17 Feb 2023

Granite vs Marble Pavers for Your Outdoor Project

When it comes to outside paving projects, both Marble and Granite are extensively used in Australia. Both the stone options have different advantages and the feel they offer to the project spaces, and since both the options have different composition structures, it is always good to know the difference between these materials if you are an aspiring homeowner looking to do an outdoor paving job at your home.

Let's take a quick look at the differences between Granite and Marble materials and how to choose the best one for your project:

Granite

Granite is a granular igneous rock with a phaneritic structure that is created when magma under the earth's surface slowly crystallizes. At numerous places we see every day, particularly in the Australian market, Granite is used to make floor tiles, pavers, copings, etc. When it comes to Granite pavers in Australia, Chinese Granite is the best in terms of the durability it has to offer, the feel it adds to the project space, and the overall look of it.

The two options of black and grey in Granite are common in the Australian market, though there are other colours like beige, honey, or red Granite that are gaining popularity in the market. Granite, which is commonly used for driveways and other high-traffic areas, can also be used for benchtops or indoor flooring if the surface finish is grinded and made suitable for indoor applications.

Since Granite is typically light-colored, coarse-grained, and made up of feldspar and quartz, it has been widely used for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Marble

Marble is one natural stone that is gaining popularity in the Australian market, especially for outdoor paving jobs like pool surrounds, patios, courtyards, etc. Let’s throw light on what exactly Marble is!

Geologists refer to limestone that has undergone metamorphosis as "Marble." It is a metamorphic rock made of carbonate minerals that results from the heating and pressing of limestone in the earth's crust. As a result, the stone goes through a metamorphosis stage in which the limestone's calcite recrystallizes and creates calcite crystals, altering the rock's texture. The crystals grow larger and can be seen as interconnecting crystals even with unassisted vision as the metamorphosis stage advances.

Marble is the most opulent and exquisite natural stone available. Because it may be used for flooring, decorative items, fireplaces, and bathrooms, it is also incredibly adaptable. Like all other natural stones, Marble appears in a range of hues, textures, and finishes. The most popular colour in the Australian market for Marble pavers or tiles is grey. The presence of bands of impurity adds to the stone's attractiveness. However, because Marble is formed of calcite crystals, a calcium salt, it is susceptible to staining, especially from acidic liquids.

Difference between Granite and Marble

Durability

Granite is comparatively more durable and harder than Marble. It is frequently compared to Marble as the most resilient natural stone. It is ideal for high-traffic area projects like a driveway. Additionally, Marble is prone to colour fading and dulling with time. A stone that has lost its brilliance cannot be restored, in contrast to stains that can. It is a permanent process and Marble's main flaw.

Look and Appearance

Granite and Marble have very different appearances. Because feldspar, mica, and amphibole are mixed in with Granite, the stone's colour variety appears as speckling throughout. On the other hand, Marble has veins going through it and is a greyish or cream tone. Marble veins are typically caused by contaminants like iron oxide.

Porosity and Reactivity to Acidic Substances

Both natural stones are porous, but Marble is more porous due to its metamorphic characteristics. As a result, Marble is easily damaged by spills, especially those involving acidic liquids like fruit juices and wines. However, Granite is far more resistant to stains if a strong sealer is kept on the surface, preventing liquid spills from penetrating the surface.

Cost

Marble and Granite are both generally in the same price range, although high-grade Granite is less expensive than Marble. Also, when it comes to the cost of the stone, one should always pick a premium quality over the price factor. The actual cost, however, is determined by the type of tile used, the complexity of the project, and the quality of the stone.

Project Applications

Granite's durability makes it excellent for high-foot traffic areas like driveways and walkways, but Marble is better suited for places with less foot traffic, such as a pool surround, patio, courtyard, etc. Marble pavers should not be installed on a driveway if Granite is another option to choose from.

Maintenance

Due to their porous nature, Marble and Granite both absorb spilled liquids. (In addition, lighter-colored stones often have more porosity than darker-colored stones.) For Marble and Granite surfaces, sealants can assist enhance and prevent stains and etching; however, spills should still be cleaned up as soon as possible. Granite surfaces only need to be resealed once every two years, however Marble surfaces should be done twice a year. The amount of usage on the surface determines how often either has to be resealed, though.

Some common maintenance tips for Marble and Granite:

To regularly clean the pavers' and tiles' surfaces of dirt and debris, sweep the area or use a leaf blower.
Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild detergent or specialised stone cleaner diluted in water to cleanse the surface.
Refrain from using strong chemicals or acidic cleaning solutions as they may harm the Marble and Granite surfaces, both.
Use a poultice of baking soda and water directly on the stained area, let it sit overnight, and then rinse it off to get rid of persistent stains.
As soon as possible, fix any chipped or cracked pavers to stop more degradation and preserve the surface's integrity.
To revive the look of the Granite and Mable pavers and tiles and remove any ingrained dirt or stains, think about pressure washing them once a year.

In Conclusion: Whether to choose Granite or Marble?

Both Marble and Granite have distinct properties, feelings, and characteristics. In the end, it all comes down to how this stone will look and where you plan to use it. Choose Marble if you're willing to invest some time in tile care to create a more stunning and opulent appearance. Granite is the best choice for you if you're looking for a natural stone with more durability, scratch resistance, and less wear and tear ability. We at Stone Centre offer a variety of Granite and Marble pavers and tiles in different colours, textures and finishes. Each stone is different from one another in terms of aesthetic beauty; however, the properties and benefits remain the same. You can also customise these natural stones according to your requirements as we also provide Granite cobblestones among other things. Call us and get in touch with our stone specialists to get free samples delivered to your home. It would help you get the first hand understanding of the colour and feel of the stones, eventually making your buying decision easier.