When choosing stone countertops for a new kitchen or bathroom renovation, many homeowners are not aware of the difference between granite and marble options. Both are natural stone products, though they have notable differences in color and vein patterns as well as durability. At Pebbles Stone Slabs we know that depending on the intended use or location, one may be a more fitting choice over the other. Understanding granite pros vs. cons, marble pros vs. cons, as well as the main differences between the two can help you make the right decision for you or your client’s home.

Common Uses for Granite & Marble

  • Kitchens. Cabinets finished with either granite or marble countertops can give any kitchen a more luxurious feel while staying within a specific style.
  • Showers. In place of tile or an acrylic surround, granite and marble can be installed in slabs to give a natural look to your shower stall or bath.
  • Bathrooms. Both granite and marble are popular choices for bathroom countertops because they are easy to clean and create a more natural, inviting space.
  • Sinks. You can use granite or marble slabs to create a custom sink that matches your counters. This ensures that your sink will never scratch!
  • Flooring. In entry foyers or powder rooms, inlaid with hardwood or tile, or to create a feature for a larger room, granite and marble floors make a powerful statement of luxury.

Granite Pros Vs. Cons

Granite comes from molten magma, as with all natural rock formation. It is quarried in various countries across the globe and is made up primarily of Feldspar and Quartz, both of which are extremely hard minerals. As a result, granite is harder and more scratch-resistant than marble, making it a more durable choice for high traffic or high use areas in your home. Once it is polished, it won’t fade or lose its color and will continue to showcase its natural beauty for a lifetime. That said, granite is porous, and can stain easily if certain foods are spilled and not dealt with quickly. It’s also due to this porousness that bacteria can build up and create unsanitary conditions if the granite isn’t cleaned properly.

Marble Pros Vs. Cons

Marble is made when sedimentary stone transforms over time with extreme heat and pressure. For this reason, marble is identified as a metamorphic stone. The difference between granite and marble becomes clearer when it comes to marble’s hardness, which is nearly half that of granite. Perfect for bathroom vanities or when inlaid with tile, marble is best used for lower traffic areas such as bathroom vanities that will not be subjected to hot pots or knives that could damage the surface.

Why Choose Pebbles Stone Slabs?

We list our retail prices on every slab in our indoor yard so that you can easily choose the right match for your project. Bring your cabinet, flooring, or backsplash samples and see which combinations work best before you make your decision! We’re proud to work with fabricators, designers, and DIYers to help them understand the difference between granite and marble and are ready to answer any questions you have about our inventory. In addition, we carry a variety of slabs in granite, marble, quartz, quartzite, dolomite, schist, and soapstone, and offer a 2-week hold window on all of our slabs to give you time to accommodate schedules, gather bids, or secure a fabricator. Contact us today at (720) 405-2000 to get started on your next project!