Granite or marble countertops are among the most coveted kitchen work surfaces, lending a rich, upscale look to your kitchen. Both materials are beautifully elegant, and if you are considering either marble or granite for your kitchen, there are some things you should consider before making a final decision.

Pros & Cons of Marble
Marble is a classically elegant and durable countertop; it’s creamy, veined look is compatible with any style of kitchen. However, since marble is porous, it absorbs liquids readily and stains easily. For this reason, marble may be a better choice for the bathroom than the kitchen. Marble also has the potential to be damaged by heat and acids. While sealing the surface can protect the surface somewhat, even a minor scratch can allow liquids to penetrate and leave a stain that can be difficult or impossible to completely remove. However, marble countertops should be sealed with an approved product regularly to minimize potential damage.

While marble may not be the best choice for a busy family with children, it can be appropriate for less active households and is always a stunning choice for a bathroom vanity.

Pros & Cons of Granite
Granite is not as porous as marble, making it less likely to absorb liquids that may result in a stain. Granite is also harder and less likely to scratch than marble, so these two qualities make it a more durable choice for a busy kitchen; of course, it is also beautifully elegant for a bathroom.

Like marble, granite should be sealed regularly with a product that is approved for use on granite. This will help protect the surface from nicks, scratches and chips. The general recommendation is to seal a granite kitchen countertop once each year; a granite countertop in the bathroom probably won’t require sealing as frequently since the countertop is not used as vigorously as a countertop in the kitchen.

Another advantage of granite is that it is less expensive than marble. Granite is quarried and process in the US, while marble is quarried overseas, processed and shipped here. All of this raises the price of marble. Since granite is harvested locally, you can often select a piece of raw granite to be turned into your countertop. Granite also comes in a wider range of colors and natural stone patterns than marble.

How to Decide
In the final analysis, whether you choose marble or granite depends on your personal preference, how much countertop surface you need, and your budget. Most people find granite easier to care for and, coupling that with a lower price relative to marble, it is the more popular choice. In most cases, granite is the preferred material for the kitchen, while marble is often reserved for the bathroom. However, there are many cases where marble is perfectly appropriate in a kitchen, especially if you are careful about using hot pads and cutting boards and are willing to take precautions to properly seal and maintain your marble countertop. Consider your budget, which material has the decorative appeal that you are seeking, your lifestyle and how much time you have for upkeep and maintenance.

Author Bio: Alyssa Davis writes and designs for Metal-Wall-Art.com and she is happy to share many ideas on creating stylish interiors with orange metal wall hangings and gold metal wall hangings.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: home, decor, design, wall art, improvement, remodel, budget, repair, organize, feng shui, clean