Looking for that perfect stone to glam up your kitchen or bathroom?
Confused between quartz and marble?
Both are the most popular materials, but you might be wondering: “Quartz vs Marble: Which is More Expensive?”
You have found the right guide.
Once you are done reading you will know everything about quartz and marble including answer the most asked question “
is quartz cheaper than marble. ?
The quick answer is Yes, quartz is cheaper than marble.
So Let’s get started….
This post is about quartz vs marble: which is more expensive
Index:
Quartz Vs Marble – It covers the following
-Physical Appearance
-Heat Resistance
-Stain Resistance
-Scratch resistance
-Durability
-Maintenance
-Cost (is quartz more expensive than marble)
Applications of Quartz and Marble
Other popular countertop materials
Factors to consider when choosing between Quartz and Marble
What is Quartz ?
Here is some basic information :
Quartz is a man-made engineered stone.
Quartz counters are composed primarily about 90-94 percent quartz (grounded) which is combined with a small amount of polymer resins to bind it together and pigments to give it color.
Quartz slabs are available in a wide variety of colors.
The natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals on earth, gives the countertop with its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
What Is Marble ?
Alright, let’s chat about marble, that classy, elegant natural stone we all know and love. So, what’s the deal with marble?
Well, first off, it’s a metamorphic rock, primarily composed of calcium carbonate.
It forms when limestone is subjected to high temperatures and pressures over a long period, causing a crystalline structure.
Marble is extracted from stone quarries using large machines in the form of blocks.
The blocks are then sliced into marble slabs at the factories.
Marble is also available in wide range of colors.
Quartz Vs Marble
Physical Appearance:
Quartz is manufactured stone. It offers a more consistent and controlled appearance.
You can find quartz surfaces that mimic the look of natural stone. Quartz countertops are very largely used for the modern look.
Natural Marble on the other hand stands out with its unique patterns and unpredictable veining. The natural beauty of marble is that no two marble slabs are identical.
Since it’s a natural stone, every slab has a unique look. Its considered the best option when wanting to create a luxurious look.
Heat Resistance:
Quartz is more heat resistant than Marble.
However its not heat proof.
Marble is not heat resistant also.
You should not put a hot pot directly on either of the surfaces.
I would always recommend using hot pads when you keep hot items on the countertop surface.
Both quartz and Marble counters can not be used in an outdoor kitchen. The high heat and UV rays from the sun will damage both the surfaces.
Stain Resistance
Quartz is stain resistant. If you installed quartz, you do not have to worry about staining your new countertops. Quartz is non-porous hard material.
That means, liquids can not seep into the countertop surface.
This is the reason why quartz is a popular choice for kitchen countertops.
Marble is a softer, porous material. It is not stain resistant. Like all natural stone countertops, it requires sealing.
Marble can react with acidic substances like lemon juice or tomato sauce.
It’s a good idea always to use cutting boards on the slab of marble to chop your vegetables.
Scratch resistance:
Quartz is scratch resistance while Marble can be scratched very easily.
Having said that, I recommend using cutting board to chop on both surface.
Sometimes if you are using ceramic knives, you might scratch the quartz surface also.
Durability
Both Quartz and Marble countertops are very durable materials.
Maintenance
Quartz require zero to no maintenance. For everyday use, all you need is to wipe down with clean micro fiber cloth and soapy water.
Even after heavy use, it requires less maintenance.
That is the reason quartz countertops are in high demand.
Marble countertops require sealing for maintaining them. To make sure your gorgeous material looks good in the long run, regular sealing is recommended.
I would recommend sealing them twice a year if you have white marble countertops.
To clean marble countertops, you should always use stone cleaners recommended for natural stones. Any other cleaners can react with surface and cause etching.
Etching is dullness or fogging of small areas on the countertop surface.
Sealing countertops is a very easy task. I recommend always using good quality sealers that are made for natural stone.
Cost:
The average cost of quartz countertops is lesser than marble for material and installation both.
The cost of quartz ranges from $50 to $120 per square foot, including installation.
Marble is more expensive than quartz.
The prices can range from $100 to $200 per square foot, installed (Labor cost included).
The cost can vary greatly based on the type and quality of the marble.
Sometime you can marbles from Brazil at the same price point as quartz.
Both materials require professional installation.
Some times quartz can cost as much as marble depending on different factors like the grade of quartz and level of difficulty of installation depending on the design and layout.
Applications of Quartz and Marble
Both the materials can be used as Kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops or laundry countertops.
Other popular countertop materials
There are a few ore popular countertops options:
Granite countertops
Granite countertops are natural however they can be installed outdoors.
Porcelain countertops
Porcelain countertops offer the same heat resistance, scratch resistance , durability as quartz. Porcelain countertops can be installed in outdoor kitchens.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops are durable and do not require sealing.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite countertops are the lesser known natural stone countertops. I have a detailed articles.
Factors to consider when choosing between Quartz and Marble
When deciding which material to choose, consider these things:
What is your design style ?
Quartz is more modern and Marble is more luxurious
Are you ready for maintaining your countertop regularly ?
Marble require regular sealing and maintenance. If you are up for it, go or it.
Cost of the countertop:
Budget is an important factor. Marble countertops cost considerably as compared to quartz.
The look:
Quartz can never look like real marble. So if the real marble look is what you want, don’t choose marble.
FAQs
Is quartz cheaper than marble. ?
Yes, Quartz is cheaper than marble.
Which is more durable, quartz or marble?
Quartz is typically more durable and resistant to stains and scratches compared to marble.
Does quartz or marble require more maintenance?
Marble requires more maintenance as it needs regular sealing to prevent staining and etching. Quartz does not require this kind of routine maintenance.
Can quartz look as good as marble?
Quartz can mimic the look of marble, but it won’t have the unique veining and natural variations of marble.
Which one adds more value to a home, quartz or marble?
Both can add significant value to a home, but marble often is associated with a higher-end, luxurious aesthetic that may increase home’s resale value slightly more than quartz.
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