Is Marble Or Granite Flooring Best For An Entryway or Foyer?

Choosing Between Marble or Granite For Entryway Flooring

Which is better for residential flooring, marble, or granite? While both are quarried from the earth and are naturally beautiful, but they possess very different properties. The main difference between the two is the level of porosity.

Basically, marble is softer and more porous than granite with relatively few exceptions, like marble quarried in Danbury, VT. Imperial Danby is one of the few extremely solid marble species. Granite is an igneous rock, and its crystalline structure makes it more resistant to abrasion, staining, or discoloration. In fact, it is the strongest of all natural stones.

Let's take a look at granite and marble, as well as examining their pros and cons as flooring to help you make a choice between marble or granite for your home's foyer flooring!

The Physical Characteristics of Marble and Granite

Marble and granite are both beautiful natural stones formed in the earth over millennia, however, in entirely different ways. Granite is an igneous rock, which means it was once molten and was formed as it cooled deep within the earth's crust. It consists mostly of quartz crystals along with other minerals like feldspar, and mics along with several trace minerals that appear as small flecks or veining throughout the stone. The proportion and types of minerals in the stone are what give each species its uniqueness.

Marble, on the other hand, is formed of a single crystal, in the case of marble, it's predominantly calcium carbonate or limestone. The limestone is transformed into marble after being subjected to intense heat and pressure over many millennia. This process alters the crystalline structure and introduces other minerals, which produce marble's distinctive veining.

There are several manmade materials like porcelain tiles that mimic the look of marble and, to a lesser extent, granite. However, because marble and granite are created through complex reactions in the earth that take millions of years, there can be drastic variations in pattern and color that will never be matched by any manmade product.

Marble or Granite: Choosing the Best Natural Stone Flooring

While hardwood and carpet are still the flooring materials of choice, natural stone flooring has been gaining ground for both its beauty and durability. Natural stone in the entryway is one of the most luxurious choices you can make in terms of flooring materials. In fact, natural stone is no longer just for commercial buildings anymore, it's more accessible to homeowners and designers have embraced the upscale look.

Two of the most popular stone options for your home are marble and granite. Although both of these materials are more commonly thought of as countertop materials, they both make excellent flooring material. Here are some of the benefits of each material to help you make an informed decision of which is best for you!

Durability

Although we often see marble flooring and think of it as the superior flooring material, when it comes to durability, granite is the better choice. Granite is more resistant to acidic liquids (which is why it's so popular for countertops) and needs less maintenance than marble. In outdoor applications, granite is also superior as it is more resistant to scratching than marble. Marble is more porous and softer than granite, so it's a good choice for formal areas like you foyer. Granite can be used nearly anywhere in your house.

Beauty

Both granite and marble are known for their exceptional beauty and bringing a sense of luxury into your home, but there is a big difference in the look of granite versus the look of marble. While granite comes in a wide variety of colors, it tends to be speckled and mottled with no two slabs looking quite the same. The stones and minerals present in granite. Like quartz, give it a subtle sparkle as well.

Marble is characterized by swirls of different colors and veining. The background color is typically white, gray, or cream with veins of darker colors running throughout the tiles. Marble usually features a smooth, matte finish when polished while granite tends to look highly glossy when polished.

Cost

Both granite and marble are premium flooring material, and when it comes to price range anywhere from $40 to $150 per square foot, including installation. The price can vary widely depending on the species of stone you choose.

Ultimately both marble and granite flooring are aesthetically beautiful, durable, and definitely a high-end choice for flooring. If you're looking for a durable material that requires minimal maintenance, granite is easy to clean and needs annual resealing. If you are looking for a classic, luxurious and elegant look for your foyer, marble is a great choice.

If you'd like to learn more about your stone flooring options and you live in the greater Boston MetroWest/ Worcester area, give the experts at Stonelink Marble & Granite a call at (508) 393-0720. Let us show you the many exciting benefits and options when it comes to natural stone flooring.