Which is Better for Your Kitchen: Marble or Quartz Countertops?

Choosing between marble and quartz for your new kitchen countertop means you’ve already settled on a high-end material. A high-end, designer-looking slab countertop is guaranteed to add distinction and refinement to a room. Marble or quartz countertops aren’t a simple choice for your house, and you’ll need to ask yourself a few additional questions before making your selection.

First, let’s take a step back and look at the principles of each item. You’ll have more confidence in your final choice if you know everything there is to know about marble and quartz’s composition and color selections.

Marble
Over the course of history, marble has been highly sought after as both a building material and a decorative surface covering. When limestone is subjected to high pressure and temperature, it forms a metamorphic rock. It is mined in several countries, including Italy, Greece, Spain, Russia, and the United States. Marble’s many shades are the result of mineral impurities, and distinct shades can be found in various places. Marble countertops may come in a variety of colors, including pink, green, blue-gray, black, and more. Marble’s price is determined by the rarity of the stone and the distance it has been sent.

Quartz
Although marble is mined from the ground, quartz countertops are manufactured. Quartz crystals, on the other hand, are mined from the ground. Compared to other natural stones, it has a lower environmental effect because it is one of the most common minerals on the planet and is widely available. With the use of minerals and pigments, the quartz countertop colors and patterns are created. Polymer resin is used to bind these pieces together. Afterward, it is molded, pressed, dried, and polished to produce a waterproof, stain- and scratch-resistant surface that does not require any sealant. You may choose from an incredible array of colors and designs thanks to the fact that the surface is manufactured from synthetic materials. Quartz countertops may also be made to seem like marble and other popular countertop materials, such as granite and quartz.

Neither marble nor quartz will be the ideal countertop material for all people. There are a number of other aspects to consider before making a choice between the two, and each has advantages and disadvantages. For these reasons, some homeowners prefer one over the other.

Acids such as vinegar and lemon juice will cause marble to bubble since it is made of calcium carbonate. Etching can occur when acidic substances come into touch with marble surfaces, resulting in dull spots. This can be reduced by starting with a sharpened, matte surface and applying a protective sealer on a regular basis. This will never be a problem with quartz.

In order to protect marble from staining and discoloration, it must be resealed on a regular basis like any natural stone. Among the meals that leave marks on marble are spaghetti sauce, red wine, coffee, and other beverages. White marble surfaces are particularly susceptible to this issue, while other hues may be less obvious. Quartz is extremely stain-resistant since it is completely watertight.

Maintaining marble requires a lot of time and effort, but many homeowners think it’s worth it. Once a year is the minimum amount of time marble needs to be sealed. A gentle soap, water, or a marble-specific cleaner should be used to clean marble. In contrast, quartz does not need to be sealed and does not require specific cleaning agents.

It’s widely accepted that a marble countertop increases the value of a property and increases its resale value, making it a worthwhile investment. If you’re deciding between marble, quartz, or granite for your new luxury worktops, this applies as well to both the kitchen and the bathroom. Quartz, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly popular with homebuyers because of its beauty and durability. As a premium countertop, it may potentially increase the value of a property more than actual stone.

Options for Different Finishes: With honed, brushed and leathered marble finishes to choose from, the options are nearly endless. Whether you prefer a glossy, sparkly countertop, a matte countertop, or a countertop with some texture, your decision will be influenced by these factors. Only polished and matte finishes are presently available for quartz countertops.

Both marble and quartz are high-end, luxury items, but marble is more costly. Most typical, commonly accessible marble hues may cost as much as quartz alternatives, depending on the color you choose. Marble slabs, on the other hand, vary greatly in price based on where they were mined, their availability, and their quality.

Preferences of the narrator A natural stone slab countertop may be the only option for many homeowners despite the fact that marble and quartz are both attractive, durable, and elegant. Marble is a popular countertop for ice cream parlors because of its ability to maintain a steady temperature. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are preferred by chefs because of their durability. Quartz is more resistant to scratches than marble since it is a tougher material. You don’t have to worry about spilling sauce or splattering fluids on a quartz countertop.

Because there is no one perfect countertop material, there are a variety of natural stone and manufactured quartz options. For example, if you want white carrara marble countertops but don’t want to spend a fortune, you may want to look at quartz counters instead. In the end, it’s all about what works best for you, including your lifestyle and home decor.