Quartz countertops vs marble

Quartz countertops or marble? The decision isn’t so cut-and-dry. Both choices are high-end, beautiful luxury surfaces. Both are popular and well-regarded for raising your home’s value. But, are quartz countertops better than marble countertops? Is marble better than quartz? 

We can compare the various situations and concerns that consumers have about their kitchen or bathroom countertops. Marble may be a better choice for some homeowners, while quartz is better for others. 

DOES IT LOOK UPSCALE?

If the ultimate in opulence is what you have in mind, you can’t beat marble. It’s a favorite choice for traditional homes. There’s nothing like the look and feel of real marble, with its unique natural veining pattern and translucent glow. However, most people can’t tell the difference between natural marble and quartz that looks like marble, which is available in many different quartz countertop colors and patterns that mimic various types of marble.

WHICH IS MOST STAIN-RESISTANT?

With a marble countertop, there’s no avoiding the fact you’ll have to be careful about stains. Coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, and other foods can cause permanent stains. Acidic liquids such as vinegar or lemon juice can cause etching. Oily foods can stain the countertop, also. Quartz countertops are extremely stain-resistant, so if you plan to cook a lot —quartz is your best bet.

WHICH HAS THE LONGEST DURABILITY?

In theory, both marble and kitchen quartz worktops are extremely durable and can last the lifetime of your home. However, this depends on the way the homeowner cares for their marble countertop. It also tends to darken over time. True marble aficionados insist that this aging process merely gives their countertops character. If you’re looking for a countertop that will stay the same as the day it was installed, however — with a minimum of care and worry — modern quartz may be your better choice.

HOW MUCH DAILY AND MONTHLY MAINTENANCE DOES IT NEED?

Both marble and quartz countertops have similar day-to-day care; they should be wiped down with a mild, non-acidic cleanser, such as diluted dish soap. For tougher messes, just about any non-abrasive cleanser will work for quartz, while marble should be treated with a special cleanser formulated for natural stone. And, at least once a year, marble countertops need to be sealed. Quartz never needs sealing, which makes it an extremely easy-care choice.

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR FINISHING?

With marble, you have a few options for finishing the surface, including polished, honed, or leathered. Honed offers a matte surface instead of a shiny one, and a leathered surface is slightly textured. Quartz countertops may also be finished with a polished, matte, or textured surface. Both countertops may be fabricated with the same variety of edge treatments. 

WHAT ARE THE COLOR OPTIONS?

Most people are familiar with marble countertops in the neutral shades of white, gray, and beige, but more exotic marble slabs come in blue hues, green, pink, brown, and black, all with veining patterns ranging from subtle to bold. Since quartz is manmade, it can authentically imitate any of these colors and veining patterns, and may replicate other natural stones as well, such as quartz vs. granite.

IS IT WATERPROOF?

Marble kitchen worktops need to be sealed on a regular basis to protect them from stains and other damage. This sealing makes them water resistant, but not completely waterproof. On the other hand, quartz is 100% waterproof without any sealing required. This is what makes quartz so resistant to staining as well. 

ARE THERE LIMITATIONS ON INSTALLATION?

Both marble and quartz have challenges when it comes to installation, making it a job best left for the professionals. With marble, it can be difficult to match two adjacent slabs without a noticeable seam. Since quartz slabs are more consistent, it’s much easier to match the edges close together so the seam doesn’t show. The main issue with quartz countertops is their weight. You may pay a bit more for the labor, and your cabinetry may need to be reinforced before the countertop is installed.

WHICH IS THE BEST VALUE FOR THE PRICE?

 Quartz countertops tend to be a bit more expensive than marble, though this depends on the type of marble you choose — exotic marble patterns and colors, which come from faraway lands, cost more than the more common varieties. Both are luxury surfaces, both increase your home’s value, and both can last the life of your home.