One of the great interior design battles of our time: marble vs. quartz. Which will you feature in your home or bathroom?
Though they aren’t the only options, they are widely regarded as the two best and most popular options on the market today. We spend a lot of time working with customers to determine which countertop is best for their new build or remodel, so today we’ll break it down for you.
Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are made from raw materials—natural marble stone that is extracted from a quarry. Marble is then cut, treated with water, buffed, and finished with polish for that signature sheen. Each piece is unique, and the veins create a signature look in each piece.
Marble is an excellent choice for traditional and contemporary designed homes. You may want to consider marble for large, unobstructed counters such as a kitchen island, or even as a large accent backsplash or waterfall countertop. You should select your marble slab in person so that you can choose the veins and streams of color that you want in your space.
Pros |
Cons |
Natural stone |
Expensive |
Unique slabs |
Obvious seams |
Traditional styles & colors |
Can’t control coloration or choose from sample |
Indication of luxury |
More porous & soft |
Can be damaged with chemicals or etching |
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a newer and more modern option that has seen a sharp rise in popularity. Unlike marble, quartz is a manmade surface. Natural quartz is ground and mixed with other chemicals and pigments to create more uniform and distinct colors and patterns.
If you’re looking for a very specific color or tone for your kitchen or bathroom design, quartz might be the best option for you. You can choose directly from a sample and know exactly what it will look like in your home. Best of all, you can even find some quartz options that mimic the look of marble. Quartz might be a better option for areas that will need lots of seams, such as long counters, backsplashes, and kitchens with lots of counter space.
Pros |
Cons |
Less expensive |
Can yellow and discolor in direct sunlight |
Choose specific colors |
Heavier |
Easy seam-matching |
More difficult to install |
Easier maintenance |
Less unique |
Non-porous |
There’s no right or wrong choice for your countertops—it’s all about your personal taste and budget. If you’re doing your own remodel or new build, you might consider marble because it’s easier and lighter to install. Best of all, you can choose your own special slab. If you’re looking for a solid color countertop, then quartz is the best option.
Intermountain Stone & Marble is the Countertop King
Not sure what you should choose? Come talk to us. Our experts can help you understand your options when it comes to stone countertops for your kitchen or bathroom. When it boils down to the age-old debate of marble vs. quartz, we can show you plenty of options and ideas for every budget so that you get exactly what you want and exactly what you need. We serve Salt Lake County, Utah.
