks bigger than an ice cube should be repaired by professionals.

Installation and Price – The installation process for granite is the same as marble, wherein templates are used to cut the slabs into shape. But the price is generally less expensive than marble, ranging from about $75 to $175 per square foot installed.

Looking for professionals who can install granite or marble countertops in your home? Choose us at Gallagher Construction. We are remodeling and restoration contractors specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Get in touch with us to know more about our services.