Choosing between granite and marble for your kitchen countertop can be one of the most pressing issues during a home renovation, as each offers varying levels of beauty to the space and can blend with any home décor.
Both granite and marble are also available in various colours, making them highly versatile materials for kitchen applications. While either of the two natural stones makes a good choice in updating your kitchen's appearance, they differ in various ways.
In this article, we explore the comparison between granite and marble countertops while giving you an estimate of the cost as one of the suppliers for marble and granite slabs in Singapore.
Granite and Marble at a Glance
Granite is a natural stone that is mined from the earth. It is composed of minerals such as feldspar, quartz, and mica. When granite slabs in Singapore are used for kitchen countertops, they offer high durability and resistance to heat and water.
Marble is also a natural stone, but it is created by taking the marble rock and heating it until it melts into a liquid form to create the marble slab. They can give the kitchen a timeless look that will never go out of style when used as countertops.
Both stones can be costly, with marble generally being more expensive than granite, and their size and weight typically require professional installation. Let’s take a closer look by comparing the two natural stones.
Comparison between Granite & Marble Countertops
Comparing granite and marble slabs can be tricky if you are unsure how they differ. Fret not! Here are several important categories to help you decide which stone to use for your countertop.
Appearance
Granite and marble are both natural stones that offer varying levels of beauty to a space. But, if you consider them in their rawest forms, granite is an igneous rock composed of compressed feldspar, quartz, and mica grains. In slab form, they can appear as specks, flecks, veins, or solid patterns.
On the other hand, marble is sedimentary in its original form, with a smooth surface typically streaked with mineral veins. Some marbles are quartz-based, while others are composed of serpentine, a greenish material. Commercial marble is commonly available in variations of black and white.
Of course, beauty is subjective. So, it would be best if you looked at granite and marble slabs to decide which material you find more attractive and suitable for your countertop.
Durability
Since granite is a natural stone that has been quarried from the earth for years, it is often cited as the most durable material available for countertops. Plus, it is known for resisting cracks and chips well. With granite tops in Singapore, you can cut right on the surface without damaging it, place hot pans directly, and wipe away spills easily.
On the other hand, marble is a man-made stone that has been quarried from the earth for years. While marble countertops are durable and resistant to damage, they are more porous and stain easily. Marble is also more susceptible to etching from liquids like vinegar or lemon juice.
Both granite and marble generally offer high durability, but you have to ensure they are properly sealed to prevent liquid from penetrating and staining the stones.
Maintenance
Natural stones like granite and marble tops in Singapore generally require varying levels of maintenance. Granite countertops are highly durable and resistant to stain and damage, so they require moderate maintenance compared to marble countertops. However, it should be properly sealed upon installation and resealed annually to ensure a solid surface.
Marble countertops, on the other hand, typically require moderate to high maintenance. This involves keeping the surfaces sealed upon installation and regular protection with a sealant for porous stone surfaces. Even so, you will need to cleanup spills as they happen.
In general, both granite and marble countertops require routine maintenance and upkeep.
Cost of Granite & Marble Countertops
The cost of granite and marble countertops can vary depending on the stone's quality. So, it is essential to research and set a budget aside for your home renovation.
The cost of granite countertops, for instance, varies depending on the size and grade of the granite. It can range from $5 to $10 per square foot for an average grade granite, to $20 to $30 per square foot for high-end granite.
Similarly, the cost of marble countertops will depend on the size and grade of the stone. It can range from $5 to $12 per square foot for an average grade marble, to $25 to $40 per square foot for high-end marble.
These costs typically exclude the installation fees. And most suppliers will charge an additional fee for cutting and installing the materials, so it's best to check with your supplier beforehand.
Conclusion: Granite or Marble?
Considering the comparison we highlighted above, granite slabs in Singapore make a better countertop in terms of durability, affordability, and functionality. Marble slabs, on the other hand, are pricier, but they can make your kitchen look sophisticated. So, it all depends on your preferences and budget.
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