Marble counter tops are clear, traditional, and have practically common attraction. Nevertheless, different householders choose quartz to get an identical look in a extra polished bundle. Let’s discover the benefits and drawbacks of quartz counter tops and marble counter tops, that can assist you make an knowledgeable choice to your kitchen renovation.
All About Marble Counter tops
Marble is a really pure countertop materials. Fossilized shells and close by minerals within the floor kind limestone, and when the limestone will get subjected to excessive warmth and stress, it could actually flip into calcite over time. Every kind of marble is exclusive — some have refined veining, whereas others have distinctive and dramatic patterns. All, nevertheless, are primarily made from calcite.
With pure magnificence comes some vulnerability. Like many pure stones, marble is porous on a microscopic degree. Which means spilled liquids might stain the countertop and keep behind even after you wipe the floor. The calcite may also etch on contact with acidic meals like lemons, tomatoes, and vinegar.
Marble can present indicators of wear and tear inside only a few months, so you probably have a marble countertop, it’s essential to observe a diligent upkeep routine. Common sealing fills the pores within the marble to manage stains, however the sealants put on down from publicity to cleaners. In case your kitchen is heavily-used, you is likely to be higher off contemplating another choice.
All About Quartz Counter tops
Quartz counter tops have turn into standard as a low-maintenance various to pure stone. They include over 90% floor quartz, one of many hardest supplies utilized in residence building, together with resins and pigments. Not like marble, quartz counter tops should not porous, and so they can arise higher to stains, scratches, and etching with out requiring sealant. That makes them the higher of the 2 choices you probably have a busy kitchen.
Up to now, one drawback of quartz counter tops was that they lacked the pure variation of marble. Today, producers can create surfaces that intently mimic the look of marble veining or pure stone.
So, Which Countertop Is Greatest?
Should you’re deciding between a quartz or marble countertop, you’ll wish to take into account three essential elements — look, longevity, and price. Another minor elements may also show you how to make your choice.
Look
Little compares to marble’s traditional and random magnificence. Most householders who select it go for a lighter white or grey, although you may as well discover it in additional unique hues. Irrespective of which one you decide, it should age over time. Chips, cracks, and fractures can occur within the manufacturing course of, and the floor might develop a patina over time because of etching and abrasions.
Engineered quartz counter tops might not have the identical pure design, however you will discover them in an in depth vary of kinds that replicate marble’s randomness or have extra visible consistency. Quartz can maintain its shiny sheen for years, even beneath heavy utilization.
Longevity
Marble’s pure composition makes it inclined to break, however it could actually nonetheless present years of magnificence with correct sealing and mild care. Quartz received’t crack beneath warmth, react with acidic meals, or take up spills. With its pure hardness, it additionally resists scratches and etching higher.
Finally, your counter tops’ life span will rely on upkeep and use case. Should you’re continuously cooking, quartz counter tops is likely to be a greater possibility than marble.
Set up Prices
The common value of quartz and marble counter tops are pretty comparable. Based on Angi, marble counter tops value about $3,000 for a 50-square-foot design, and engineered quartz prices about $4,500 for a similar dimensions. Set up prices are typically related, however marble can value extra if you happen to want in depth seam-matching or particular slicing.
Environmental Influence
Should you’re an eco-conscious house owner, you’ll in all probability additionally take into account the environmental footprint of each sorts of counter tops. Marble is a pure useful resource that requires quarrying, which might be energy-intensive. Nevertheless, marble counters are additionally simpler to recycle because it doesn’t have resin content material.
Quartz can also be a pure useful resource obtained by mining, however the manufacturing course of makes use of supplies extra effectively and may typically embody recycled content material. The resins used to fabricate quartz counter tops are petroleum-based, which makes recycling troublesome.
FAQs About Quartz and Marble Counter tops
Does quartz stain as simply as marble?
No. Quartz’s non-porous floor resists stains, whereas marble’s pores permit liquids to seep in. Extraordinarily acidic substances might stain quartz over time with extended publicity.
Are you able to place scorching pots and pans on quartz?
Sure. Quartz withstands warmth, whereas marble can crack, scorch, or discolor beneath excessive warmth publicity. Preserve the great thing about your quartz counter tops and guarantee security through the use of trivets.
Is marble cheaper than quartz?
Usually, no. Value differs primarily based on stone and magnificence, however quartz and marble have comparable common prices. Labor and set up charges additionally affect the whole value.
Does quartz want sealing like marble?
No. Since quartz is non-porous, it doesn’t require sealing to forestall stains. Marble counter tops want common sealing to briefly block liquid absorption.
Can you narrow instantly on quartz counter tops?
It’s not really helpful. Though quartz resists scratches higher than marble, direct slicing can injury the floor over time. At all times use a slicing board as a substitute of slicing instantly on counter tops.
