Marble Countertops

Granite and marble are not just the most durable countertop options for your home; they are also created by Mother Nature to look stunning. It’s no coincidence that Maryland marble and granite countertops are among the most popular kitchen counter and bathroom countertop options for local homeowners.

Though new trends are geared towards luxurious materials and natural stone countertops, granite and marble surfaces deliver looks that are everlasting and classic.

As the hardest of the stone countertops, granite is distinctive both in color and versatility. This stone is not just extremely durable but can also adapt to just about any style of kitchen or bathroom. As for marble, when it comes to adding a luxe element and elegance to a home, you cannot beat the look it offers to a space.

Both marble and granite have their advantages and unique characteristics, so you can pick the one that best suits your home. Alternatively, you can create a unique visual contrast by using more than one type of material for your bathroom or kitchen.

Why Buy Marble and Granite from a Local, Maryland Company?

For both granite and marble, one key aspect of countertop selection is actually touching the material to see how it feels. Also, by seeing it in person, it’s that much easier to visualize how it would fit into your home décor.

Like different wood types, different stone types have slightly different variations of texture as well as distinct looks. Some granites may show dots of quartz, fissures, or other natural characteristics.

Once you’ve picked out what works for you and decide to move forward with a purchase decision, you then have to account for shipping cost and installation time. This is why we strongly advise that you visit a local, Maryland marble and granite countertops showroom and scope out all your options before actually buying anything.

This way, both you and the contractor will have a very clear vision board to work with to get you a step closer to your dream space.

Granite vs. Marble: How Are They Different?

Although the differences are not aspects many are aware of there is actually a world of difference between granite and marble countertops.

The first one is that granite is resistant to scratching and stains. This makes it a perfect kitchen countertop material for a busy lifestyle. For example, if you put a hot pan on granite, it is highly unlikely to cause harm to the stone.

Similarly, if you are rolling out pastry or dough, the warmth of the ingredients acts as the perfect foil for the coolness of the stone, which means the dough won’t stick, making this a baker’s dream material.

In bathrooms, vanity granite countertops complement all other materials, and since the look it offers is not uniform on account of its natural pattern, it creates a one-of-a-kind effect with stunning variations even within a single countertop itself.

The low-maintenance aspect is what also makes granite so appealing. It contains mica, feldspar, and quartz, which are responsible for the sparkle and depth you see in this material. As for shades and colors, the range available is breathtaking with all the colors quarried and ranging from red to yellow, black, white, pink, and green.

Granite also has a complex natural pattern, which is known as a movement. When using granite, it’s a good idea to pick slabs that were mined from the same quarry to ensure consistency. Even then, you will find variations in shades and characteristics, but this is precisely what gives granite its distinctiveness. You have to account for one drawback, the possibility of staining.

Although it does have stain resistant properties, it is not 100% stain proof. A professional seal will help protect your new countertops against staining. However, oil and tannins should be wiped in a reasonable timeframe. For example, it is not recommended to leave an oily pan on your countertops overnight.

Marble, of course, looks incredible, with its elegant patterns. Marble is available in a variety of shades ranging from classic pale palettes to rich, dark hues. Due to the more porous and softer nature of marble, it is more often used as a decorative material. It can be used for countertops in your kitchen or bathroom to lend the space a sophistication that is difficult to replicate with any other material.

Marble countertops, however, require a lot of care, as it’s not as durable as granite and easily damaged by acids from citrus juices, alcohol, nail polish, perfumes, or other product spills.

The surfaces also scratch easily. But once they are properly sealed, both granite and marble can be cleaned with a mild cleanser created specifically with natural ingredients that do not harm the stone, along with a sponge and water.

Contact Us Today

When it comes to granite and marble, one of their biggest advantages is their durability. But this also makes the slabs extremely difficult to cut, handle and install. Any mistakes can be a costly affair. Authorized experts who know their way around these materials are important to get the look, aesthetics, and functionality just right.

At GranitePro, we understand these materials and the importance of customer service to give you just what you need. Contact us today or visit our Maryland marble and granite countertops showroom to know more about what we can do for you.