One of the most commonly asked questions asked during kitchen or bath remodels may be “Is quartz more expensive than marble? Because kitchens and baths can be the costliest to renovate, you want to be sure you choose the right surfaces for your countertops. This means that you want to look at more than just the sticker price of your new counters and also compare other differences between marble and quartz.
Quartz and Marble Countertop Construction
The first thing to consider when determining “is quartz more expensive than marble” is to understand how quartz countertops are created. Quartz is actually engineered stone with the countertops created from approximately 90 percent quartz and the remaining ten percent resin mixed with dye. It is very durable and can be found in a wide range of colors due to the dyes that are added. Marble, however, consists of either limestone or dolomite rock and is completely natural. It is known for its elegant beauty and, because no two slabs of marble are the same, your countertops can have a unique look from different angles.
Countertop Price Tags
If you are looking only at the cost of purchasing and installing countertops, quartz is less expensive initially as the cost for quartz ranges from $40 to $100 per square foot while marble ranges between $50 and $150. Although that may not seem like much of a variation, the entire project could cost you from $2,200 to $5,600 for quartz while marble could range between $2,800 to $8,400 for the same square footage of countertop.
Other Factors
It is important, however, not to only focus on the price of purchase and installation of your countertops. Quartz provides a more uniform color and pattern. It can also mimic the look of natural stone, even marble. There is no question that marble adds a touch of elegance and timeless beauty to your kitchen or bath. You also know that the countertops are unique since different slabs of marble have different patterns and colors. However, quartz also offers lower maintenance and better durability than marble. It is non-porous so there is less concern about bacteria. It does not need sealing or waxing, is virtually stain resistant and resists cracking, scratching and scorching. Marble does resist heat fairly well but it can be stained. Marble also requires regular sealing so you should factor that into the cost when determining your budget.
Overall, the answer to “is quartz more expensive than marble” is “no” for many reasons. Quartz requires less maintenance, has a lower price tag and is more stain-resistant than marble. However, marble offers a more timeless, elegant look which is why some people prefer it as a countertop choice. If you would like more information on the differences between marble and quartz countertops, contact us today by calling or completing the simple query form online.
