Marble and granite are both popular choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops throughout Oakland County, but they're very different stones — and they age very differently too. Knowing which one you have, and how it fails over time, makes a big difference in how it should be restored.
How Marble Wears
Marble is a softer, calcite-based stone that etches easily when it comes into contact with acidic liquids like lemon juice, wine, or vinegar-based cleaners. Etching shows up as dull, cloudy spots rather than stains, and it can happen even with careful use. Marble countertops typically need periodic honing and polishing to keep their surface smooth and reflective.
How Granite Wears
Granite is much harder and more resistant to etching, but it can still lose its sealer over time, which leaves it vulnerable to staining from oil, grease, and dark liquids. Granite restoration usually focuses on deep cleaning, removing embedded stains, and resealing the surface rather than heavy honing.
What Restoration Involves for Each
For marble, our process typically includes diamond honing to remove etch marks and scratches, followed by polishing to restore shine and a fresh sealer application. For granite, we focus on stain extraction, surface cleaning, and applying a penetrating sealer that protects against future staining without changing the natural look of the stone.
Not Sure Which You Have?
It's common for homeowners to mix up marble and granite, especially with light-colored stones. Our team can identify your countertop material during a free in-home evaluation and recommend the right restoration plan — whether that's a full hone-and-polish for marble or a deep clean-and-seal for granite.