Natural Stone Worktops – Marble vs Granite Pros & Cons
Natural stones are still one of the most popular options for kitchens worktops and bathroom work surfaces. Marble and Granite are one of the most durable materials out there and will stand the test of time. Their durability is just one of many advantages of these two materials, but they also come with a few disadvantages. Continue reading and find out about the pros and cons of natural stone worktops and decide for yourself whether they will be a good option for you.
Natural Stone Pros
1. Durability
Natural stones have densely packed molecules whose structure is hard to break. They will handle high pressure and impact of force without cracking. Nevertheless, you should be more careful around the edges, as they tend to chip easier, especially with marble.
2. Uniqueness
Natural stones have no added colours or pigments. They preserve their natural colour and can have different patterns, which are the result of other minerals in the stone. The position and percentage of those minerals are random, so every natural stone slab is different from the other and unique.
3. Heat resistant
Both granite and marble are great at high temperatures. Marble absorbs temperature from other objects quickly and it is, therefore, suitable for use in the kitchen. Granite is one of the best materials when it comes to resistance to high temperatures. You can postpone a hot pan on it and it will not burn or crack.
4. Granite is scratch-resistant
Marble is much softer material compared to granite and it can get scratched if you cut directly on it. Granite, on the other hand, is much firmer material and it will not get scratched easily. You can even cut directly on your granite worktops without the worries of scratching them.
5. Granite has good resistance to staining
Neither granite nor marble is stain proof, but granite will resist most liquids better. Because they are both porous materials, they need to be sealed regularly. The sealant will form a waterproof layer and prevent the liquids from staining.
Natural Stone Cons
1. They are heavy
As we already mentioned, they both have densely packed molecules which also make them very heavy. However, this is not a big issue because additional structural support can be installed. But, because of their heaviness, they require a specialized entity for the installation.
2. Sensitive to chemicals
Natural stones are sensitive to chemicals that contain bleach or ammonia. Those ingredients are common in the household cleaning agents and you should avoid them. Instead, just use soap and water with a soft cloth and your worktops will be perfectly clean.
You will have many benefits to having natural stone worktops, but only a few disadvantages. Even then, their cons can be eliminated just with proper care and maintenance. By choosing them you are choosing a material that will last you for decades.
Need information about the prices and colour range of natural stone worktops? Try our free worktops online quote tool or please contact us to find out more.
