Limestone vs. Granite Countertops: What’s the Difference?
These two sturdy natural stones have some subtle differences to be aware of
Highlights
Limestone and granite are both highly durable natural stones.
Limestone is softer and more damage-prone but costs less.
Granite is easier to maintain long-term and offers better ROI.
Whether you're remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, one of the biggest decisions is which material to use for countertops. Many homeowners pit limestone vs granite countertops when making this choice. Both are natural stones and are widely available in many colors and patterns. Decisions like these often come down to the details, so we've broken down the key differences.
Limestone vs. Granite Countertops: Key Differences
Limestone and granite are both popular natural stone options for countertops due to their strength. The key differences are in appearance and performance. Limestone is a sedimentary rock that comes in neutral colors like white and black. While strong, it's prone to scratches. Granite is an igneous rock that comes in a wider variety of colors and better resists scratches.
What Are Limestone Countertops?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed in oceans and caves from fossilized shells and corals. It comes from all over the world, with some of the largest quarries in the U.S. Limestone has a somewhat uniform look, but if you look closely you may see bits of fossilized material embedded within. Colors include whites, grays, tans, taupes, blacks, yellows, and reds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Costs less than granite | Softer and prone to scratches |
| Strong enough for use in kitchens | Does not shine when polished |
| Resists heat damage | Reacts poorly to acidic cleaners |
| Comes in variety of neutral colors | Porous surface stains easily without a seal |
Best for: Those on a budget who still want to add natural materials and value to their home
Pros of Limestone Countertops
Limestone is a strong natural stone material that can stand up to the wear and tear of daily use. It also resists heat well, meaning you can place hot pots and pans on it for short periods without worrying about damage.
Limestone is relatively common for a natural stone, with prices ranging from $10 to $70 per square foot. While that's more expensive than some other countertop materials, it's cheaper than granite on average.
Although limited to neutral colors, limestone still offers a variety of options to match the look you want. It's naturally white but can also come in tans, yellows, and taupes. Limestone that's rich in organic material may even appear reddish or black.
Cons of Limestone Countertops
Despite its strength, limestone is soft when compared to granite. As such, it's more susceptible to scratches and chips and should be treated more carefully. It also reacts poorly to acidic cleaners, so cleaning materials should be limited to mild soap and water.
Like many natural stone options, limestone has a porous surface that needs to be sealed regularly. Otherwise, it's highly susceptible to stains, especially for liquids as mild as water.
Finally, limestone has a much milder sheen than other natural stones such as granite. This means that even with extensive polishing, you won't be able to achieve a shiny surface.
What Are Granite Countertops?
Granite is an igneous rock, meaning it's formed from cooled, pressurized lava. It's composed mainly of the minerals quartz and feldspar and is most common in mountainous areas. Granite has a speckled appearance and comes in pink, blue, red, gray, white, black, brown, and gold with dark mineral patterns. Let’s look at the pros and cons of granite countertops.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and scratch-resistant | Costs more than limestone |
| Comes in neutrals and vivid colors | Cold to the touch |
| Won’t stain when properly sealed | Requires annual sealing |
| High resale value | Usually has multiple seams |
Best for:
Homeowners who want luxury countertops with a high ROI.
Those who want a natural surface that requires less maintenance.
Pros of Granite Countertops
Granite is extremely durable and is not easily scratched or damaged. It is also less prone to staining as long as it's properly sealed at least once per year. This durability, along with its beauty, means that it can significantly increase the value of a home.
Granite is well-liked by designers because of the variety it offers. It comes in a wide range of hues that vary based on the mineral content where it's found. For example, Brazilian granite tends to be black with hints of pink or blue running through it. Granite from other parts of the world may be black, white, gray, reddish brown, or gold.
Cons of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops tend to cost more than limestone at anywhere from $10 to $140 per square foot of material. You'll also likely need to purchase multiple slabs of granite depending on the size of your kitchen, meaning that installation may require one or more seams on the surface.
Although granite is harder and stronger than limestone, it still has a porous surface and requires annual sealing to protect it from stains. Additionally, unlike limestone which conducts heat well, granite absorbs heat and tends to be very cold to the touch as a result.
Limestone vs. Granite Countertops
Let’s compare granite and limestone across a variety of specific categories.
Durability: Granite
Both granite and limestone are strong enough for use as a countertop material, and both should last a lifetime with proper care. However, granite is technically the stronger stone and won't scratch or chip as easily as limestone.
Price: Limestone
For the most part, limestone tends to be easier to quarry than granite. As a result, the cost of countertop installation for limestone is lower than for granite. Limestone costs $10 to $70 per square foot, while granite costs $10 to $140 per square foot. There are exceptions, such as choosing a rare limestone that has to be shipped a great distance, which could be pricier than a locally-sourced granite.
Ease of Installation/DIYability: Granite
If you’re up for the challenge, it’s easier to install granite countertops as a DIY than limestone. Both involve handling extremely heavy slabs of natural stone, but granite is less prone to chipping and scratching. This makes it more forgiving to work with, and mistakes will be less costly if they occur. If you prefer to leave the job to a pro, find a countertop contractor near you.
Ease of Repair: Tie
Both limestone and granite countertops consist of solid pieces of natural stone. It’s possible to repair small chips and even larger cracks in natural stone using epoxy. However, repaired cracks tend to be visible and not aesthetically pleasing, so many homeowners opt for full replacement.
Maintenance: Granite
Granite is harder than limestone and stands up well to the wear and tear that kitchen and bathroom countertops experience. Limestone is not only softer than granite but also more porous. This means that it requires extra time and care to clean and maintain. However, both stones require an annual application of sealant for protection.
Length of Life: Tie
Both limestone and granite countertops have a very long lifespan, and neither should require replacement within your lifetime after installation. However, it’s worth noting that limestone is softer and more susceptible to damage, meaning it may require replacement sooner if not properly cared for.
ROI and/or Resale Value: Granite
Granite offers a better ROI than limestone. Although the cost of granite countertops is higher upfront, granite is a highly sought-after material due to its price point and extremely sturdy composition. Expect to recover up to 25% of your installation cost at the sale of your home.