Which is the Best Countertop Stone?
The quartz vs marble war never seems to stop! Homeowners are constantly torn between the two popular countertop options which is why we have created this essential marble vs quartz guide. We will walk you through all of the positive and negative qualities of each surface material.
There are many factors to consider when you are searching for new countertops. Bathrooms and kitchens are the top two priciest rooms in the house when it comes to a renovation. Weighing the cost and including the features, while taking your budget into account, can be critical in making your final decision on the type of counters you will go with. We understand the importance of making the right decision for the long haul. Keep reading for more insight on the pros and cons of marble and quartz and which is right for you.
What's the Difference Between Marble and Quartz?
Quartz and marble both have their own unique characteristics they bring to the table. Below, we’ll compare the two countertop materials based on their composition, appearance and maintenance. By comparing the two, we’ll help you narrow down your options and decide which is right for you! So let’s take a look at marble vs quartz!
Material Shown: Noble Grey Quartz by Caesarstone
Material Specifications
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone. This means it is a man-made countertop material that is created from natural stone fused with polymer resins. Quartz has gained tons of popularity in the construction industry because it is extremely durable and has hundreds of beautiful design options (even ones that look like natural marble)! The cost of quartz can vary from low-end to high-end, depending on your design selection. If you’re looking for an outdoor countertop, steer away from this material as it is not UV-resistant.
Marble
Marble, on the other hand, is a natural stone found in the mountains of North America, South America, Asia, and most famously, Italy. Marble is quarried from the oldest layers of the earth’s crust making each slab unique. No two slabs of marble are exactly alike which is one of the main characteristics that sets this material apart! While you may see lots of dollar signs when thinking about marble countertops, some of the more common or readily available colors may actually be within your budget.
View this post on Instagram
Similar in Appearance?
Quartz
If consistency is a quality you look for in a countertop then you should consider quartz! Quartz is uniform in pattern and color which ultimately means that you will get the same exact color as the sample color you chose. Quartz is also well-known for its ability to resemble the veining and patterns of natural stones.
Marble
Marble has a timeless appeal, providing an elegant and sophisticated feel. As mentioned above, each slab of marble is unique and is available in a variety of natural colorations. Marble comes in hues of white, black, grey and more with dark, distinguished veins and others with subtle patterning. See a marble countertop sample from our showroom in the image from K. Sneed Design!
Countertop Maintenance
Quartz
Quartz stone is a nonporous countertop material (meaning things won’t seep into the material and cause staining or germs) and does not require sealing. Cleaning quartz countertops is fairly easy to do with just a little bit of water and mild soap or a light surface cleaner. Quartz stands up well against heat and scratches. Another great quality of quartz is that it is very stain-resistant. Many people confuse this with being stain-proof which is not necessarily the case.
Marble
Marble stone countertops do a moderate job when it comes to resisting heat (it is recommended to always use hot plates of trivets on most stones anyway). Marble stone will stain or etch when exposed to acidic liquids such as lemon juice, wine, and vinegar. Because it is porous, if you decide to go with marble countertops you will have to remember to seal them regularly if you want to maintain their beauty for years to come. However, some people enjoy the patina look (change in color over time) of their marble tops.
Ready to Start your Kitchen or Bath Renovation?
In the end, no matter which countertop material you choose, marble and quartz are both great options. You will be increasing the resale value of your home and benefiting tremendously from all of the amazing qualities these stones have to offer. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us today by giving us a call at 615.790.4833. For more content related to quartz vs marble and countertops or surfacing in general, make sure to visit our blog.
At IntelliStone, we are proud to provide countertop fabrication and installation services in Tennessee! Our countertop showroom is located in Franklin, TN and we offer services to cities including Nashville, Brentwood, Spring Hill, La Vergne, Smyrna, Columbia, and more!
