It is not uncommon for homeowners in Eagan, MN to initially assume that all natural stone is basically the same when it comes to making a choice. However, once people start looking at marble and granite countertops, it quickly becomes apparent that these are two very different natural stone choices in many different ways.
To help to understand the differences, here are some important comparisons to keep in mind. Both are terrific options, but typically people find they are drawn to one or the other once they start narrowing down the possibilities.
Color Possibilities
Marble is prized for its standard colors, with the most common options including the white marbles with some veining and patterns throughout in light grays, tans and earthy, natural looking colors. The Carrara White is a good example of a light colored marble that is incredibly popular. There are also some darker marble options as well, with browns and grays to dark grays prominent in the Emperador line.
With granite countertops, there is a much broader range of colors that are harvested from different quarries around the world. These can range from light to dark in blacks, browns, blues, reds, and greens. It is not uncommon for the patterning to be very striking in granite, which makes for a very dramatic look.
Care Differences
Marble is a softer and more porous natural stone than granite. However, both are typically sealed to prevent staining, etching and to create an easy to clean and maintain surface.
Granite countertops are often recommended for a busy Eagan, MN home or a home where there is a lot of cooking and activity in the kitchen. While marble can certainly stand up to heavy use, the colors and the natural properties of granite make it a better match for many homeowners when it comes to care and maintenance.
