Most people consider the kitchen to be the most important room in a home, so if you’re making any changes to yours, you should consider the best options you have available.
The countertops are among the most important elements. It’s a key visual point, but you also want it to be functional. Marble and quartz are two of the most popular kitchen worktop choices, but which is the best?
In this guide, we’ll compare the two so you can make a better-informed decision. Keep reading for more.
Quartz vs. Marble Countertop Price
For many people, this is one of the most crucial elements. Several factors can affect the overall price. This includes things like the size of the countertop, the type of marble or quartz, and where you’re purchasing it from.
In general, marble countertops tend to be cheaper than quartz countertops as quartz is topically considered the better of the two. It’s always worth getting quotes on both so you can compare the price.
Quartz vs. Marble Countertop Durability
Marble is a type of stone, but it’s made up mostly of calcite. As such, it’s relatively soft and porous. It’s also sensitive to alkaline substances. This means the surface can etch easily, which causes it to dull.
Quartz is more durable than marble so it’s less prone to etching. It’s also less porous, so spilling liquids isn’t as much of an issue.
Quartz vs. Marble Countertop Maintenance
One of the downsides of marble is that it can absorb liquids. This is due to its porosity, which means it can stain more easily than most other kitchen countertop materials.
Sealers can help protect the surface, but these break down over time. You’ll need to re-seal it every now and then to keep it protected. It can also be harmed more by household cleaners, so it’s more high-maintenance overall.
In comparison, quartz is essentially maintenance-free. You don’t need to seal it or use any special cleansers and they tend to stay looking new for longer.
Quartz vs. Marble Countertop Heat Resistance
One benefit that marble has over quartz is its heat resistance. Quartz countertops are typically fine up to temperatures of about 400°F, whereas marble can withstand up to about 480°F.
This means hot pans are more likely to damage quartz countertops. This kind of damage can be difficult to remove, so it’s important to always be cautious in your kitchen. Heat-proof mats are a simple solution here.
Quartz vs. Marble Countertop Appearance
With both types, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Almost anyone will be able to find something that they’re happy with, regardless of the material choice. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
With that in mind, it’s worth factoring in durability here. As marble is less durable, its appearance can diminish faster than quartz. If you want to ensure your countertop looks new for longer, quartz may be the better option.
Finding the Right Worktop for Your Home
While a marble worktop can be a good choice, quartz has several advantages that tend to make it more popular. LX Hausys offers a wide range of quartz countertops for both residential and commercial areas and can help you find the perfect worktop for your home. Contact us today to find out more.