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Granite and marble compare well against each other in terms of price, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Deciding which one is better depends on your personal style and preference. Both materials resist damage like chips and cracks well. You should seal both material types against staining and etching, but they’re still susceptible if oil, wine, coffee, tomato sauce, or juice are left on the countertop long enough. As material and installation costs range similarly, the deciding factor is your budget, design, and preferences.

Since marble is a porous material, it is more prone to water spots than other countertop options. Fortunately, pure water doesn’t damage your marble, but if the water is acidic, it can cause stains or water spots. Resealing throughout the year can help increase marble’s water resistance, too.

Granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months, depending on the color and usage. Lighter granite needs to be resealed more frequently than darker colors. If you use acidic cleaners or prepare food on the surface regularly, you must reseal the surface more frequently. Without proper sealing, granite is vulnerable to staining. You can tell if your countertop needs to be resealed by placing a wet paper towel on the counter for 10 minutes. If the water beads up, it is still sufficiently sealed; if it sinks in, it’s time to apply sealant.

Like most stones, limestone should be sealed. Its porous nature makes it prone to staining from spills, and the iron in the stone can cause it to turn yellow when exposed to moisture or harsh chemicals. Proper sealing can help prevent these problems and protect the stone's appearance.