Homeowners have a lot of choices when it comes to their kitchen and bathroom countertops. Quartz and marble are two of the most popular countertop materials for a kitchen or bathroom. Countertops made from these materials are manufactured from natural stone and feature unique patterns and an array of colors.

Both materials are installed in large slabs, which gives your kitchen or bathroom a clean and polished appearance.

If you’re thinking of getting quartz or marble for your bathroom or kitchen countertops, it’s important to consider the characteristics of each stone, such as durability, heat and scratch resistance, and the required maintenance. Explore the attributes of quartz versus marble countertops to decide which is better for your home.

What are Quartz vs. Marble Countertops?

Natural quartz is a hard metamorphic rock forged from sandstone exposed to extreme heat and pressure. Manufacturers mine natural quartz, then engineer it into slabs for countertops.

They also create artificial quartz from quartzite stone, which is more flexible and versatile than natural quartz. Synthetic quartz is made of crushed quartzite stone and resin and is a popular option for bathroom and kitchen countertops.

Marble originates from metamorphic rock and has been used for centuries to create artwork, flooring, and countertops. Marble comes in many colors and textures, depending on the mineral deposits in the earth it was extracted from. The finest cuts of marble are translucent, making it look different under various lighting conditions.

Quartz vs. Marble: Durability

It’s essential to consider durability when choosing between marble and quartz counters. Over the years, your countertops will likely endure heat, scratching, and spills from food, drinks, or cleaning products, so choose the material that fits your lifestyle and countertop usage. Quartz and marble have differing durability factors that may make one preferable to the other for your home.

Quartz Durability

Quartz is a robust engineered stone. It is chip and scratch-resistant, making it ideal if you routinely use sharp or hot kitchen items like knives or coffee makers. It is also denser than other materials, making it stain-resistant and less likely to absorb grime or germs from foods and other substances.

Although not heatproof, quartz countertops can hold up well to hot pans; however, it is best to use potholders to protect your quartz surfaces.

Marble Durability

Marble is more porous than quartz and may be prone to staining and etching from acidic materials, like lemon juice or red wine. Like quartz, it is a naturally strong material with high heat resistance, making it highly practical for cooking.

Marble is smooth, so repeated polishing effectively removes scratches and stains. However, it is more susceptible to stun marks than quartz, which can’t be removed with polishing.

Quartz vs. Marble: Aesthetics

Natural stone, like quartz, granite, and marble, create beautiful and durable countertops that can last a lifetime. Most natural stone is available in a variety of colors and patterns, with individual slabs offering unique looks.

Quartz Aesthetics

Since quartz is engineered, the countertop slabs appear uniform in patterns and colors. However, you can find unique slabs featuring beautiful designs that often resemble marble, such as a cream Vienna or a patterned gray Arabescato Corchia.

Manufactured quartz can be treated with different resins, creating attractive finishes, such as fractured-style Eden Brushed quartz. You can also find quartz in various colors, including gray, blue, and white.

Marble Aesthetics

Marble naturally occurs in many colors and textures, often featuring tiny crystals. However, its natural veining distinguishes it from quartz or granite countertops. Crystallized mineral deposits create veins from water, absorbed by the stone after the water evaporates. Veining occurs in several colors and shapes, according to the types of minerals that affect the rock.

Choosing between quartz and marble from an aesthetic standpoint comes down to personal preference, as both varieties offer similar benefits.\

Quartz vs. Marble: Maintenance

Maintenance requirements may influence your decision between marble and quartz countertops. Both materials require cleaning and resealing, so ensure you understand what’s needed to keep your counters in excellent condition before investing in a material.

Quartz Maintenance

Quartz is preferable to marble in terms of long-term maintenance. Quartz doesn’t require a sealant and maintains its durability for longer than marble. It is highly resistant to damage, but if minor chips occur, you can have them repaired with a matching color epoxy resin.

Mild soaps and detergents are suitable for cleaning quartz, making them easy to clean and upkeep.

Marble Maintenance

Marble countertops require special care to keep their appearance. Marble is vulnerable to acidic liquids, so you can only clean it with pH-neutral cleaners. Additionally, you typically must have your marble countertops resealed every six months. A lack of maintenance makes marble susceptible to damage and etching, ruining its aesthetic.

Quartz vs. Marble: Cost

Cost plays a significant role in choosing between marble and quartz countertops for your space. Consider the average price of marble and quartz countertops, including the year-over-year maintenance costs, before deciding.

Quartz Cost

Quartz countertops cost an average of $50 to $200 per square foot. This price is typically lower than marble. However, the final price depends on the quality of the material, the color and finish, and whether you choose a standard slab or one with a custom design or edge. A quartz counter with a custom finish may cost more than a standard marble slab top.

Marble Cost

Marble countertops are usually more expensive than quartz. The average cost of marble countertops is around $75 to $250 per square foot. In addition to the installation and material price, marble requires resealing every six months, meaning the long-term cost of marble countertops increases over time.

Choosing the Right Countertop Material

Choosing the right countertop for your home depends on your stylistic preferences, needs, and budget. Quartz and marble have similar qualities, adding practicality and timeless style to a kitchen or bathroom. However, quartz offers better value when considering durability, cost, and aesthetic variety.

At Motor City Granite & Cabinets, our quartz countertops are available at competitive prices. We also provide custom fabrication and professional installation services, so you don’t have to worry about hiring a third-party contractor.

Our broad selection of styles, colors, and finishes ensures you can find a counter that aligns with your preferred interior decor. We offer quartz countertops in many custom edge profiles, including beveled, waterfall, and raw edges. If you have a custom finish in mind, you can work with our design team to bring it to life.

Contact us today to learn more about our high-quality quartz countertops.