Granite is the lower-maintenance kitchen counter. Marble works if you accept that it will dull and etch over time. The Natural Stone Institute explains why. Marble is calcareous stone, made mostly of calcium carbonate, and products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids can dull or etch it. Granite is siliceous stone and is generally acid-resistant. Even so, NSI advises against acidic cleaners on either.
Staining vs etching
- A stain is something soaking into the stone and discoloring it. Sealing can help.
- An etch is a chemical reaction that leaves a dull spot on the surface, for example from lemon or vinegar. Sealing doesn’t stop it, because the acid attacks the stone itself.
On polished marble, etches show as dull marks. If you want a counter that looks new for years, granite or another acid-resistant surface fits better. If you like a counter that develops a patina, marble can still work in a kitchen.
Sealing
NSI’s sealing statement says most granite countertops don’t need sealing, though many benefit from it. Its care guidance adds that sealers act as repellents, making stone more resistant to staining but not stain-proof. Ask the fabricator whether your slab and finish need treatment and which product to use, rather than following a fixed annual schedule.
Daily care for both
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Use a mild, non-acidic, stone-safe cleaner | Lemon, vinegar and other acidic cleaners |
| Blot spills immediately instead of wiping | Scouring powders and creams, which can scratch |
| Use coasters, especially under alcohol or citrus | Rust removers, which may contain hydrofluoric acid |
| Put hot items on trivets | Mixing ammonia and bleach, which NSI warns creates a toxic gas |
Questions for the fabricator
- What stone is actually being supplied under the trade name?
- Will the finish be polished or honed, and how will each show wear?
- Where will seams fall, and how will the pattern be matched?
- What support do overhangs and sink cutouts need?
- Which chips or etches can be repaired in place, and what will still show?
Look at the actual slab before you approve it. A small sample can miss large variations in color and veining.