Marble vs Quartz: Which Is a Better Countertop Material?

If you’ve narrowed down your options for a new kitchen countertop to marble versus quartz, you’ve already determined that a high-end material is the way to go for your new kitchen. There is no doubt that an expensive slab countertop with a designer-look generates a sense of status and refinement. The choice between marble and quartz countertops is not a simple one, and you’ll need to ask a few more questions before making your final selection.

Before we go into the advantages and disadvantages of each material, let’s review the fundamentals of each option. It is much easier to feel confidence in your final selection if you are well aware about the composition of marble and quartz, as well as the color possibilities available for each.

MARBLE

For thousands of years, marble has been prized as a building material and as a veneer for interior and exterior surfaces. It is a metamorphic rock that is formed when limestone is subjected to extreme pressure and temperature conditions. There are many different sources for marble all over the globe. Carrara marble from Italy is one of the most well-known forms of marble, but it is also mined in Greece, Spain, Russia, and the United States, among other places. Different hues of marble are formed as a result of mineral impurities, and different colors may be found in different parts of the world. Marble countertops are often lighter colors, but they are also available in other hues such as pink, green, blue-gray, and even black. The price of marble is determined by two factors: how rare the stone is and how far it has been transported from its original location.

QUARTZ

Quartz countertops are engineered slabs, as opposed to marble, which is extracted from the soil. Quartz crystals, on the other hand, are mined from the earth. Because it’s one of the most prevalent minerals on the planet, it’s widely available, which reduces its environmental effect when compared to other types of natural stones. The crystals are combined with additional minerals and pigments to produce the distinct and stunning hues and patterns found in quartz countertop surfaces. These are held together with the help of a polymeric resin. This combination is then molded, pressed, cured, and polished, resulting in a very durable surface that is entirely waterproof, stain- and scratch-resistant, and requires no additional sealing after installation. Given the fact that it is a manufactured surface, it is available in an astounding range of colors and designs. Quartz countertops may even be made to seem exactly like marble or other popular countertop materials, such as granite or marble-look quartz.

For the most part, neither marble nor quartz are the ideal countertop materials for every situation. There are various more aspects to consider while deciding between the two options, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Consider some of the factors that influence whether or not a homeowner chooses one over another:

Etching: Because marble is constituted primarily of calcium carbonate, it is alkaline and will bubble when exposed to acids such as vinegar or lemon juice. When acidic substances come into contact with marble countertops, etching can occur, resulting in a dull area on a previously polished surface. This may be avoided by starting with a sharpened, matte surface and applying a protective sealer on a regular basis to keep the surface protected. This will never be an issue when using quartz as a material.

Discoloration and staining: Marble, like all natural stone, requires regular sealing to retain its resistance to liquid and, as a result, its resistance to becoming discolored. A marble surface is known for leaving a mark from dishes such as spaghetti sauce, red wine, coffee, and other beverages and beverages. When it comes to white marble countertops, this is especially problematic, while it may be less obvious on other hues. Quartz is far more stain-resistant than other materials since it is completely waterproof.

Maintenance: While many homeowners believe the time and effort required to keep marble is worthwhile, it will require specific attention over time. It is necessary to seal marble on a regular basis, at the very least once a year, depending on its color and quality. Cleansing should be done with either plain water, a light soap, or a cleaner that has been particularly developed for use with marble surfaces. When it comes to quartz, no specific cleaning products are necessary. While harsh chemicals should always be avoided, no special cleaners are required.

Generally speaking, a marble countertop increases the overall value of a property and can help it sell for more money when it comes time to sell it. This is true whether the luxury countertops are put in the kitchen or the bathroom, and it is also true whether you are deciding between marble or quartz vs. granite as a material for your counters. Quartz, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly popular, and more house purchasers are becoming acquainted with its beauty and durability. It is also regarded as a high-end countertop, and due of its ease of maintenance, it may even increase the value of a property more than genuine stone.

There are many different types of finishes for marble to choose from, including honed and polished surfaces as well as leathered surfaces. What you pick will depend on whether you want a shiny, glossy countertop or a more matte aesthetic, or if you want a countertop with a little of texture. Quartz countertops are now available in only two finish options: polished and matte, and they are more expensive.

Although both marble and quartz are considered high-end, luxury items, marble is typically more expensive than quartz in terms of overall cost. It is possible that some of the most common and widely accessible marble hues will be roughly the same price as quartz alternatives in the future. The price of a marble slab, on the other hand, rises based on the place of origin, availability, and grade of the stone.

Natural Stone Slab Countertops: Although marble and quartz countertops have many characteristics, including being both attractive, long lasting, and elegant, many homeowners prefer the look and feel of a natural stone slab countertop. Marble is preferred over other surfaces for baking because of its ability to maintain a steady temperature. It is also a popular countertop material for ice cream parlors. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are particularly popular among chefs because of their durability. Because quartz is tougher than marble, it is more likely to withstand being scratched. It is unnecessary to be concerned about spilling sauce or spraying fluids on your quartz countertop.

The fact that there is no one perfect countertop material explains why there are so many various natural stone and engineered quartz countertop options to choose from. Keep in mind that quartz counters can be made to look like a variety of natural stones, so if you have your heart set on a white Carrara marble countertop, there is a quartz option that is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Numerous aspects, such as your lifestyle and interior design, influence your decision….