Choosing Countertops for Your Home | Marble vs. Quartz

Countertops are one of the anchoring decisions of your kitchen’s design. Your choice can determine the entire aesthetic of the room, not to mention its function. So, as you’re building or remodeling your home, what should you be considering when it comes to countertops? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of marble vs quartz countertops.  

Materials

Your countertops will get a lot of traffic. Withstanding food prep, spills, heat, and more. The material you choose will make a big difference. There are countless options you could choose from, but quartz and marble are two of the most popular materials that homeowners choose for their kitchen countertops. Today we’ll dig into how to pick between the two. 

What’s to love about Marble

Marble is nature’s gift to home design. This naturally occurring material is elegant with unique vein patterns and distinct appearance. It certainly adds an element of luxury to any space. The timeless nature of marble makes it versatile to complement a variety of styles, tastes, and design palettes. It really just takes your vision up a notch. Because it is a natural material, it is also more variable. Every slab will be unique and have different vein patterns among sections. There will be variations throughout each slab as well as between different slabs. This means that no other kitchen in the world will have marble like yours, which is an added perk in our opinion.

Additionally, marble can require more maintenance and caution in the kitchen. While marble can withstand higher temps, it is more porous which makes it susceptible to stains and scratches. Many love this characteristic of the marble countertops because it adds character and shows “love”. If you enjoy a lived-in aesthetic, then marble just might be the material for you!

What’s to love about Quartz

Quartz is a manmade stone, which means that it’s intentionally created with an added layer of functionality. It is durable, safe for food preparation, and less porous which reduces sensitivity to stains as well as needs for ongoing maintenance. However, unlike marble it cannot withstand extreme temperatures and cannot be exposed to direct sunlight – so it can’t be used in outdoor spaces. 

Because quartz is manmade as we discussed, there’s a lot more control over the materials. You are able to choose your color and pattern with some consistency and typically at a lower price point. The predictability of the fabrication of quartz can make it easier to make selections that work for your unique space. 

Marble vs Quartz Countertops – Making a Selection

Countertop decisions are a matter of your preferences on maintenance, care, and design. Your desired lifestyle can help determine which material makes the cut. The good news is you don’t have to make the decision alone. Our Design Coordinators are standing by to help you find the materials that best fit your needs with expertise and experience. Together, we can choose the perfect countertop for your kitchen. Get in touch at 225-924-4058.