Granite or Marble Counter-tops?

DERRICK STRIKE

Buzzer

17

1

Granite or Marble Counter-tops?

My wife and I have been going back and forth for days over our new kitchen. She wants granite, I prefer marble. Am I crazy for wanting marble??? I understand it's softer but it's just so beautiful.

18

Ontario / General Chit-Chat

JL DESIGN STUDIO

NewBee

4

2

1 BEST REPLY

Please don't do either!

Both have been done to death over the past 20 plus years. Talk to a kitchen designer and get some options. There are lots to choose from.

MATTHEW SLUTSKY

Senior Buzzer

2299

171

From my understanding:
- Granite is more durable
- Granite is more resistant to acidy foods
- There is less of a chance that granite will be harmed by cleaning products
- Granite is more scratch resistant
- Granite is less maintenance.

BUT, I think marble looks nicer! So, you are not crazy.

I wonder what some of the designer people, like @Carmen Dragomir and @Diana Krikunez and @Melanie Pederson and @l.s thinks.

RYAN MCGOVERN

Senior Buzzer

642

117

Limestone.

RYAN MCGOVERN

Senior Buzzer

642

117

Also, @Matthew Slutsky - For granite, it depends on the finish and the source. There is a lot of cheap, mass produced granite out there nowadays that is not polished correctly. I've heard horror stories of people resting a mug of coffee on the surface and it leaving a permanent mark. As well, granite is more prone to imperfections and discoloration in the activity.

ALLEN

Buzzer

192

54

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I much prefer the classic and elegant look of marble, especially white Carerra or Calacutta, but it is not the most practical or durable surface for a kitchen unless you don't cook or are completely cautious when cooking or when guests are over.

Granite is very durable and popular countertop material, but I personally don't like the speckled pattern and I think it is overused and today's popular brown and gold tones will look dated (remember the salmon and black speckled granite from the late-80's?). Not to mention that granite requires a significant amount of energy and resources to mine, process and transport, so it is not very enviornmentally responsible (just like marble).
There is also a risk that granite contains small amounts of radon which will off gas into the house, though this is relatively minor.

My choice would be a quartz composite material like Caesarstone. There are tons of colours and patterns, from a solid colour to a subtle terrazzo to a life-like granite pattern and everything in between. The best thing about it is that it doesn't require regular sealing like granite and marble, and many brands feature an anti-microbal surface which is great for food prep.
Caesarstone also have invisible seams for a very clean installed look and it is just as durable and forgiving as granite.

DYLAN DILECCE

Buzzer

89

13

I've heard Caesarstone is a good alternative, but it doesn't have that appeal attached to it, and can come off looking manufactured (which I guess it is). I've heard limestone countertops can absorb oils easily so might want to be weary of that, though they do offer a great-looking alternative to granite. At the end of the day, I think granite is still the best bet. There's enough types out there that you should be able to find one that's unique enough to steer clear of any fad styles while also fitting your envisioned design.

BRIAN BELL

NewBee

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1

We added ceasar stone quartz in our bar and loved how consistent you could get the product vs granite. Quartz is also more durable and resistant to staining than Granite according to the stone experts at Stone Galleria in Mississauga. You can also really dress up the back splash to be feature - see below what I had a client do in their basement - beer anyone?

CARMEN DRAGOMIR

Buzzer

28

3

Marble countertops used in kitchens are beautiful, yet they stain very easy, are more porous and need regular maintenance, while granite is more durable and does not stain as easy, but it has more grain a busy look that not too many people enjoy these days. Quartz is the best option for a kitchen countertop, it doesn't stain easy (in fact it's resistant to red wine, mustard etc but you still have to clean it ;) Hot Tip: we just received last week at the office brand new caesarstone samples which look amazing!!! not on the website yet that's how new they are :) but you can go to Ciot and ask for: Alpine Mist 5110 (looks very much like white thassos marble), Clamshell 4130 (grey), Bianco Drift 6131, Coastal Grey 6003.

GLENN

Buzzer

43

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There are some great Arborite,Wilson Art,Formica,Pionite laminate imitattions out there now. Some that look real based on the edge you select, if money or maintenence is a factor. Plus for reasonable cost you can change it up every 4 years yourself if your handy and want a change of colour to refresh your kitchen. This is builder grade quartz at an install site I was at, the backsplash is marble!

JUMIE O.

Buzzer

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Marble isn't as durable as Granite when it comes to withstanding the everyday tasks and functions one would perform in a kitchen. Also if you wife is the one spending more time in that kitchen, I'd say listening to her choice would be a fabulous decision on your part.

JAMES BOMBALES

Buzzer

90

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As much as I love marble (there's nothing like a slab of Carrara in a kitchen or bathroom), the durability, quality, selection, and the seal-once-a-year low maintenance of granite makes it my choice.

GLENN

Buzzer

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As I said new laminates are here formica180fx checkout their web site. I love the wood black walnut timber # 3479 www.formica.com/en/us/inspiration/homeowner

GLENN

Buzzer

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2

here is the black walnut!

ALLEN

Buzzer

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54

Formica and other laminates often looks fake in wood and stone patterns. The texture, if it has any, doesn't quite coordinate with the printed pattern. Also the pattern doesn't continue around the edges which makes the countertop look even more odd and fake.
I find it funny to see that Formica is actually incorporating the appearance of bow tie mortises into the walnut wood pattern.
I hate to see an upscale space spoiled by inappropriate materials and finishes especially in large amounts such as this.

I'd rather give up the Wolf dual oven range in that kitchen in exchange with real stone or quartz countertops with an undermount sink.

It's not environmentally responsible to choose a countertop material that is meant to be changed up in a few years or until it is aesthetically tired. I'd rather invest in quality durable products. When you are living with it and use it everyday you really appreciate the look and feel of quality materials and fine details.

GLENN

Buzzer

43

2

Well Allen many customers out there cant go the extra $ for stone counters after the cabinetry, floors,backsplash change so to pay an extra min $ 1200.00 to 3000.00 for a basic small corner stone counter, Formica is a cheaper change with a first glance look of class.Lots of people out there cant stand granite counters, any other opinions out there from other readers on this post?

ALLEN

Buzzer

192

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There are some decent looking colours and patterns of plastic laminate countertops where stone or composite countertops are out of the budget. Being a architect, I'm a purist and believe in the truthfulness of materials, so I am not a fan of materials that try to be something that it is not.
Solid or finely patterned or textured laminate looks absolutely fine and will stand the test of time or until it is time to replace.

Another affordable countertop material I used that looks great is cast concrete. Though it has to be done by a reputable contractor or else it will look pretty bad, and also it requires more care and maintenance (cleaning immediately to prevent stains, sealing, and sharp corners may chip).
Butcher block is also a cost effective countertop material if that is the look you are going for. Again, it also requires more maintenance.

GLENN

Buzzer

43

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true Allen I love stone that is embedded in an inch of acrylic for example sandstone / flagstone from Kingston ON . its called Lilac comes with pink n purple tones. I have samples here, when coated to look wet it shows even stronger colour. Great on powder room floors.

GLENN

Buzzer

43

2

I found a great argument article for counters I thought I should share. I love the idea of glass but with a coloured tone or texture underneath! http:/www.zillow.com/blog/eight-kitchen-counter-options-that-will-make-you-forget-granite-120253/

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