Quartz vs Marble Countertops: Which is Better?

Quartz vs Marble Countertops which is better?
Featuring Gladstone Cambria Quartz and Carrera Marble Kitchen Countertops

Quartz vs Marble is a popular topic when researching materials for new Countertops. Both are very popular Countertop Materials, but which one is better? Quartz is a man-made material, while Marble is a natural stone. While both have their pros and cons, quartz tends to be less expensive than marble, making it more popular among homeowners who want to save money on their remodeling project. 

But before you make your decision about which type of countertop to use for your kitchen or bathroom renovation, it’s important to understand the differences between Quartz vs Marble, so that you can choose the one that’s right for your project!

 

Quartz vs Marble: Which is Better?

White Calacatta Marble Countertop with Waterfall Panel
White Calacatta Marble Kitchen Countertops with Waterfall Panel Edge

When it comes to picking out new kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops, there are a lot of options to choose from.  You have to ask yourself a few questions in regards to style, design, and colors. Are you just changing out your Countertops, or your Cabinetry, Flooring, and Appliances too? All of these factors contribute to the overall vision of your space. That’s why it’s so important to see different countertop samples in your own setting to make sure you’re getting a good fit. This article will help you decide which material to choose for your next kitchen, bathroom, or other home renovation project.  Keep reading to see which is better, Quartz vs Marble.

 

Quartz vs Marble At A Glance: Visual Aesthetics

Montblanc Caesarstone Quartz Kitchen Countertops with Pendant Lighting
Montblanc Caesarstone Quartz Kitchen Countertops with Pendant Lighting

 

Visually, Marble vs Quartz both have gorgeous colors and patterning, ranging from super white and veiny to creamy white with minimal movement.  Quartz has come a very long way in terms of looking like Marble.  With new designs coming out every day and technology continuously improving, it’s getting harder and harder to tell what’s Marble vs Quartz! However visually, you will start to see Marble aging and see the wear and tear on your Marble Countertops, faster than you would with Quartz Countertops.

 

About Quartz Countertops

classic calacatta silestone quartz kitchen countertops with full height backsplash
Classic Calacatta Silestone Quartz Kitchen Countertops with Full Height Backsplash

Quartz Countertops have been around for over 30 years now on the market, and have proven time and time again to be a reliable Countertop Material that more and more people are gravitating towards every day. Quartz is a natural mineral that is then turned into Engineered Quartz Slabs for Countertops.

Durability

Quartz is one of the hardest and strongest minerals on Earth, only a couple of spots behind Diamonds, which is the hardest mineral on Earth.  Quartz Countertops are your most durable option for New Stone Countertops. Scratch-Resistant, Chip Resistant, and Stain Resistant, without ever having to Seal your Countertops.

Maintenance

As mentioned above, Quartz Countertops Never Need to be Sealed. That means you will never need to re-seal your Countertops, or really maintain your Quartz Countertops. Just wipe away gunk and grime with mild soap and water, no special cleaners needed

Colors

With so many different Quartz Countertops Brands on the Market, there is an abundance of Quartz Colors to choose from.  New Colors and Designs are being made every year, which means that finding a Quartz color that looks like Marble is easier than ever!  Find something you like that fits with the color scheme of your space. Another nice thing about Quartz is that the designs are consistent in coloring and patterning, making it an easy shopping experience knowing what you see is what you’re gonna get.  With Marble, no two slabs are the same.

 

About Marble Countertops

Carrera White Marble Kitchen Countertops and Island with Waterfall Panel Front
Carrera White Marble Kitchen Countertops and Island with Waterfall Panel Front

Marble countertops are created by intense heat and pressure deep within the earth’s crust to form Marble, which is then cut into slabs. Marble has many uses in the remodeling world, as Countertops, Backsplash Tile, Floor Tile, Window Sills, Shower Shelving, and More.

Durability

Marble is on the softer side of the stone spectrum, and can easily chip or crack if you bump or drop a pot, pan coffee mug, etc.  Marble Countertops are best used in Low-Traffic Bathrooms, as WIndow Sills, where you don’t have as much commotion going on to damage or stain the countertop.

Maintenance

Marble is gorgeous and timeless, but as with any Natural Stone, you do need to Seal your Marble Countertops to Combat Staining.  Marble Countertops Stain Easily, whether you leave some water sitting on your Countertops, or spill red wine.

Wiping up Liquids and Stains immediately can help against staining, but even a wet bowl or a condensation from a cup can create rings on your Marble Countertop Surface, which can only be fixed by Refinishing or Repolishing the affected area.

Cleaning Marble Countertops requires Special Marble Cleaning Products that will not eat away at your Stone or the Sealer.  Leaving a Lemon Wedge on your Marble Countertops can actually etch and damage Marble Countertops, so always be sure to use a cutting board and clean up after you are done.

Colors

Marble Countertops come in a vast array of colors and designs. Marble is famous for its natural beauty and appearance.  However, with Natural Stone Slabs, you may not find the pattern and coloring to be consistent throughout the slab, as natural imperfections may be present. Some people love this, others hate it. 

If you hate the natural imperfections, Quartz Countertops that look like Marble, are a better option for your project, as you’ll have design continuity from slab to slab.

 

Quartz vs Marble: Which is More Expensive?

Ethereal Haze SIlestone Quartz Kitchen Island and Countertops
Ethereal Haze SIlestone Quartz Kitchen Island and Countertops

Marble Countertops will always be more expensive than Quartz Countertops.  Marble may seem like a comparable investment upfront, but if you plan on using Marble in your forever home, be prepared to have to refinish, repolish and upkeep your Marble Countertops. 

Refinishing or Repolishing your Marble Countertops should be done by a professional and can cost upwards of $800-$2000, depending on the size of your countertops.

When you Buy Quartz Countertops,  you will usually get a Warranty with your New Countertops, with warranty terms for Quartz from 20, 25 years, to lifetime warranties on certain brands.  Different Brands of Quartz Countertops carry different warranties.  This allows you to Shop with Confidence, knowing that if something happens to your Countertops, you will have years of Servicing and Support included in the cost when you use Quartz Countertops.

 

Popular Quartz Countertops that Look Like Marble

With White Countertops being all the rage right now, a lot of people ask, which Quartz looks like Marble?  Below you will find some of our most popular and some of our favorite Marble-looking Quartz Countertop Colors and Designs from Cambria Quartz and Silestone Quartz.

 

Cambria Quartz Colors

Cambria Quartz Designs that Look Like Marble Quartz vs Marble Brittanicca Quartz Ella Quartz Hemsworth Quartz Colton Quartz
Popular Cambria Quartz Marble Designs

1. Brittanicca Quartz

By Far Cambria’s Most Popular Design, blending a solid three-color profile in natural tones. This color resembles a river of flowing energy over the landscape. This is the perfect opportunity to add some marble-looking movement to your kitchen.

We recommend the Brittanicca designs for anyone looking for a more classic marble look, but with a slight twist. Goes great with rustic or luxe kitchen designs.

2. Ella Quartz

Ella Cambria Quartz is composed of creamy whites, light brown striations, and black crinkled veining and is a perfect, light marbled feeling design. 

This color is worth checking out if you want a more subdued marble design with not as much movement as Brittanicca.

3. Hemsworth Quartz

One of Cambria’s NEW 2021 Designs, Hemsworth Cambria Quartz captures the classic look of Marble, with a more continuous and consistent feel to the design. 

Cambria Quartz Hemsworth’s bold, black, crackling veining darts across the slabs, creating a really striking, dynamic movement, on a clean white base.

4. Colton Quartz

Colton is a really nice marbled design, with blue-gray and brown crinkling throughout the design.  We love Colton because it’s a natural-looking, subtle design, but also packs a punch in the design department.

 

View the Top 15 Most Popular Cambria Designs & Colors Here! >>

Learn More About Cambria Quartz Here! >>

 

Silestone Quartz Colors

Silestone Quartz Colors that Look like Marble Calacatta Gold Ethereal Dusk Ethereal Haze Classic Calacatta
Popular Silestone Quartz Marble Designs

1. Calacatta Gold Quartz

Without a Doubt Silestone’s most popular design of 2021, Eternal Calacatta Gold Quartz is a dynamic marbled pattern with subtle veining with streaks of coppery gold throughout.  This is Design is the perfect opportunity to add some movement to your kitchen without it being too over the top.

2. Ethereal Dusk Quartz

NEW! Ethereal Dusk Quartz is a modern take on Marble, with bluish-toned gray veining and crackling that imitates art. Silestone describes Ethereal Dusk as one of their most “Urban and Modern” designs to date.

3. Ethereal Haze Quartz

NEW! Ethereal Haze Quartz is a really nice marbled design, with gray veining and some brown crinkling throughout the design.  We love Ethereal Haze Silestone Quartz because it’s a natural-looking, marbled design, but also packs a punch in the design department.

4. Classic Calacatta Quartz

Classic Calacatta Quartz is another great Marble Alternative and is very popular.  With Similar Veining and Patterning to the Silestone’s Calacatta Gold Quartz, Classic Calacatta’s gray veining adds a pop of depth and dimension to any space you use this design in.  

 

View All Silestone Quartz Colors and Designs Here! >>

Learn More About Silestone Quartz Here! >>

 

Ready for New Quartz Countertops or Marble Countertops?

Arabetto Caesarstone Quartz Countertops Close Up Marble Countertops Quartz vs Marble
Arabetto Caesarstone Quartz Countertops Close Up

Now that you’ve learned all about Quartz vs Marble, you probably want to know where you can buy New Countertops for your Home!  At International Granite and Stone, we Fabricate and Install all types of Stone Countertops, including Quartz and Marble Countertops.  With over 20 years of experience in the industry, and armed with our General Contractor’s License, we are fully equipped to handle any Kitchen or Bathroom Project you throw our way.  That’s not to say we don’t do other stuff as well, we also Paint and Reface your Cabinets, Install LED Lighting, Backsplash Tile, Plumbing Services, Electrical Services, and more.  

We are your One-Stop-Shop for all your Countertop Project Needs.  Have one of our highly skilled Design Representatives Come out to your home, armed with Samples, Design Advice, and Pricing specifically for your Project. Click the Link Below to Get Started!

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