Cost. Marble and quartz are comparable in cost. Marble countertops cost $100 to $200 per square foot installed. Quartz countertops cost $115 to $200 per square foot installed.
In general, quartz is the more durable of the two materials: it better resists scratches and bacteria and requires less care and maintenance. However, marble does outperform quartz in heat resistance.
Cost Considerations
All three countertop options are more expensive than most laminate, wood, tile or concrete alternatives. According to Great Lakes Granite and Marble, quartz is slightly more expensive than granite.
Price: Per square-foot, marble is one of the most expensive countertop materials you can buy. It's far more expensive than butcher block, and even pricier than quartz or granite. Get a quote before you fall in love with marble—it might not be right for your remodel's budget.
Cost. Marble and quartz are comparable in cost. Marble countertops cost $100 to $200 per square foot installed. Quartz countertops cost $115 to $200 per square foot installed.
Quartz is generally less expensive.
But with the exception of the cheapest granite, quartz is generally less expensive—$70 to $100 per square foot installed compared with granite's price range of $60 to $270 per square foot installed.
Most people love the appearance of quartz, but others say it looks fake and cheap. Bottom line—with quartz, the design options are virtually limitless, but it's difficult to match the truly unique and exotic patterns you get with natural stone.
Granite is less expensive than marble, starting at roughly $75/square foot installed and $100 more than that for higher-end stone. Installed marble countertops start at around $100/square foot and can go over $200.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
It's a question of supply and demand. Of the three, and perhaps surprisingly, Carrara is the best-priced marble, since more is quarried and it's seen as being less high-end. You might pay anywhere from $75 to $100 a square foot, uninstalled.
But what usually arouses people about marble countertops is the veining. Great for Cooking: Marble remains cool naturally, which makes it a great surface for baking or other cooking. Marble, however, isn't completely heat resistant, so don't place hot pots and pans directly on marble countertops.
Can White Quartz Turn Yellow? Your white quartz, and other lighter colored quartz, can turn yellow over time. This is usually due to the resins in the manufacturing process. They will react to salts and surfactants over time.
Some might notice stains on their white quartz countertop as a result of using the wrong cleaning products. Anything with harsh chemicals, including oil soaps, detergents, paint thinners, and any cleanser containing bleach, could stain or discolor your countertop instead of getting it sparkling clean.
Leaving spills on your quartz countertops for long periods of time can result in damages. So look out for acidic liquids like vinegar, wine, and lemon juice! If you accidentally spill any liquid on your counters, immediately wipe them off.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
Quartz is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Remember that although your quartz countertops are incredibly durable, they are not cutting boards. Never cut directly on your countertops to avoid scratching the finish and making the stone more vulnerable to staining.
Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.
Some quartz makers sell exclusively through big-box stores; other slabs are available only through independent kitchen and bath showrooms.
Use baking soda for stubborn stains
Even natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon can be too harsh to use on Quartz or Granite, as they are highly acidic, so they could damage the surface. If you do encounter a stubborn stain, consider using baking soda as a gentler alternative.
No, it is not recommended that you place appliances like a toaster oven on your quartz countertop. The dramatic fluctuations in heat could cause your countertop to crack. Put a trivet or cutting board under your toaster oven while in use to prevent any damage to your beautiful counters.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.
Another cause of staining, particularly with a white quartz countertop, is improper cleaning. It's true — sometimes the chemicals intended to get the kitchen bacteria-free and sparkling clean can actually make it look dirty. Avoid using any chemical containing solvents such as paint thinners, detergent, or oil soaps.
Granite has been the number one kitchen countertop option for homeowners for several years. While it has more competition than in the past, granite remains to be a top choice among homeowners because of its natural composition, exquisite looks, and designs that cannot be replicated.
In the kitchen, that means marble countertops can scratch and scuff more easily than other surfaces, such as granite or quartz. Marble is also a porous stone, so it's more prone to staining due to harsh cleaning products or acidic liquids. We'll address these issues further below, when we talk about marble maintenance.