Quartz vs. Marble

Posted on Nov 26, 2021
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Bertoli White Quartz Kitchen Countertop, Backsplash, and Island from Arizona Tile
Featured Image: Bertoli White Quartz Kitchen Countertop, Backsplash, and Island from Arizona Tile

Many people struggle when deciding what materials to choose for their remodeling project. The common question is quartz vs. marble — which is best for my home? There isn’t a clear answer, as each has different unique qualities and uses. Read on to learn about the durability, use, and application of each material so you can make an informed choice for your next renovation.

Quartz

Quartz slabs are composed of organic quartz mineral, combined and held together with strong resins and polymers. This combination of natural mediums and technologically advanced binding gives it a strength superior to many other materials.

Durability

Quartz is a durable product and can be wiped down with pH neutral cleanser or gentle soap and water for effective routine cleaning. It is also strong enough to resist most scratching and staining. While it is heat resistant, it is always recommended to set anything hot such as pans, griddles, crock pots on hot pads or trivets, and not directly on the quartz surface.

Slate Grey-N Quartz Bathroom Countertop from Arizona Tile
Image: Slate Grey-N Quartz Bathroom Countertop from Arizona Tile

Appearance

The way quartz is crafted allows for a wide range of appearances. A solid-colored slab is traditional for quartz. Some quartz slabs have a subtle design, composed of one main color diffused with patterns reminiscent of marble, granite, limestone, or concrete.   Others have a stronger design, including veins of alternate pigments.

Silver Stallion Quartz Kitchen Countertop from Arizona Tile
Image: Silver Stallion Quartz Kitchen Countertop from Arizona Tile

For living room pieces, such as coffee or end tables, Bianco Typhoon granite is a fantastic choice. This timeless color calls on classic design trends and makes a statement in any room. Modern designs will also benefit from the interest and movement created with this gorgeous stone. Consider crafting one large or two to three smaller tabletops, then put them to use inside a pale-painted room with plenty of natural light. The brightness and airiness of the space will be grounded by the granite, bringing together the design.

Uses

Due to its strength and durability, quartz is perfect for high-use surfaces such as kitchen countertops and bathrooms. It’s also very easy to clean, which ensures that these two spaces will always be sanitary for your family following a quick wipe-down. There is also peace-of-mind in its longevity. You can feel good knowing that you can use quartz surfaces daily for many years without visible wear.

Interior walls are another place to incorporate quartz. For a feature piece in your home, consider lining a wall with quartz slab. You can also use leftover cuts from another home project to create a unique entryway accent or wall feature.  Both will add a pop of color into the room, with a delicate or powerful flair, depending on the chosen slab. The affordability of quartz means adding a beautiful accent piece to your design is possible.

Quartz can also be used for your shower. The easy maintenance of the material means your bathroom clean-up will always be a breeze, and since quartz comes in such a wide variety of colors and patterns, you are certain to find one that fits your design aesthetic.

Bianco Venatino Slab in Bathroom- Thassos
Image: Bianco Venatino Slab in Shower – Thassos

Marble

Marble is created when limestone recrystallizes under intense heat and pressure. As a natural stone material, it has different properties than other slabs.

Durability

Marble is very hard and durable. It is more porous than other natural stones, so it is prone to staining and scratching. However, with proper care and maintenance, it will last a very long time. It is recommended that marble be sealed when installed and re-sealed every 6 months. Cleaning up spills quickly will minimize “beauty marks” caused by usage. Also, using coasters and mats will help to prevent them from occurring altogether. Acid-based foods like citrus or tomatoes can etch the polish of marble and it is best to never place hot items on any stone – simply use a hot pad or trivet.

Calacatta Gold Marble Slab Living Room Fireplace Surround from Arizona Tile
Image: Calacatta Gold Marble Slab Living Room Fireplace Surround from Arizona Tile

Appearance

The natural processes that create marble leave behind breathtaking patterns. Its beautiful characteristic veining is composed of colorful mineral deposits flowing through the stone. Different temperatures, pressures, and formations create different markings , which creates much of the marble available today. These unique and one of a kind bold  formations make marble highly desired in interior design.

Uses

Marble has many potential applications within  a home.  It’s a stunning choice as as a kitchen or bathroom countertop.  As mentioned above, however, it takes a bit more care to have marble in the kitchen. A honed marble (versus a polished marble) is easier to maintain yourself, so that is something to consider. Wiping it down with a damp cloth will keep it clean and you can always choose to have your marble professionally buffed or polished periodically.

Just like quartz, marble can also be used on interior walls to create a feature piece in your home.  Its striking  characteristics make for a bold wall choice in a family room or bedroom. A marble wall can be used as a foundation for modern room design.  In a bathroom or kitchen, it makes a strong backdrop for your tub or appliances.

Montclair White Marble Shower Wall from Arizona Tile
Image: Montclair White  Marble Shower Wall from Arizona Tile

Marble can also be used for shower walls for an engaging bathroom design. Marble comes in a variety of options, from conservative and refined to beautiful and bold. This amazing stone would be an eye-catching choice for your next bathroom installation.

Pairing a vibrant floor design with more conservative walls is a contemporary design trend that grounds the space. The natural vibrancy of marble is perfect for such a statement.

Finally, marble’s heat-resistant nature makes it a great candidate for outlining your fireplace as long as it is installed correctly to avoid discoloration. This application uses minimal marble, so it is more accessible to renovations of all budgets. It is also an easy and effective way to create a statement piece in your living or family room. This draws the eye in and invites guests into the space.

Ultimately, the marble vs. quartz debate boils down to what works best for you and your family. Both materials look amazing in home renovations, and come with unique strengths and weaknesses. What slab you should purchase for your remodel depends on your project, design vision, and lifestyle.

Our team at Arizona Tile has the experience and knowledge to help walk you through the decision. Explore all of our stone offerings at one of our locations, or play around with our design tools to discover new possibilities. Contact us today for a consultation. We will answer any questions you have and guide you through the renovation process.

 

 

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