Quartz vs. Marble Countertops

When it comes to choosing a countertop for your design project, kitchen or bathroom, quartz and marble are some of the most popular materials. They come in different colors and look like natural stone.

Below, we will break down the difference between marble and quartz and their pros and cons.

Marble is a natural stone, quartz is an engineered stone.

Marble is a type of natural stone. Naturally, it comes in a variety of colors, including white, gray and pink. Marble stands out because of its distinct veining. The veining comes in different colors and patterns. This is why every slab of marble is completely unique.

Quartz countertops are a type of engineered stone. Quartz is made by crushing up stone particles with a binding agent like polymer resin. The final product typically contains between 90 and 94 percent stone and 6 to 10 percent resin. Once the quartz is complete, pigments are added to create a distinctive color. Lastly, the material is shaped into slabs.

Marble also tends to be more prone to staining. Let’s just say spilling a glass of red wine on a marble countertop can be bad news if not cleaned up immediately. Quartz isn’t as porous, so it is more resistant to staining.

Quartz countertops are also more durable than marble. Marble is beautiful but not the most durable. Acidic liquids like lemon juice, vinegar, and tomato sauce can cause the polished surface of marble to wear away, leaving matte white marks. This is known as etching, and it can be repaired through polishing. Marble is also susceptible to stunning, an effect that occurs after hard impacts. Dropping something heavy, such as a Dutch oven, onto a marble countertop may leave behind a white mark.

Overall, quartz is more durable than even granite and it is resistant to chipping, etching, cracks and stains.

Quartz countertops require less maintenance than marble countertops. The biggest downside of marble is that they should be resealed every 6 months. On the other hand, quartz can be cleaned with most household cleaners.

Marble countertops generally cost more than quartz. Quartz tends to be more cost effective per square foot.

Regardless of which material you choose, go for the one that fits not only your aesthetic and style but your budget as well.