Natural stones like marble and granite can add a very unique look to your property. Marble floors and granite floors are two great options for a beautiful and long lasting stone floor, but before anyone makes a purchase decision based on just the looks of the stone he/she should be made aware of the differences and similarities between the two.Things should be evaluated on the basis of stain resistance, durability, care requirements, variety and price.
When installing stone flooring in your home, there are a few things to consider. How much foot traffic do the different rooms of your home see on a daily basis? Do you have children? Are there pets in your Maryland area home? While stone flooring is rather durable, it is still susceptible to normal use and abuse that can lead to damaged floors. The following should help you determine whether granite flooring or marble flooring is the right option for you and your family!
When planning to install stone flooring for your office or home, there are certain things which one should consider. Things like how much traffic/footfall does the different rooms of your office/home attract on a day to day basis etc. Stone flooring is quite sturdy and durable and will last a very long time, however normal use does tend to damage it. Natural stones have a tendency to get damaged by the elements of nature over the course of use. The following should help one in choosing whether granite or marble will be the right flooring option for ones office or home.
Resistance to Wear and Tear
Everybody wants a floor which is resistant to wear and tear. Here one should know that marble floors are more porous than granite. Hence they are more sensitive to liquid damage. Low PH liquids (acids) like orange juice, nail polish remover, and vinegar can do serious damage to marble floors—but so can things like household detergents and cleaners that are caustic and have a high pH level. Marble is also much more likely to be damaged by scratches from shoes and objects that accidentally fall on your floor. If you are looking for a tough flooring option that holds up against everyday wear and tear, marble may not being the best option
On the other hand, granite floors are far less porous and defend well against stains, scratches and wear. It is one of the most durable flooring options on the market today! While adding an aesthetically pleasing charm to your home, granite flooring with stands all kinds of use and abuse that allows it to last a long time—making it a cost-effective flooring solution.
Marble floors stain very easily and they must be cleaned as soon as possible. Otherwise the stain might seep in and cause huge issues. Marble floors require regular professional cleaning in order to keep them clean and secure. They do attract lots of grime and dirt. It is critical that you do not use acidic cleaning detergents on your marble floors, as these will eat away your floors and degrade their shine and appearance. The best way to clean your marble floors is using warm water and a pH-neutral cleaning solution.
While granite floors are not as susceptible to staining as marble floors, you should still be careful not to use acidic liquids or cleaning supplies on them. For both marble and granite floors, use warm water and a pH-neutral soap. For a stronger, but still safe solution, try organic green stone cleaners. However let’s be very frank here, you would surely require help of professional stone cleaners for both scenarios.
Marble & Granite Floor Maintenance & Damage Prevention
One of the most basic steps you can take to help prevent against wear and tear on your marble and granite floors is to apply a neutral pH breathable sealer once your floors have been installed. Regular sealing of your stone floor is crucial because it repels stains until spills are cleaned! The sealer also helps to prevent natural wear and tear from everyday foot traffic. If you apply this sealant, be sure you consult the package for additional cleaning instructions!
Sand and dirt can scratch or even damage natural stone surfaces. If you install natural stone flooring in your Northern Virginia area home, make sure to sweep it regularly to prevent dirt from settling into the stone. This is ensure it looks new for years to come!
Variety and Price of Stone Flooring
Granite is a very unique stone, often cut for specific purposes and differing from stone to stone. Due to this variety and uniqueness, there are two major factors that add to the cost of granite: the rarity of color and the stone’s pattern. The heavier weight relative to marble also makes the cost of shipping granite more expensive, and this is also added into the final price. Marble is often manufactured in bulk, reducing the costs of cutting and shipping the stone.
Sources: Internal Research, Elegant Floors
