Quartz Vs. Marble Countertops: Choosing a Superior Material

Marble countertops are clean, classic, and have nearly universal appeal. However, other homeowners prefer quartz to get a similar look in a more polished package. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of quartz countertops and marble countertops, to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen renovation.

All About Marble Countertops

Marble is a very natural countertop material. Fossilized shells and nearby minerals in the ground form limestone, and when the limestone gets subjected to high heat and pressure, it can turn into calcite over time. Each type of marble is unique — some have subtle veining, while others have distinctive and dramatic patterns. All, however, are primarily made of calcite.

With natural beauty comes some vulnerability. Like many natural stones, marble is porous on a microscopic level. That means spilled liquids could stain the countertop and stay behind even after you wipe the surface. The calcite can also etch on contact with acidic food like lemons, tomatoes, and vinegar. 

Marble can show signs of wear within just a few months, so if you have a marble countertop, it’s important to follow a diligent maintenance routine. Regular sealing fills the pores in the marble to control stains, but the sealants wear down from exposure to cleaners. If your kitchen is heavily-used, you might be better off considering another option.

All About Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops have become popular as a low-maintenance alternative to natural stone. They contain over 90% ground quartz, one of the hardest materials used in home construction, along with resins and pigments. Unlike marble, quartz countertops are not porous, and they can stand up better to stains, scratches, and etching without requiring sealant. That makes them the better of the two options if you have a busy kitchen. 

In the past, one disadvantage of quartz countertops was that they lacked the natural variation of marble. These days, manufacturers can create surfaces that closely mimic the look of marble veining or natural stone.

So, Which Countertop Is Best?

If you’re deciding between a quartz or marble countertop, you’ll want to consider three main factors — appearance, longevity, and cost. Some other minor factors can also help you make your decision.

Appearance

Little compares to marble’s classic and random beauty. Most homeowners who choose it opt for a lighter white or gray, though you can also find it in more exotic hues. No matter which one you pick, it will age over time. Chips, cracks, and fractures can happen in the manufacturing process, and the surface may develop a patina over time due to etching and abrasions.

Engineered quartz countertops may not have the same natural design, but you can find them in an extensive range of styles that replicate marble’s randomness or have more visual consistency. Quartz can keep its glossy sheen for years, even under heavy usage. 

Longevity

Marble’s natural composition makes it prone to damage, but it can still provide years of beauty with proper sealing and gentle care. Quartz won’t crack under heat, react with acidic foods, or absorb spills. With its natural hardness, it also resists scratches and etching better.

Ultimately, your countertops’ life span will depend on maintenance and use case. If you’re constantly cooking, quartz countertops might be a better option than marble.

Installation Costs

The average cost of quartz and marble countertops are fairly comparable. According to Angi, marble countertops cost about $3,000 for a 50-square-foot design, and engineered quartz costs about $4,500 for the same dimensions. Installation costs are generally similar, but marble can cost more if you need extensive seam-matching or special cutting.

Environmental Impact

If you’re an eco-conscious homeowner, you’ll probably also consider the environmental footprint of both types of countertops. Marble is a natural resource that requires quarrying, which can be energy-intensive. However, marble counters are also easier to recycle since it doesn’t have resin content.

Quartz is also a natural resource obtained by mining, but the manufacturing process uses materials more efficiently and can sometimes include recycled content. The resins used to manufacture quartz countertops are petroleum-based, which makes recycling difficult.