Marble vs. Granite Countertops: How to Pick the Right Stone for Your Home

Standing in the showroom, you might be taken by the gorgeous marble and granite samples around you. How can you choose just one? The natural stones bring drama and sophistication to your home and can make your space feel more luxurious. 

But when choosing countertop materials for well-used surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, do not get too swept up in aesthetics alone. You also need to consider maintenance, durability, and cost. This guide will weigh differences between marble vs. granite countertops, so you can choose the best one for your home.

Marble vs. Granite: Key Differences

Marble and granite are two very similar substances, but they do have some important differences. For one, marble is slightly softer. This means that marble countertops need more maintenance—and that includes more frequent sealing and cleaning. Granite is harder and slightly less porous, so it is not as prone to staining, though you should seal both types of stone. The largest difference, though, is their appearance. Marble tends to have distinct veining, while granite can have speckles and veining in various colors.

What Is Marble?

Marble is a metamorphic rock that naturally forms when limestone is heated to extreme temperatures. This process makes the natural stone harder and less porous—ideal qualities for a kitchen or bathroom countertop. It also has attractive veining, typically caused from impurities like iron oxide.

When most people think of marble, they think of a classic white stone with gray veining. In actuality, there are a ton of varieties. Marble can be white, beige, black, or even green. It can have different amounts of veining and different size grains. Its appearance depends on the location of the quarry. No two slabs are alike. 

Best for:

• Luxury bathrooms and kitchens 

• Homeowners who prefer an elegant, classic look

• Homeowners who want natural stone and do not mind some maintenance

Pros of Marble Countertops

As a natural stone, marble is extremely durable and can last 20 to 50 years before it needs a replacement. You can even refinish it once it starts to look worn. 

Marble is one of the best types of stone countertops for heat resistance. This stone can typically withstand heat from hot pots and pans (though your sealant may not). 

Above all, marble is renowned for its high-end look. The veining brings a certain level of elegance to a kitchen or bathroom. Each stone is truly unique.

Cons of Marble Countertops

Though marble is less porous than limestone, it is still porous. In other words, you will need to seal it regularly to prevent staining and increase water resistance. While pure water will not damage marble, tap water that is slightly acidic can react with the calcium carbonate and cause water spots. Beyond that, this material is also prone to chipping, scratching, and etching, if exposed to an acidic solution.

The largest con of marble is the price. Slabs, in particular, come with a high price tag and high installation costs. The weight of the slab makes installation difficult and you may need to reinforce the cabinets below to support it.

What Is Granite?

Granite is considered an igneous rock, which means it was formed over time by cooling magma. It typically consists of a few different minerals, including quartz, potassium, feldspar, silica, mica, and sodium feldspar. These minerals are what create granite’s unique appearance. 

Though most people know granite for its flecks, it can also have veins or solid patterns. Colors range from white to black to blue, green, pink, red, beige, or brown. It depends on the minerals present. Like marble, no two granite slabs are the same.

Best for:

• Homeowners who want a relatively affordable natural stone countertop

• High-use kitchens where countertops are regularly exposed to heat

• Those who want natural stone without a ton of maintenance 

Pros of Granite Countertops

If you are weighing granite vs. marble, durability is really where granite shines. This material tends to last decades longer—up to 100 years if properly maintained. Like marble, it is heat resistant, but it is also less likely to chip and scratch. Mainly, you need to watch out for the edges. 

Beyond that, granite is a relatively affordable kitchen countertop idea if you want to go for natural stone, especially if you choose granite tile. Both marble and soapstone cost more. It can even cost less than the average Corian® countertop, unless you spring for the highest-end stones. 

Cons of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are stronger and less porous than marble, so they generally hold up better to wear. That said, they still have some of the same issues that plague most natural stones. Granite is less porous, but it is still porous. You will need to seal your countertop regularly to prevent water marks, stains, and etching. Granite is scratch and chip resistant, but it can still happen. The edges in particular are prone to chipping, especially if your countertop design has a large overhang. 

Since each stone is different, it can be difficult to color-match slabs. You can avoid issues by choosing a granite countertop design with as few seams as possible. The seams are where a mismatch is most noticeable.

Marble vs. Granite Countertops

If you are choosing between marble or granite countertops, there is not always a clear winner. These two stones have some of the same great qualities but a few very distinct differences. The best choice for your home depends on your preferences. Let’s compare marble vs. granite countertops in some key categories.

Appearance: Tie

The truth is that granite or marble countertops both look gorgeous in kitchens and bring spa-like luxury to bathrooms. Mother Nature is responsible for the beauty of these natural stones—and no two pieces look exactly alike. Your choice depends on personal preference.

Marble typically comes in white or black with veins of gold, gray, or brown weaving through it. It is known for a classic, elegant look. Granite comes in a variety of colors—white, green, gold, black-red, and blue. It often has flecks, swirls, or streaks of gold, green, gray, red, or pink throughout. It looks more organic, like a true natural stone with lots of detail.

Product Cost: Granite

Marble and granite are available as slabs, which gives your countertop or backsplash a clean look with limited (or no) seams. You can also get the stones in tile form, common for backsplashes or seriously fancy floors, as long as you are not prone to slipping. This is generally much more affordable than a slab; however, if you choose a tile form, your stone will require a little more maintenance. If the grout is worn, liquids can seep into the marble or granite and ruin that luxe look.  

A marble slab costs $40 to $100 per square foot on average, but it can range from $15 to $190 per square foot. Tiles are around $7 to $10 per square foot. You can choose a slab backsplash for an average of $30 to $50 per square foot.

Granite slab countertops cost $50 to $100 per square foot on average, but you can save money using granite remnants. If you want granite tiles, those cost $5 to $15 per square foot. 

Installation Cost: Tie

The cost to install a granite or marble countertop does not differ much. Labor for countertop installation costs, on average, $35 to $45 per hour, usually totaling about $350 to $450. Any extra supplies your contractor might need will only be about $100 to $200.

Installing heavy stones is a job best left to pros, as a natural stone countertop can weigh 1,000 pounds. It is also easily chipped or damaged when transported by amateurs, and you definitely do not want to compromise its glamorous look. 

Save yourself the heartache of dinging your countertops before they are even installed, and find a professional countertop installer near you. They are well-versed in transporting, installing, and minimizing any seams so your space looks its best.

Photo: chandlerphoto / E+ / Getty Images

Maintenance: Granite

Granite and marble are both durable surfaces, but that durability depends on proper sealing. Sealing a countertop gives it a protective coating. The seal will soak into the porous gaps of the natural stone, acting as a defense from splashed marinara or spilled coffee.

When the seal starts to wear down, the countertop becomes porous and vulnerable to staining and etching from liquids.

• Etching means acidic liquid has dulled the stone’s surface. Looking at your countertop from the right angle, you will be painfully reminded of the day you cut into lemons and forgot to wipe the counters. Be careful with oil, wine, coffee, tomato sauce, apples, or juice, and always use a cutting board.

• Staining comes from liquids that seeped into the counter. The longer a little puddle of spilled grape juice sits on the surface, the more time it has to work its way into the porous stone. Even after wiping it up, the faded reddish-purple color becomes a permanent part of the countertop. Sealing will slow a liquid’s ability to penetrate the stone, but it does not prevent it entirely. Be sure to wipe up messes promptly.

Durability: Granite 

Marble and granite are so durable that, hypothetically, you can cut your veggies right on the countertops and set hot pans directly onto the surface. Both stones are durable and resistant to chips and cracks. That said, marble is a softer stone. Granite generally outlasts marble.

Despite the durability of both stones, chips and cracks can still happen (especially around the edges). Small scratches and dings can be repaired easily on your own, and a local countertop repair company can fix bigger issues.

Ease of Installation: Tie

There is no tangible difference in installation when it comes to marble vs. granite. Slabs of either stone are extremely heavy and require professional installation. This is not a job for a single, inexperienced DIYer. You may even have to reinforce your existing countertops to handle the weight. 

During installation, your contractor will cut granite or marble slabs to create well-fitting countertops. This is not a do-it-yourself process. If you want DIY marble countertops, it is best to use tiles instead of slabs.

Ease of Repair: Tie

Both granite and marble can be difficult to repair, though granite is less likely to need it. You can repair minor scratches and chips using a stone epoxy, though it may be difficult to hide the repair depending on the pattern of your stone. If you have more significant damage or water marks, you can refinish granite or marble countertops. This involves sanding down the surface, sealing, and polishing. It is an involved process best handled by a professional countertop company near you.

Sustainability: Tie

Marble and granite are not particularly sustainable. These are finite—or nonrenewable—resources. Mining and manufacturing these natural stones are energy-intensive processes. That said, these are natural stones without harmful byproducts. They do not off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like certain laminate countertops or countertop adhesives. They are not made from plastics or resins that notoriously pollute landfills. Both stones are recyclable. 

Resale Value: Marble

You may get more value out of marble countertops vs. granite countertops if you have a higher-priced home with the type of buyers who expect luxury finishes. This is only the case if you continuously maintain the marble. Dull or scratched marble simply does not have the same appeal. 

Either way, both granite or marble countertops are considered an asset. Granite is one of the most popular choices for kitchens, but darker shades have less appeal. Choose a lighter colored stone that will not go out of style. If you are on the fence, a pro can help you decide.