When it comes to selecting the right stone for your interiors, there are many options available on the market. Each option has its unique characteristics. Most homeowners prefer natural stones over engineered ones due to their extreme durability and longevity. Limestone and granite are popular natural stones in the case of transforming your residential homes or commercial spaces. They are known for their durability, resistivity, and aesthetics.
Since both are natural stones, they share a few similarities and differences other than their color and design. Our team at Stone Depot will help you understand the differences and make an informed decision for your next project.
What is Limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock, made of calcium carbonate. It is different from other sedimentary rocks on Earth because it contains animals that form coral shells. It makes up around 10% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. From a geological perspective, limestone is formed during the development of caves or in marine waters.
Limestone is primarily created along the shallow and warm marine waters of the Caribbean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. Shells and other waste accumulate over time and compact into large deposits. Around the world, limestone from caves is mined, with some of the largest quarries located in the United States.
What is Granite?
Granite stone is an intrusive rock, composed of igneous rock, feldspar, and quartz. It is produced from the crystallization of molten lava under extreme pressure deep inside the earth. After cooling down, it forms rock, granite rock.
Granite Stone is generally found in the hilly regions, in the continental crust of our globe. It adopts the visual traits of the minerals present in its area of origin. Then it is further mined and supplied all over the world.
Limestone vs Granite Countertops: Comparison
Limestone and granite are both naturally formed rocks but with few differences in terms of composition, formation, characteristics, and applications. The difference between limestone and granite is mentioned in the given table:
| Limestone | Granite |
| Limestone slabs are composed of calcium carbonate and is formed through sedimentary processes. | Granite slabs are composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica and are formed through slow crystallization of magma under the Earth’s crust. |
| Do not present in a wide range of color options. Grey, beige, and tan are the common color options in limestone with uniform texture all over the slab. | Granite has different textures due to its mineral composition. It comes in a wide variety of colors such as pink, grey, white, black, and many more. |
| Limestone is generally preferred in the production of cement and lime. | Granite is a multipurpose stone and is used for countertops, flooring, backsplashes, and much more. |
| The limestone counter is a soft metal and is susceptible to depletion and acid dissolution. | Granite counter is known for its durability and resistivity. It can easily bear minor scratches, cracks and staining as well. |
Limestone Countertops Costs
Limestone countertops can vary in cost depending on several factors such as material quality, origin, thickness, and type of finish.
Based on the type of material, the cost of limestone slabs may be around $50 to $100 per square foot. Installation costs may also add up to the final cost.
Overall, for a standard kitchen, the overall cost could be up to $2,400 to $5,100 or more, including installation costs.
Granite Countertops Costs
Granite countertop’s cost can vary widely depending on several factors such as size, quality of the material, customization, type of finish, and much more. The cost of granite slabs typically ranges from $40 to $200 per square foot. Depending on the quality of the material, the total costs could be around $2100 to $9000 for a standard-size kitchen.
Limestone Countertops: Pros and Cons
We have summarized the pros and cons of limestone countertops to help you decide the right choice for your kitchen or bathroom.
| Pros | Cons |
| Limestone has a natural and warm appearance, and it elevates the beauty of the kitchen and the bathroom. | Limestone has limited color options in comparison to granite. |
| Each limestone slab is unique, with natural uniform patterns all over the surface. | Limestone has high porosity in comparison to granite. It is more susceptible to staining and requires sealing once or twice |
| Limestone is a soft material as compared to granite and therefore is pleasant to touch. | Being soft in texture, it is more prone to chips and scratches. |
| As a natural stone, limestone is a sustainable choice compared to engineered stones. | Limestone can potentially be damaged by acidic substances like citrus juices and vinegar. |
| When we speak of limestone vs granite countertops, limestone countertops are easy to cut and design. | Requires regular cleaning and sealing to keep the surface look fresh and tidy. |
Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons
We have summarized the pros and cons of granite countertops to help you decide the right choice for your kitchen or bathroom.
| Pros | Cons |
| Granite is highly preferred for its extreme durability and resistance ability. It can easily bear the regular wear and tear and resist minor cracks or scratches. | Granite slabs can be more expensive than any other natural stone. Granite slabs have high installation costs as well. |
| Granite stone has a wide range of colors and pattern options, to suit each type of interior. | Granite is strong and sturdy and therefore has enough weight. So, they require additional support to handle the weight. |
| Granite slabs require low to minimal maintenance and are very easy to clean. | Large granite countertops may require seams, which can be visible and affect the overall look of the surface. |
| Granite countertops are a kind of long-time investment if they are properly taken care of. | Granite stone can be cold to the touch, and hence create a little discomfort in colder climates. |
| Granite countertops add value to the place and can increase the value of your home in case of resale. | Although granite is highly durable, it can still crack if subjected to heavy impacts or drastic temperature changes. |
Conclusion:
Both granite and limestone countertops are a good choice. Choosing between the two may depend upon several factors like place of installation, budget, purpose of installment, and much more.
Granite countertops offer a combination of beauty, durability, and low maintenance, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. Meanwhile, limestone countertops can be a beautiful and unique choice, but they require more care and maintenance compared to harder stones. So, it is advised to consider your lifestyle needs, budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to when making your decision.
Purchase the Best Natural Stone from USA’s leading Supplier, Stone Depot USA
With a legacy of over 38 years of experience, Stone Depot USA offers premium-quality natural and engineered stones at competitive prices. At Stone Depot, we understand your choices and help you figure out the best choice for your lovely space. We have a wide variety of products in different colors and styles so that you can choose what best suits your desires. You can completely rely on us in terms of timely delivery, after-sales services, and the best competitive prices. Contact us today to find out more.
Related Article: Marble vs. Granite Countertops: What’s the Difference?
George is an accomplished content writer at Stone Depot, specializing in creating captivating and informative content related to the world of natural stone. With a passion for writing and a deep appreciation for the beauty and versatility of stone, he strives to provide readers with valuable insights and inspiration.
