Marble vs. Granite Kitchen Countertop
by Elissa
QUESTION:I'm in the process of making the decision on countertops. I love the look of marble, but I'm worried about the maintenance. We currently have granite, but it's not the look I want for our remodel. I keep hearing about staining on marble, but I want to know more about these possible stains.Is it only going to stain if I leave a something on the counter for a long time? Or is this some thing that if it spills on the counter I 'm getting a stain? Basically, we keep our kitchen clean and rarely leave anything on the counter for any length of time. Following that line of thinking, will the marble survive or will it just stain regardless of anything being on it? Thanks for your help. This site is very helpful. Elissa ANSWER:Comparing marble vs. granite kitchen countertops is common. Many want the easy maintenance of granite countertops, but prefer the color and pattern of marble.Well, unfortunately there are enough differences between granite and marble to have a significant impact on your decision for kitchen countertops. Let's discuss marble countertops for a second... I know you've heard and read that marble "stains easy". However, this is not true... let me explain. There are two types of marble "stains". One is a true stain where a substance is absorbed into the pores of the marble. A true stain will make a dark spot on the marble. But true stains are not a big problem with marble. Yes, they can happen when a substance remains on the surface for an extended time, however, marble is typically not very absorbent and does not stain easy. In fact, polished marble is nearly stain-proof (polishing closes down the pores) and usually cannot even be sealed since the sealer itself won't even absorb. The second kind of "stain" is not actually a stain, but physical damage to the marble that leaves a light and dull spot on the marble. This is called etching. Etching is a corrosive reaction that occurs on all calcite-based stones (marble, travertine, limestone) upon contact with acidic substances like coffee, juice, soda, salad dressing, tomato sauce, vinegar, etc. Etching also can occur upon contact with harsh alkaline cleaners like nearly all common and brand-name household cleaners available in stores, which is why you must use only products safe for cleaning marble. The corrosive reaction eats into the marble actually destroying the marble removing the surface layer revealing the more raw marble underneath, which is more dull and lighter in color than the polished or high-honed surface. Seems weird I know, but polishing stone brings out the color making it deeper and richer. People often call these etch marks "water spots" or "glass rings" since they often occur from acidic drinks and leave rings. So, people mistakenly call an etch mark a "stain" and thus the reputation that marble stains easy. Now, you may say what does it matter... stain, etch mark. Well, they are completely different problems, but people think they understand the issue and solutions... that all you have to do is seal the surface and clean well.... not the case. People understand stains... but are clueless about marble etching including (unfortunately) many in the stone industry. As noted marble staining is not much an issue and can often be made even less so by applying an impregnating sealer. Etching cannot be prevented except by avoiding contact with acidic substances and this is IMPOSSIBLE in the kitchen no matter how cautious or how much a neat freak anyone may be. And even if you are this person, is that how you really want to spend your time and energy? Anyone who installs a marble kitchen countertop will get etch marks regularly. Now you can repair etch marks rather easily on polished marble using the Marble Polish / Etch Remover, but it will be a constant project and it may drive you nuts. Many people who insist on installing a marble kitchen countertop despite warnings against it will opt to have the surface "honed" which is a more matte or some say "dull" finish compared to a shiny "polished" finish. The advantage here is that etch marks are not nearly as visible on a honed marble countertop although they still occur just as easily (some mistakenly believe honing prevents etching... no). Why? ... because a honed surface is already a bit dull so the color is not as deep and when an acidic substance etches a honed surface the difference or contrast in color and texture of the etch mark vs. the rest of the marble countertop is not as severe or noticeable as it is with a polished surface. So, they hone the marble countertop and seal it since a honed surface is more absorbent than a polished surface. However, when you do get an etch mark on a honed surface that is noticeable enough to repair, the process is a bit more involved than on a polished surface. Repairing etch marks on a polished marble countertop can be done by you or anyone using the Etch Remover Polish. Etch marks on a honed marble countertop can be repaired somewhat by a do-it-yourselfer, but it's more difficult to match with the surrounding surface and often hiring a marble maintenance professional is the best solution. So, that is the story on marble kitchen countertops... Marble vs. Granite Kitchen Countertops All the above is a thorough explanation of why marble countertops are not the best choice for the kitchen. Kitchen floor is fine and anywhere else in the home (except a wet bar... alcohol etches) is great for marble. I encourage people to put the marble in their bathroom instead. Why... because a granite countertop is sooo much easier to use, clean and maintain than a marble kitchen countertop. Granite does not etch... (well in rare instances it can, but for all intents and purposes... it does not). Most granite countertops can be well-protected from staining with the easy application of a sealer like those impregnating sealers we recommend and many granites don't need sealing at all since they are naturally non-absorbent. Granite does not scratch since it is much harder than marble. Marble kitchen countertops will get scratched. A granite countertop is just much more durable and easier to clean and maintain than a marble countertop and that's what you want in a kitchen. Certainly marble and granite present different looks or styles and in some instances the look is the most important element. However, in certain areas of the home, like the kitchen countertop, function is much more important. Even people who love wall-to-wall carpet would probably choose not to put carpet in a bathroom.... just doesn't make much sense when you have far better choices. And given that you have 2500+ colors of granite to choose from you should be able to find a few choices that will satisfy your style requirements without sacrificing function.  Good Luck,Ryan P.S. Get all the facts and simple step-by-step solutions to any problem with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals.
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