Whether you’re facing a home renovation, small update or complete re-do, getting down to the changes you are wanting to make and then taking the steps to make that a reality is a time-intensive project. Your home is the place you want to feel comfortable and calm, yet be just as confident hosting friends and family for gatherings as well. This is where changing up your home’s style can get tricky and sometimes, completely overwhelming.
One of the big questions that comes up during a home makeover is what type of countertops you are going to replace the old ones with. Your countertops are a type of centerpiece in your home. They are useable, lean-able, convenient culinary necessities and still require the aesthetic appeal to remain a visual focal point when guests walk in. When it comes down to it, your countertops are an important feature in your home’s daily functioning so it’s no wonder choosing just the right type can become such a big deal so quickly.
If you’re going for a long-term countertop make over and looking to install countertops that will last for years to come, it’s common for homeowners to find themselves torn between granite and marble. While both beautiful choices for surfacing in your home, there are some definite differences that should be considered. In order to help save time and hopefully a headache in the midst of all those renovations, the following are the top five factors to consider when choosing between granite and marble countertops for your house.
How do I use my countertops?
As previously mentioned, countertops are used for a variety of purposes on a daily basis. Depending what type of home yours is, how your countertops are used can vary drastically. If you have small children or even teenagers, chances are your countertops are prone to study sessions, endless snacking and inevitably—spills. If you’re someone who enjoys hosting elegant parties, your counters may fall more along the lines of places where social gatherings occur, elbows are leaned and conversations are started around. All of these factors are essential to consider before you choose between granite and marble countertops.
Once properly sealed, granite countertops have a tendency to be more moisture resistant and slightly more durable against staining and etching. If you have countertops that are definitely going to be well-used daily, the granite route might be the better option. However, if your countertops are more seamlessly incorporated into your social settings, marble could be an extremely elegant choice. Considered slightly more delicate, marble provides a sleek and sophisticated appearance that would work well with crowds who are less apt to spill food or drinks when they are in close proximity.
What’s my budget?
While this question is definitely relevant when it comes to choosing between granite and marble countertops, it’s not as drastic of a different as one might think. On average, granite and marble countertops tend to run right in the same price range for standard surfacing. The greatest difference is seen when homeowners start looking at high-end granite or marble. This can be stone that is specifically colored or rare to find in nature and is specially manufactured to fit a home. If you are a homeowner who is looking at high-end countertops, marble runs slightly more expensive than granite and should be considered when looking at what you’re willing to spend on your renovations.
What type of look am I going for?
The atmosphere you are trying to create in your home will help you decide what type of material you’ll want to use for your countertops. Granite has a more earthy feel to it with a larger variety of mixed colors. On the other hand, marble tends to have a sleek and smooth look to it that gives an elegant and swirling touch. Consider the other colors that you will be pairing with your countertops and how those textures will mix. Understanding your initial theme will help you decide if a natural or glossy approach is best for your home.
How much maintenance is required?
While maintenance is a must for any type of stone countertop, granite and marble do slightly vary in the time-intensity department. Marble tends to be more absorbent than granite and therefore, may require additional sealing or extra time to wipe up spills to avoid staining. Make sure you are committed to the time and care it takes to maintain your granite or marble countertops in order to make them last.
Where will I be placing my countertops?
Overall, granite countertops are considered more durable and stain resistant than marble. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have the best of both worlds. Many homeowners decide to use granite countertops in their kitchen and other areas that receive heavy use on a daily basis. They then go with marble countertops in their bathrooms or other rooms that aren’t used as frequently. This route gives you the option of enjoying both beautiful surfaces while making sure their natural properties are put to the best use possible and also appropriately protected.