Quartz vs. Marble Countertops

When renovating your home or building your dream house, it’s essential to consider the type of countertops that will achieve the polished surface you desire. Since achieving this aesthetic can be challenging, many homeowners explore various materials, including marble and quartz. While marble and quartz are popular options in the countertop market, they are just two of the many choices available, each offering unique benefits and styles to suit your design vision. 

But are they right for your project? How do you compare marble and quartz countertops? This common question isn't easy to answer, which is why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide. In our guide, we compare and contrast quartz and marble countertops to help you determine which is the better choice for your home. 

Marble vs. Quartz: Countertop Comparison

Quartz and marble are both attractive choices, exuding luxury and offering homeowners a modern, sleek, high-end aesthetic. But what distinguishes these countertop materials from one another? Below are the key differences, along with the pros and cons of quartz and marble.

Marble Countertops

Appearance

Marble is a natural stone; each piece is unique due to the natural veining that runs through it. This veining results from the geological processes that give marble its nearly infinite color and pattern variety. As such, marble is one of the most stunning natural stones available. 

Cost

Quartz and marble costs are often comparable, with marble countertops costing on average between $100 and $200 per square foot of countertop installed.

Durability

Marble is a metamorphic rock, making it both heat-resistant and strong. However, it is porous and can easily stain despite its durability. Marble is also prone to etching from acidic liquids such as lemon juice and vinegar, making it vital to wipe up spills as they occur to maintain durability and prevent unsightly white marks and other stains.

Maintenance and Repairs

If you have a marble kitchen countertop, sealing it every six months will help protect it from damage. Minor dings or scratches can be addressed by filing them out and filling them in with color-matched resin or epoxy. However, for excessive damage, it’s best to call a professional to repair larger cracks, as attempting to fix them yourself may risk further damage or the need for replacement.

Marble Installation Process

Below are the steps involved in the marble installation process:

1. Evaluation: A professional measures and assesses the installation area for accuracy.
2. Slab selection: The homeowner chooses their specific countertop slab from the many options available at stores like Baker Bros.
3. Cutting and edging: The slab is cut to exact measurements, and the edges are shaped according to the chosen design.
4. Installation: After cutting and edging, the slab is placed securely and sealed for protection.
5. Inspection: A final inspection checks that the countertop has been placed flawlessly and is properly aligned.

Marble Countertop Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Each slab of marble is unique and one-of-a-kind, making it a piece of art rather than a mass-produced item.
• Marble has a stunning appearance.
• It is considered a luxury or premium material.

Cons:

• Marble is a soft stone, making it prone to scratches from pans, pots, and knives, as well as etching from acidic liquids or foods like ketchup and lemon juice.
• Marble is naturally porous and easily stained.
• Marble requires routine sealing to protect it from scratching and staining while maintaining its integrity and appearance.

Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are a man-made material that should not be confused with the naturally occurring mineral quartz. Quartzite, a common and naturally formed metamorphic rock, is similar to marble but denser and harder. 

Quartz countertops are manufactured from ground-up pigments and natural stone quartzite particles combined with synthetic materials like epoxies and resin, forming a non-porous slab. 

This quartz slab can be produced in various colors based on the ground quartzite used and are combined with different pigments to mimic natural stone types. If you prefer the look of naturally formed rock and want a stronger countertop than quartz and marble, you can also choose quartzite countertops. 

Appearance

Quartz is a man-made material, which means the slabs are often more consistent and less unique in appearance than marble. They come in a variety of styles, many of which mimic the appearance of natural stone slabs. Quartz countertops typically range in color from milky white—similar to marble—and gray to vibrant hues like green, pink, and blue. 

Cost

As previously mentioned, the costs per square foot installed for marble and quartz are often similar, with quartz countertops averaging around $115 to $200 per square foot.

Durability

Quartz is resistant to cracks and strong but does not offer heat resistance; therefore, these countertops can be burned by hot pans. However, since quartz isn't porous, it won't stain easily and doesn't require sealing.

Maintenance and Repairs

Quartz countertops do not need to be sealed and are unlikely to chip or crack. Repairing a chip is straightforward; you simply need to use a color-matched resin or epoxy repair kit, which can be purchased at any home improvement store. If you prefer, you can also hire a professional for repairs. 

Quartz Installation Process

Below are the steps involved in the quartz countertop installation process:

1. Assessment: The chosen area for the quartz countertop is thoroughly measured and checked.
2. Design choice: Once you know your desired size, you can select your preferred quartz color or pattern from a reputable shop like Baker Bros.
3. Precision cutting: The fabricator uses specialized machinery to cut the quartz to exact measurements.
4. Edging: The edges of the quartz are detailed and polished to match the client's preferences.
5. Installation and inspection: The quartz countertop is placed and set, followed by a quick clean and quality inspection.

Quartz Countertop Pros and Cons

Pros

• Engineered quartz is available in specific shapes. For example, counters with sinks pre-combined into the slab.
• The texture and coloring are more uniform.
• Quartz is less prone to damage like scratches and stains and is harder.
• Engineered quartz comes in varying styles and colors.

Cons

• Quartz countertops lack the natural appeal of marble since they are man-made.
• Joining seams can sometimes be visible in quartz countertops.
• Quartz does not have the same level of heat resistance as marble.

Are Marble and Quartz Environmentally Friendly? 

Surprisingly, quartz tends to be a more environmentally conscious countertop choice than marble. Marble has a significant environmental footprint due to the extraction and processing of natural stone, which can be considerable compared to the eco-friendliness of quartz manufacturing and durability. Thus, between the two, quartz typically emerges as the winner in the quartz vs. marble debate. 

Final Thoughts

Now you know that quartz and marble are similar, each with its own pros and cons that set them apart. However, since they are comparable in appearance and cost, your choice will depend on your unique lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and stance on eco-friendliness and sustainability.

With all you've learned about quartz vs. marble countertops, isn’t it time you saw these materials up close? At Baker Bros, you can explore our specifically curated collection of stone surfaces at any of our six showrooms. And if you're considering countertop options for your bathroom, be sure to check out our blog on the Best Countertops for Bathrooms for even more inspiration and guidance.