Both marble and quartz countertops are gorgeous options for any kitchen. Homeowners are frequently drawn to these stones for their luxurious appearance and versatility. You really can’t go wrong with either option, but you may find that one serves your needs better than the other. So, how do you know whether quartz or marble countertops are best for your kitchen? Compare them based on their durability, aesthetics, pricing, and maintenance.
Which One Is More Durable?
When it comes to durability, quartz and marble countertops each have their strengths and weaknesses. Quartz is often considered the more durable option because it is not porous, so it resists scratches, cracks, stains, and bacteria. However, it does not hold up well against heat. Quartz can be burned by a hot pan.
Marble countertops, on the other hand, are highly resistant to heat. In fact, their cool surfaces are often favored by bakers when they are working with dough or pastry. Unfortunately, marble is porous, so it’s more prone to staining than quartz and is susceptible to etching when exposed to acidic liquids like lemon juice or vinegar.
Which One Will Go Better With My Kitchen Design?
In terms of appearance, marble and quartz countertops are very similar. Both come in a variety of colors and patterns, making it easy to match them with a traditional or modern kitchen design. It may be helpful to know that marble is a natural stone, so it typically has more unique veining than quartz. However, with quartz being an engineered stone, you will be able to get more consistent slabs and may be able to find a stone that matches your kitchen’s design more easily.
Which One Will Fit My Budget?
With marble being a natural stone, it is commonly less available than quartz. This often translates into higher prices for marble slabs per square foot. However, the final price will depend on an array of factors, including your location, the type of marble or quartz, and the layout of your home.
Which One Requires More Maintenance?
When deciding whether quartz or marble countertops are right for you, you need to consider the amount of maintenance you are willing to do. Because of marble’s porous nature, it needs to be resealed every six months to prevent damage and should only be cleaned with pH-neutral cleaners. If you notice minor scratches or dings on the surface, you can often fill them with epoxy or resin from your local home improvement store. If the cracks are large, you will need a specialist to repair the countertop.
In contrast to marble, quartz countertops are fairly low maintenance. You don’t need to reseal them, and you can use standard household cleaning products on them. Just like marble, you can use epoxy or resin repair kits to fix small chips and dings.
Which One Should I Choose?
After weighing the pros and cons of each countertop material, it becomes clear that both quartz and marble countertops are great selections. Whether you choose quartz over marble (or vice versa) will depend on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and lifestyle. The good news is that Modello Tile Studio is here to help you make the right choice for your home.
At our kitchen countertop store in Northern California, we have a vast array of marble and quartz slabs to choose from, and our specialists will help you narrow down your choices to the perfect one. We can even help you select complementary design elements, such as tile backsplash and shaker cabinets. Contact us today with any questions, or stop by our store to start designing your dream kitchen.