Should You Get a Marble or Quartz Countertop? Here’s What Designers Say

Renovating a kitchen can be a daunting task. There are so many decisions. What kind of cabinets should you buy? What about flooring? Even minor things like hardware can feel like a major decision. But perhaps the biggest one is choosing a countertop—and two common options are marble and quartz. So, how do you decide?

To those who don’t consider themselves design-inclined, marble and quartz can look alike and some might even confuse them for the same thing. But there are several key differences. One significant difference, as interior designer Shannon Askinasi of Ash and Pine Interiors says, is that marble is a natural stone, while quartz is engineered.

While this might sound like a case of real versus fake, the deciding differences between these two materials comes down to three factors: practicality, aesthetics, and cost. So, we asked designers to help us weigh the considerations between choosing marble or quartz countertops.

Quartz Is More Durable

If you’re going for overall durability and ease, Askinasi says quartz is the winner. “Marble requires a lot more maintenance than quartz because it’s porous and can easily stain and etch,” she says. “The marks left behind on marble can be difficult to remove without the help of a professional.”

Interior designer James Pearse Connelly also notes that marble isn’t the most durable material. “Marble is a bit more brittle, so don’t drop the magnum of wine,” he says. “And marble has pores just like skin, so it looks beautiful, but it can absorb ink, dye, even markers unless you take care of it.”

So, if being careful as you cook or telling your kids not to do their art projects at the kitchen island is going to be a problem for you, it’s best to seriously consider going with quartz. “Quartz is highly durable; it does not scratch or stain easily, and it can be cleaned with soap and water,” says Askinasi.

Just keep in mind that there’s one minor durability issue with quartz, notes Askinasi. “One downside to quartz is that it is not heat resistant, while marble is heat resistant up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit,” he says.

Still, if you invest in a trivet or two or simply let your hot pots and pans cool down on your stove, it should be fine.

Marble Wins in Aesthetics

When it comes to aesthetics, man has yet to beat nature in this countertop category. “With marble, you have access to big sweeping organic veins that give the eye a focal point and movement in the space,” Connelly says. “With any marble surface, there is a layered depth to the stone that the eye doesn’t get tired of looking at.”

Askinasi shares a similar sentiment. “I am always in search of a quartz that’s as beautiful as marble, but I have yet to find one,” she says. “While technology is evolving so that the veining in quartz appears more natural, you will never fully replicate the colors, lines, textures, and variations that are innately present in marble with a man-made slab.”

That doesn’t mean you won’t find a quartz slab you really like, but if you’re really going for that natural beauty, marble might be the winner.

Cost Considerations

Cost is another factor to consider because your kitchen countertop won’t be cheap, no matter what material you choose—and it’s something you’ll need to live with for the foreseeable future. Quartz is generally less expensive, but it isn’t always as cheap as it appears to be. “If you’re going with a digitally printed quartz, be mindful of additional labor charges,” Askinasi says. “With printed quartz, the veining only appears on the surface, so all of your countertop edges need to be mitered. At the end of the day, there might not be a cost savings if you select a pricier quartz over marble.”

Final Verdict: Should You Get a Marble or Quartz Countertop?

Askinasi’s advice: “Know yourself. If you can embrace the patina and appreciate the beauty and character of aging marble, then I would definitely go with marble. If the porousness of marble will drive you crazy, then quartz might be the right material for you and your family.”

Still, if a little bit of annual maintenance doesn’t seem like a terribly daunting task, Connelly suggests always sealing your marble once a year. “Or, leave it to the elements and enjoy it as it ages,” he says.