What is best for my Kitchen, granite or marble

Huligar · 01-31-2007, 02:57 PM

This is a question that I hear once a week. What do you tell the homeowner when they ask?

Topshop · 01-31-2007, 04:08 PM

I tell them that Granite is best in the kitchen because Marble is softer, more prone to staining, and prone to etching. Some just don't care and want marble anyway and some are smart.

Marble

MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS

This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.

INTRODUCTION

Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.

Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.

TYPICAL USES

Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible.

n_tran · 02-09-2007, 04:32 AM

agree with topshop....sometimes people already have their mind made up when they ask you......p.s. hey to everyone!!!

Huligar · 02-09-2007, 12:17 PM

Hey tran, long time no see. can you are your father call me ASAP?

Topshop · 02-09-2007, 01:44 PM

hey - Where have you guys been?

Timm Sowders · 02-10-2007, 01:38 AM

OK now I would look at this with a different angle. Granite will make me money every coupld of year with simple clean and seal jobs. Marble will have me not only cleaning and sealing every couple of years, but I can count on either honing it or polishing it about every 5 years. So in this case marble would be my recommendation......

But..... in the clients eyes, marble will be a pain in the ass for them to maintain and what they have to look at everyday. Now granite will be less expensive for them to maintain and will tend to look better.

So to them I would have to say pick the granite, but secretly I hope that they buy the marble..... or maybe even limestone.... what a great choice for a kitchen counter.

Marble

MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS

This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.

INTRODUCTION

Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.

Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.

TYPICAL USES

Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible.

ash5 · 02-12-2007, 10:52 PM

Do any of you guys do concrete countertops???

Huligar · 02-12-2007, 10:56 PM

Jim C does that type of work.