Natural stone is always a great choice for bathroom countertops and vanities. It gives you a nice blend of beauty, strength, utility, and uniqueness that you can’t get with other types. But you should keep in mind some very important differences between the many types of stone before choosing the best one for your bathroom surface.

If you’re torn between limestone and marble, we’ll help you compare and contrast.

Durability

Durability is key when it comes to countertops, because they need to have the ability to resist high usage. When it comes to a bathroom sink, this is even more important. Both limestone and marble will react with acidic substances through the formation of a gray or black crust comprised of gypsum crystals. Therefore, acidic substances will stain both types of stones. You’ll need to be careful about what you spill on your bathroom counters, such as water from the sink, coffee, lotions, makeups, etc. Plus, you should seal your counters often.

When it comes to hardness, marble and limestone are tied. Both stones are comprised mostly of a mineral known as calcite, translating to a hardness of three. Calcite is a form of calcium carbonate, one of the most abundant substances in the world. Seashells, fingernails and chalk are all made of this mineral.

Beauty

Marble probably wins in the beauty department, although limestone is attractive as well. Marble has a long history, earning its status as one of the most prized building materials of the ancient world. The Romans used marble for their buildings because it wasn’t as hard as other stones like granite, and could be more easily carved.

Over the years, marble has become the frontrunner of popularity in terms of decorative purposes. But don’t discount the beauty of limestone either – did you know the original facing stones of the Great Pyramid were comprised of white limestone, often mistaken for marble?

Limestone can’t quite match the high-class appearance of marble, but it can offer an unparalleled rustic beauty that matches with many styles and applications. If you prefer a more natural look, you will be better off choosing limestone, as polished marble doesn’t fit as well with a more primitive decor.

Cost

Limestone is hands-down the more affordable of the two. Marble happens to be one of the most expensive decorative and expensive stones on the market. The price difference isn’t huge, but it’s definitely there. Also, limestone is much easier to find than marble.

Sealing

Both limestone and marble should be sealed regularly, as they are porous stones that absorb liquid. Limestone is a bit more porous than marble, so it won’t resist moisture as well. Limestone will need to be sealed more often than marble because it absorbs more and will therefore “drink” more sealant than marble will. But that doesn’t mean marble doesn’t stain easily. You will need to seal marble too.

Contact Granite Guy

Still on the fence? We can help you choose between limestone and marble for your bathroom vanity tops. Just contact us at 508-460-7900.