[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When was the last time that you took a good, long look at your kitchen countertops? Better yet, when was the last time that you even thought about them? Chances are, if you can’t remember the last time that you dedicated any time to appreciating the focal point of your kitchen, then it’s unlikely that anyone else is either. Countertops are meant to be a practical fixture in your home, but they also help to tie a room together and contribute immensely to the value of your property; whether you’re remodeling your home and need the hard facts or you just love the look of natural stone, read on to find out how the titans of natural stone countertops, marble and granite, stand up to one another in the most important room of your property: the kitchen.

The immediate concern that most homeowners have is the aesthetic appeal of the countertops that they’re going to install. Generally speaking, granite can be defined as a finely grained stone exhibiting multicolored flecks that vary with the specific family of stone being used; small, intricate vein patterns are another characteristic that you’re likely to find in a granite slab. Marble, on the other hand, tends towards a solid or blended color, typically in the whites, grays, and blacks; marble also usually has more complete veining that spans the length of the slab, giving the impression of a more complete pattern. Both stones are amazingly beautiful, but to truly appreciate the ambience and appeal of a particular slab, it’s essential that you see it in-person.

Visual appeal aside, it’s important to consider the durability rating of any countertop surface that you decide to use in your home. Both marble and granite are easily stronger than any synthetic laminate or tile that exists on the market, but that doesn’t mean that all natural stones exist as equals.

• Granite has a well-earned reputation as the strongest natural countertop material out there, and it exhibits an amazing resistance to scratches, chips, heat, and etching; a well maintained granite countertop can last several lifetimes.
• Marble, too is capable of lasting almost indefinitely, but does require some additional care and caution. Considered a higher maintenance stone, marble is very susceptible to etching, which is physical damage caused by acidic liquids that are allowed to sit on the countertop for an extended period.
• Whatever type of stone you decide to use for your countertops, the application of a high-grade sealant will go very far in protecting your natural stone from damage. Sealants are generally applied in-factory when the slab is being processed, but resealing your stone at home is easy and only needs to be done once every one to two years.

Durability and beauty are all well and good, but most people are equally concerned about the price tag on their favorite slab. The truth is that it’s very difficult to nail down an average price for any natural stone; granite and marble both boast a large selection of sub-families or types, each of which is priced based on availability, rarity, and patterning. Traditionally, granite as a whole has been an expensive stone choice, but recently granite prices have fluctuated down into a more reasonable range. Marble tends to run the gamut from the incredibly affordable to the luxuriously expensive, dependent on unique coloration and patterning.

Whether you’re set on a stone or you want to see all of your options, AA Marble & Granite is here to help you get started on your countertop project. We have a stone-yard stocked with 2000 slabs, each of which is pre-sealed to protect your countertop from damage. To schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our countertop design experts, call us at (770) 872-4066, email us at info@andrewsassociates.net, or fill out our Quick Contact Form to get started.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]