Difference Between Quartz and Marble

If you’re installing new kitchen worktops, deciding which material to use can be challenging. Two of the most popular options are quartz and marble, the former being an engineered material with unrivalled durability and the latter being a natural stone that’s strongly associated with luxury. 

While marble and quartz have several qualities in common, they differ when it comes to price, looks, environmental impact, practicality, and more. That’s why this guide details the key differences between marble and quartz to help you invest your money wisely.

If you need personalised advice based on your unique design preferences, don’t hesitate to contact our stone specialists.

Marble & Quartz Key Differences

Composition

Marble is a natural stone that is simply cut into shape and subjected to heat and pressure to make fixtures such as bathroom and kitchen worktops. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered material, mostly made up of quartz stone mixed with resin and polymers for binding. A variety of pigments can also be added during the production process. While some people like the premium feel of marble, quartz is available in a wider variety of designs and colours.

Aesthetics

Because marble has no added materials or pigments, it preserves its mineral impurities that make every slab completely unique. No other marble worktop on the planet will share the exact same veining, colour and intensity as yours. 

If you want to inject some originality into your home’s design, marble is a solid choice, though the artificial and replicable patterns of quartz worktops give you slightly more control over your kitchen décor’s finish.

Durability

Quartz is a non-porous material thanks to its resin and polymer components, which means it doesn’t absorb liquids. Being waterproof makes it highly resistant to stains without the need to be sealed. Quartz is also a strong material that’s resistant to chips, scratches and cracks.

As marble is a porous natural stone, it has to be sealed during production. Fortunately, once sealed, marble worktops are highly resistant to kitchen and bathroom spills, but they may need resealing from time to time. Compared to quartz, marble is more susceptible to chipping and cracking. However, many homeowners embrace the natural raw pattern that develops over time.

Practical Considerations

While the price of marble can vary, it’s usually more expensive than quartz. Moreover, you’ll need professionals to install your marble worktops due to the stone’s weight and susceptibility to chips and cracks. Once installed, many people agree that nothing screams luxury like marble.

On top of being more affordable than marble, quartz is easier to install. As the manufacturing process guarantees pattern consistency, you won’t need to worry about noticeable variations in the aesthetics of your worktops. 

Environmental Impact

If you want to minimise your carbon footprint while renovating your kitchen, you might want to choose a natural stone such as marble rather than an engineered material such as quartz. Unlike marble, quartz contains resins and polymers that can release petrochemicals during the manufacturing process. 

The extraction and manufacturing process of marble is less energy-intensive than quartz. However, transportation, processing and installation can still contribute to marble’s carbon footprint.

Pros and Cons of Marble and Quartz

Now that you know the key differences between marble and quartz worktops, let’s quickly break down their pros and cons so that you can decide which material to use in your home.

Pros of Marble

• Unique aesthetics

Due to their natural chemical composition, every marble worktop is 100% unique, each boasting distinctive colours and veining.

• Luxurious appearance 

Marble is synonymous with luxury, ideal for those who want to create an elegant bathroom or kitchen with a premium feel.

• Environmental impact

Producing marble has a lower carbon footprint than engineering quartz.

Cons of Marble

• Porous composition

As marble is porous, it must be sealed to prevent stains and bacteria growth.

• Durability

Marble is more prone to chipping and cracking than quartz.

• Cost

Marble is more expensive than quartz.

Pros of Quartz

• Design variety

Quartz comes in a wider variety of colours and patterns than marble. Because designs can be replicated, quartz worktops are ideal for those who want maximum control over the finished look of their kitchen.

• Non-porous

As quartz is non-porous, it’s virtually immune to staining.

• Durability

Quartz tends to be less susceptible to chips and cracks than marble.

• Affordability

Quartz is more affordable than marble, and usually easier to install.

Cons of Quartz

• Artificial aesthetics

Some people prefer the natural and unique looks of stones such as marble to the artificial patterns of engineered materials like quartz.

• Environmental impact

The manufacturing process of quartz can release petrochemicals into the atmosphere.

Searching for Premium Quartz or Marble Worktops?

Choosing between quartz and marble worktops is no simple task. If durability, ease of maintenance and maximum control over the final appearance are your priorities, quartz is an ideal option. If you want to splash out on a natural stone that guarantees to be unique in design and add a touch of luxury to your home’s style, marble might be a more suitable choice.

At Paramount Stone Specialists, we’ve been leading suppliers and installers of premium stone worktops and fixtures throughout the UK for over 25 years. If you need advice or want to learn more about the differences between marble and quartz, don’t hesitate to call us on 01482 585600or email via info@paramountstone.co.uk.