Marble vs. Quartz Countertops: Which Is Better?
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Stone—whether natural or manmade—is a top choice for kitchen countertops, but with so many options and differing opinions on which countertop material is best, the decision for your own kitchen can be overwhelming. Good news: You don’t have to be a gemologist to make an informed decision about which stone countertop is best for your home!
Marble and quartz, two darlings of kitchen countertops, share similarities as time-tested surfaces that add value as an investment to your house. But there are five key differences—and one major decision—to consider before making the final call about which stone countertop material is best for you. Below, we break them down and give you expert insight into the pros and cons of each material.
Aesthetic Appeal
Marble: As a natural stone, marble slabs offer one-of-a-kind veining and colors, which adds instant age, history, and even a hint of romance in a home. From the most stately homes to rural countryside cottages, marble is the go-to choice for a house where natural building materials, such as wooden floorboards and clay plaster walls, are character-adding elements to a room's personality and architecture. The material also ages over time with a patina that radiates warmth and charm in the kitchen.
Quartz: Quartz surfaces also have timeless appeal with looks that mimic nature in a man-made product, which equates to endless color combinations and finishes. Quartz, engineered with ground quartz, polymer resins, and pigments, is also the favorite countertop material in home renovations, according to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study that found 39 percent of homeowners favored the material as a countertop (versus just 4 percent who chose marble).
Among the quartz brands favored with kitchen and interior designers are Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone, which “offer a fantastic selection with a mix of styles,” says designer Paula Dixon of Paula Dixon Design. “Calacatta Gold for marble is a nice neutral with various hues to work with many design styles. For a bolder, darker choice, we like to use Nero Marquina [black marble] in a honed finish.”
Durability
Marble: Marble’s smooth surface makes it an ideal choice to spread out dough and prepare baked goods. It also withstands heat, unlike quartz. But marble is also soft and porous, so it can more easily scratch, stain, crack, and chip. Acidic liquids such as wine, citrus, vinegar, and tomato juice can also cause discoloration. But, just like other finishes that patina over time, marble’s natural aging qualities add character over time. And even with the wear and tear, marble can last some 20 to 50 years.
Quartz: Quartz countertops are a hardier material, making them more difficult to damage. Quartz surfaces are also naturally bacteria resistant because of its non-porous surface. Since the countertops aren’t easily damaged, some manufacturers offer a longer extended warranty, anywhere from 15 to 25 years.
Keep in mind that quartz and quartzite are not the same thing. Unlike engineered quartz, quartzite is a natural stone formed from sandstone and quartz. Like marble, quartzite is heat-resistant and requires regular sealing to prevent staining. Quartzite is also more porous than quartz.
Maintenance
Marble: Marble requires regular upkeep, such as sealing every six to 12 months, to prevent bacteria build-up. Also, be sure to clean up spills from wine or acidic juices immediately to avoid staining. For regular upkeep, it’s best to clean marble with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water.
Quartz: Quartz counters are low maintenance. The surface does not require sealing and standard household cleaners are all that’s needed for regular upkeep.
Price
Marble: Marble typically costs more than quartz because it’s a natural stone, whereas quartz is engineered and easier to manufacture. Also, since marble requires more maintenance, it can be more costly over time. The quality of marble is a variable in its price. The thickness of the slab and rare patterns and colors drive elevate the price, and custom cuts, edge designs, and the complexity of the installation are other contributing factors. But in general, marble costs about $100 per square foot, with installation averaging about $3,000.
Quartz: Quartz surfaces vary widely in price, depending on customization, anywhere from $50 to $200 per square foot, with countertop installation averaging $4,500.
Home Value
The good news is that both quartz and marble countertops add value to your home, as both are considered high-quality materials. Design pros offer these tips for scoring more affordable marble and quartz.
• Consider prefabricated quartz that comes in standard sizes and styles, which reduces labor costs.
• Check out architectural salvage yards and re-use stores for marble remnants that can be retrofit for your kitchen. Repurpose leftover pieces of marble and quartz (from your larger kitchen project or someone else’s) in smaller areas around the home, such as on laundry room counters or bathroom vanity tops.
• Mix materials to stretch your budget and to create a more personalized look. Instead of using marble throughout the kitchen, create zones for specific functions. For example, carve out a smaller counter space as the baking area where marble is best suited, then use quartz around the perimeter of hard-working surfaces that are subject to spills and more everyday wear and tear.
What’s the biggest deciding factor? Your lifestyle.
“The first step I consider is the homeowner’s lifestyle,” says Paula Dixon. For families with children, quartz is often the choice for the durability and low maintenance. “If the kitchen gets a lot of use with cooking and potential spills—quartz is the better option. For homeowners who want a natural stone and are OK with etching and staining, marble is the design choice.”
But for others, especially those who prefer a natural, perfectly imperfect look, marble stands the test of time. “Marble has a timeless, luxurious look,” Paula says. “If you’re looking for a high-end feel and are OK with maintenance, marble will be the way to go.”
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