Hardness and Durability: Granite is harder than marble, so it is more resistant to chips and scratches. Both marble and granite countertops are quite durable, but ONLY if they are properly sealed every one or two years. Granite and marble are porous, so without a seal, liquids will penetrate and stain.

Granite is less expensive than marble, starting at roughly $75/square foot installed and $100 more than that for higher-end stone. Installed marble countertops start at around $100/square foot and can go over $200.

Hardness and longevity: Granite is comparatively harder and stronger than marble. It is mostly known as the most durable natural stone and compared to marble. It is resistant to heat and can easily withstand hot cookware therefore it is perfect for kitchen tops.

Porcelain is a very hard material that is often glazed. The fact that is a dense material with a glaze makes it water resistant, stain resistant, and less likely to fade than marble. Marble, on the other hand, is more porous and can soak up stains or even become etched with acidic liquids.

Some people who live in cold climates have heating mats put under their granite, especially on eating counters. If I remember right, the specific heat (the amount of heat per mass to raise the heat of the substance) of soapstone isn’t that far different from granite and marble, but it does feel less cold.

Granite is still very much a safe and popular choice for your home. When materials such as granite are mined from the earth they naturally contain these radioactive elements, and may occasionally emit radon gas. Over years of exposure, radon can cause cancer, the primary health concern with this gas.

Marble as a Heat Conductor The reason that marble feels cold is because it conducts heat differently than other surfaces. Marble is a very dense, hard stone, and this makes it easier for heat to transfer from a warmer object, such as the soles of your feet.

Research shows that marble countertops could last up to 20 years—if they are properly cared for!

If you see scratches or signs of wear on the surface of your stone, you are looking at real marble. If you scratch a knife across an inconspicuous area or on the underside of the slab and it shows little or no damage, you are looking at the more durable granite or manufactured stone.

Impregnating sealers are the best bet for marble surfaces because they’re formulated to go in just below the surface of the stone to slow the absorption of staining liquids rather than sitting on top. They will NOT protect against etching.

If you don’t seal your marble floors, any bit of moisture leaking through could cause marble to lose its shiny, glossy look.

You can give your marble a little protection from stains and etching by using spray sealant at least once a month. You’re still going to have to wipe up spills immediately to avoid damage, but the sealant will give you a little more time to mop before the staining starts.

Remove more difficult stains and water spots with a thick paste of baking soda and water. Rub the paste into the stain with a soft cloth. Cover the area with plastic wrap for 24 hours. Rinse the paste away with clear water.

Options for Consumer-Rated Best Marble Cleaner

Sprinkle a little baking soda onto the surface of the marble. Gently rub the baking soda into the marble with a soft, damp cloth. You do not want to scrub because that can damage the surface. Baking soda is a light abrasive and a natural disinfectant.

Magic Erasers are abrasive, so avoid using them on delicate countertops such as marble and granite. Not only can you damage the sealant but the eraser may make the countertop appear dull. All of these cleaning products can cause more harm than good.

A new can of car wax works great on old cultured marble (made from acrylics and other synthetic stuff) and old Formica countertops. The old “Kitchen Wax” ™ was often used as a countertop polish, too.

Cultured Marble Refinishing Professional repair, depending on work required, may range from about $200 to $1,200+. Because marble is natural like granite, many DIY repair kits for chipping are the same, averaging about $35 to $100.