Quartz vs. Marble Countertops: Which Is Best for You?
Don’t set your choice in stone until you’ve heard the options
When remodeling your kitchen, you want to choose a countertop that will support you through all your cooking endeavors for years to come. Quartz and marble countertops are among the most popular options. But which is better for you? Let’s break down the pros and cons of quartz versus marble countertops to see how they compare.
What Are Quartz Countertops?
Quartz, in its purest form, is an igneous rock, which means it consists of hardened molten material. Quartz countertops are an engineered mix of natural quartz, minerals, chemical resins, and pigments. Known for its durability and versatility, a quartz countertop is a coveted item in most kitchens.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Expensive |
| Non-porous | Hard to install |
| Versatile | Not heat-proof |
Quartz countertops are often lauded as the best material for your kitchen, and for good reason. But, when considering installing them, it’s important to know the downsides, too.
Pros
These features make quartz countertops the top choice for many homeowners.
Durable: Quartz countertops are difficult to chip or damage in any meaningful way, which is an asset if you’re no Bobby Flay.
Non-porous: Quartz doesn’t have pores that hold germs and bacteria, so you can keep your kitchen clean with a simple wipe.
Versatility in look and style: Quartz slabs' manufactured nature means endless variants in color and finish, making it simple to match something to your style.
Extended warranty: Because quartz countertops aren’t easily damaged, some larger manufacturers offer upward of 15 to 25 years of protection.
Cons
While quartz countertops seem like the perfect solution, nothing in this world is perfect. Consider these drawbacks before you go all in on quartz.
Cost: A hefty price tag for a hefty material, the cost to install quartz countertops averages $4,500.
Installation: Quartz is an extremely heavy material, and installation is difficult without a lot of room for error. It’s important to hire a local countertop contractor to do the job right and avoid costly repairs.
Not heat-proof: While heat resistant, the resin in quartz slab could melt under extreme heat, which can cause discoloration. Be sure to have hotplates handy!
What Are Marble Countertops?
Marble is a type of metamorphic rock formed under intense pressure and heat. Much like quartz, marble countertops are cut from marble slabs to fit on top of your kitchen counters. Each marble slab has a unique appearance, grain, and veining.
Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique, luxurious look | Expensive |
| Long life span | Soft and porous |
| Heat resistant | Doesn’t like acid |
| Ages well | Requires a lot of upkeep |
Marble countertops offer many benefits to homeowners, but they come with a big price tag.
Pros of Marble Countertops
Here’s what you’ll love about marble countertops in your kitchen.
Unique, luxurious look: On top of the varying choices of colour, crystal sizes, and veining color, every marble slab is a unique work and gives your home an elevated level of sophistication.
Longevity: Most experts clock a marble countertop lasting at least 20 years, but you can extend that to 50 years or more with the right care.
Heat resistant: Marble countertops can withstand heat with no signs of scorching or burning—but you should still be careful. They’re also cool to the touch, which is why you often see marble slab countertops in bakeries.
Ages well: Marble countertops significantly impact your home’s value due to their luxurious nature. They also gain a patina over time and begin to look antiqued, which adds charm.
Cons of Marble Countertops
There are a few cons to consider if you want to install marble countertops.
Cost: While a little cheaper than quartz, the cost of marble countertops averages $3,000.
Soft and porous: Marble isn’t the hardest stone on the market, meaning it can scratch, stain, crack, and chip when exposed to rough treatment. It’s also porous, which can trap germs and bacteria if improperly cleaned.
Vulnerable to acid: Anything acidic, like wine, vinegar, citrus, and tomatoes, can eat away at the finish of your marble countertops to cause discoloration.
Difficult upkeep: You must reseal your marble countertops at least once a year. But, you can buy DIY marble sealer at most home improvement stores, and resealing is easy enough if you have the right tools.
Weakens over time: Later in its life, marble is more likely to sustain damage from corrosion, scratching, breaking, and obvious wear, especially in high-use areas like the kitchen.
Quartz vs. Marble Countertops: Key Differences
It might seem like quartz countertops are the clear winner, but depending on your needs, marble still has merit.
Appearance: Marble
While quartz is a beautiful material with plenty of options to customize to your taste, nothing beats the luxurious aesthetic of marble. From its signature veining to its timeless, elegant look and feel, marble just has that certain je-ne-sais-quoi about it.
Durability: Quartz
Much like a flower, marble is beautiful to look at but gets crushed under pressure. If you’re looking for a material that will withstand years of heavy use, quartz is your rock. Its sturdy, durable nature makes it an absolute force compared to the softness of marble. You also don’t have to worry about any acidic spills on quartz like you do on marble.
Price: Tie
While a touch more expensive upfront than marble, quartz countertops are a one-and-done type of installation. But quartz is cheaper in the long run because of all the maintenance you do on marble and the upkeep if you notice any discoloration or cracking.
Ease of Installation: Marble
Both stones require some level of mastery, but it’s easier to install and even DIY marble countertops. As mentioned, quartz countertops are extremely heavy. Between cutting, lifting, and sealing them, it takes a lot of effort and even some special equipment to do the job right and without injury. Marble isn’t as heavy, making it easier to work with.
Maintenance: Quartz
This one’s a no-brainer: Quartz countertops are easier to maintain than marble countertops. They aren’t porous like marble, meaning you can clean them easily without worrying about bacteria or germs. Quartz is sturdy and not prone to cracking, and you don’t have to reseal it after installation.
Longevity: Marble
Despite quartz countertops being more durable, marble countertops will last a long time if you take proper care of them. The average quartz countertop will last 10 to 15 years, whereas experts suggest marble can last 20 years—and with good care, they can last 50.