When choosing materials for luxury countertops, one common question that arises is: Which stone is more expensive than granite? The straightforward answer is marble, particularly rare types like Calacatta and Statuario. These rare varieties often cost significantly more than granite and even more than quartzite, making marble the top contender in the Expensive Stone vs Granite comparison. While granite is durable and budget-friendly, marble offers unmatched luxury and visual appeal. If you’re planning a renovation, understanding the real value of materials is the first smart step.
What Makes Marble More Expensive Than Granite?
Marble’s stunning appearance is unmatched. Here’s why:
Rarity: Luxury marble is scarce in limited quarries.
High Maintenance: Requires sealing, cleaning, and upkeep.
Complex Installation: Fragile when manufactured.
Prestige Factor: Frequently installed in high-end kitchens and hotel lobby reception desks.
These features render marble not only more costly than granite, but also more attractive for inclusion in high-end designs.
Top 5 Stones More Expensive Than Granite
1. Marble (Most Expensive)
- Price: $125–$250+ per sq. ft.
- Luxury Level: Very High
- Care Needs: Professional cleaning, periodic sealing
- Trend Status: Trendy, expensive
2. Quartzite
- Price: $90–$200 per sq. ft.
- Durability: More durable than granite
- Look: Often confused with marble, but less prone to break
3. Onyx
- Price: $100–$300+ per sq. ft.
- Aesthetic: Exotic, translucent
- Best For: Feature walls, islands
4. Soapstone
- Price: $70–$120 per sq. ft.
- Low Maintenance: No sealant needed
- Design Fit: Rustic, farmhouse designs
5. Porcelain Slabs
- Price: $80–$150 per sq. ft.
- Modern Appeal: Sleek, stain-proof
- Style Influence: Contemporary, minimalist kitchen
Why Homeowners Are Replacing Granite
Granite, as reliable as it is, is so last decade for style-driven homeowners. Why:
- Need for a high-end look
- Maintenance concerns such as removing stains from granite
- Style incompatibilities with contemporary schemes
That’s why so many are making the leap from granite to high-end materials like marble and quartzite.
Some of our top services are:
- Granite & Marble’s Removals & Reinstallations service
- Kitchen countertop removals and reinstallation
Performance Comparison of Expensive Stones
It’s only one consideration when selecting a countertop material: expense. This is how the most expensive stone vs granite perform relative to performance:
Durability
- Quartzite is hardest and most durable.
- Marble is more fragile and etches more readily.
- Onyx is weakest of all.
Care
- Soapstone is maintenance free.
- Marble and onyx are required to be sealed and protected from acid regularly.
Beauty Appeal
- Marble and onyx provide unparalleled natural patterns.
- Porcelain is quick to produce to complement almost any design aesthetic, including marble.
The combination of performance features allows homeowners to weigh beauty against functionality.
Expensive stone vs Granite
Stone Type | Price (sq. ft.) | Durability | Maintenance | Trend Level |
Granite | $40–$80 | High | Medium | Medium |
Marble | $125–$250+ | Medium | High | Very High |
Quartzite | $90–$200 | Very High | Medium | High |
Onyx | $100–$300+ | Low | Very High | High |
Soapstone | $70–$120 | High | Low | Medium |
Porcelain Slab | $80–$150 | Very High | Very Low | Rising |
Call to Action
Ready to renovate your outdated granite countertops? Select stones that redefine your home and resale value.
- Buy top-of-the-line stones such as marble and quartzite
- Make style-defining decisions with expert advice
Conclusion
So, when comparing expensive Stone vs granite, the cost and status winner is marble. It’s not merely material, a lifestyle. When you’re building a new kitchen or remodeling your existing kitchen, moving up to a stone like marble is synonymous with long-term value and sophistication.
FAQs
1. Is granite more expensive than a more costly stone?
Marble is more expensive than granite, then comes quartzite, then onyx, and lastly porcelain slabs.
2. Is marble as attractive as granite for countertops?
Depends. Marble appears more upscale but requires more maintenance to stay upscale.
Granite is more heavy-duty for busy kitchens.
3. How do I safely remove granite countertops?
Contract a granite countertop removal service or a certified Florida countertop removal company to remove safely.
4. Must I upgrade to marble or quartzite?
If you desire a luxury appearance and an increased resale value, yes, thanks to the assistance of Expert Countertop Removal Services.
5. What kind of services assist with granite maintenance?
Seek out Granite Cleaning, Repair and Restoration Services to do surface maintenance and stain removal.