Whilst you may be faced with many major decisions in decorating your home, some of the most significant often involve the kitchen. After all, families and friends tend to gather in the kitchen, and it's a room where you'll often spend considerable time during meal preparations. Having the right benchtop for the kitchen can be very important -- but how do you choose between two of the most popular options, granite and marble? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you make your decision.

Granite: The Advantages

Granite is often considered the best choice for homeowners who want great strength and durability. Granite is hard to damage, so you won't have to worry about things like dropping sharp kitchen implements onto the benchtop. There aren't any worries about heat, either: Granite resists heat quite well, making it a great choice for a kitchen where hot cookware or utensils may sometimes touch the benchtop. Finally, granite is beautiful and unique. Each slab of granite is different to the next, and you can find a granite colour to suit any aesthetic.

Granite: The Disadvantages

The disadvantages of granite are few. Granite -- especially the lighter colours -- has a porous nature, but this can be easily overcome with the use of a special sealant. Only lighter colours of granite may need to be sealed. The sealant repels stains and bacteria easily, but it does need to be re-applied every 1-2 years. Another potential disadvantage of granite is the cost -- it's among the more costly options in benchtops today, but that's something it shares with marble. 

Marble: The Advantages

Marble is often the top choice for homeowners who want a spectacular colour and unique appearance. If it's high elegance and a purely posh look you're after, marble might be ideal. As with granite, each slab of marble is unique. Marble can be found in most shades and often has stunning patterns. Marble is able to resist heat quite well, and thus it can work well for a kitchen benchtop. 

Marble: The Disadvantages

Marble isn't as strong as granite, although it's still able to hold a great deal of weight. Marble is much more porous than granite, which means it can become discolored very quickly with even small spills. You'll need to have marble benchtops sealed straight away upon installation, and then again every year without fail. Marble is much more prone to scratches than granite. Finally, marble is among the most expensive options in benchtops -- even more costly than granite. 

Granite or marble: Which is right for you? If you're after a gorgeous look for your kitchen benchtops, you really can't go wrong with either. Contact your local kitchen benchtops provider to learn more now.