Stone Comparison
MarblevsGranite
A comprehensive comparison of marble and granite for countertops, flooring, and other applications. Learn which natural stone is right for your project.
Marble Wins
0
Granite Wins
5
Ties
1
Detailed Comparison
Durability
GraniteMarble
3-4 Mohs hardness, softer
Granite
6-7 Mohs hardness, very hard
Granite is significantly harder than marble, making it more resistant to scratches and chips in daily use.
Durability
Granite is significantly harder than marble, making it more resistant to scratches and chips in daily use.
Stain Resistance
GraniteMarble
Porous, stains easily
Granite
Less porous when sealed
Marble is more susceptible to etching from acidic substances like lemon juice or wine. Granite resists staining better.
Stain Resistance
Marble is more susceptible to etching from acidic substances like lemon juice or wine. Granite resists staining better.
Aesthetics
TieMarble
Elegant veining, classic luxury
Granite
Speckled patterns, varied
Both offer unique beauty. Marble has timeless elegance with flowing veins, while granite offers diverse patterns and colors.
Aesthetics
Both offer unique beauty. Marble has timeless elegance with flowing veins, while granite offers diverse patterns and colors.
Maintenance
GraniteMarble
Requires frequent sealing
Granite
Annual sealing recommended
Granite requires less maintenance. Marble needs more frequent sealing and careful cleaning with pH-neutral products.
Maintenance
Granite requires less maintenance. Marble needs more frequent sealing and careful cleaning with pH-neutral products.
Heat Resistance
GraniteMarble
Good heat resistance
Granite
Excellent heat resistance
Both handle heat well, but granite's higher hardness makes it slightly more heat resistant for kitchen use.
Heat Resistance
Both handle heat well, but granite's higher hardness makes it slightly more heat resistant for kitchen use.
Price Range
GraniteMarble
$50-200+ per sq ft installed
Granite
$40-150+ per sq ft installed
Granite is generally more affordable, though premium varieties of both can reach similar price points.
Price Range
Granite is generally more affordable, though premium varieties of both can reach similar price points.
When to Choose Each Stone
Choose Marble For
- Bathroom vanities and walls
- Fireplace surrounds
- Low-traffic flooring
- Decorative features
- Classic luxury aesthetics
Choose Granite For
- Kitchen countertops
- High-traffic areas
- Outdoor kitchens
- Commercial applications
- Budget-conscious projects
Our Verdict
Choose granite for high-traffic kitchens and outdoor use due to its superior durability. Choose marble for bathrooms, fireplaces, and luxury applications where aesthetics are prioritized over durability.
Need Help Choosing?
Noria Strata helps stone suppliers and buyers manage inventory with spectral color matching for accurate stone identification and matching.