Quartz vs Marble Countertops: Which Is the Best Choice?

Quartz and marble countertops are two popular decoration materials for the kitchen. They both can bring your kitchen a stylish and elegant look with a variety of colors and patterns. Although the two materials look similar, actually they are quite different in many ways. Hopefully, by introducing the following comparison of quartz vs marble countertops, we can help you make the best choice.

 

Composition

Quartz is a man-made stone, also known as engineered stone. Its main component is silicon dioxide, made from 93% natural quartz and 7% additives including resin, polymers, and other microelements.

 

Conversely, marble is a natural material made from metamorphic rock. It is made up of calcite, limestone, serpentine, and dolomite. The main component is calcium carbonate that is up to 50%.

 

Appearance

Quartz countertops are available in a wide range of colors and patterns. As quartz is an artificial stone, you can choose various colors and vein patterns as you want. The appearance of quartz countertops is so flexible that many buyers will go for customization.

 

Similar to quartz, marble countertops also come in a great variety of colors and vein patterns. However, as marble is a 100% natural material, the color and pattern of each piece are unique and fixed. There won’t be two pieces of marble stone with the same colors and patterns. If you are lucky enough, you may find the style that fits your requirements. However, some pieces of marble stone may have weird colors and vein patterns that you don’t like. That’s one of the shortcomings of marble countertops for homeowners. 

 

Durability

Generally, quartz and marble countertops are both considered as two durable countertops material. Although quartz stone is artificial, its main composition is natural quartz mineral whose hardness is second only to diamond. The hardness of quartz countertops can be up to level 7, which is far higher than a knife and other sharp tools. Hence, quartz countertops are known for being scratch-resistant, wear-resistant, and long service life. Moreover, quartz countertops are waterproof and high-temperature resistant, making them ideal for kitchen uses. Marble stone is born to be a hard countertop material, so it also can withstand scratches and wear as quartz does.

 

Maintenance

Quartz stone is a high-density material, with a non-porous surface. It won’t react with strong acid and alkali. So there is no chance for any liquid to penetrate the quartz countertops and discoloration won’t occur either. For daily maintenance, using clean water to wipe the countertop surface is fine. For that dirt left on the countertops for a long period, simply wipe them with a damp cloth or the proper cleaning liquid. If necessary, use a razor blade to scrape the residue.

 

As marble stone is formed naturally, the fine loose cracks are easy to break. Due to marble stone’s porous structure, dirt and water can easily penetrate the countertops. Besides, during the daily cleaning with a rag, it is inevitable that some dirt will fill in the cracks. Those drawbacks can lead to bacteria growth and difficult cleaning and maintenance.

 

Cost

Marble countertops are usually more expensive than quartz countertops because marble stone is a unique natural material. Even so, price is not everything. As the countertop market keeps expanding every year, quartz countertops have become a more cost-effective option for many homeowners.

 

 

Why Choose Viva

Quartz countertops are increasingly popular for their excellent performance and price superiority. If you want to buy good-quality quartz countertops at the best price, VIVA is your ideal choice. We are a leading and professional quartz countertops manufacturer. Whether you are a homeowner, wholesaler, distributor, or project contractor, we can offer the products and services that you need. For more information about our company and products, welcome to contact us at

sales@vivaquartzstone.com.