How to Choose Between Quartz and Marble for Your Kitchen

28.12.2018 HOME IMPROVEMENT 0.0 0

quartz and marble kitchen

One of the most important components of any kitchen is the countertop which serves as both a useful and necessary feature as well as an interior design choice that can add charm, style, and cohesiveness to your living space.

Two of the most popular materials for countertops are quartz and marble, both very beautiful and durable options for any homeowner. There are, however, a few key differences between these two materials, ones that should be considered before deciding which one is the right fit for you and your home.

Quartz countertops are a durable option with a beautiful, natural look. Although these countertops appear to be made of entirely natural stone, the material is not made up of pure stone; it is also composed of recycled materials and is largely made up of a binder, either one that is cement-based or polymeric. The engineering of this material results in increased durability; these countertops are both scratch and stain-resistant. Countertops made of this stone are considered to be one of the most practical options and very heavy-duty. Additionally, engineering of this material allows for many beautiful options for your living space. They can be engineered to be nearly any color, from a striking black to green to a clean white, in order to suit the stylistic needs of your home.

Marble countertops are considered to be a more classic, traditional option for the home. Heat resistant, stunning, and on trend at the moment, these countertops contribute a clean and elegant look. While immediately dismissed as an option by some due to price, this stone is not always as big an investment as many believe it to be if you opt for a more common variety. The most inexpensive options equate to approximately $40 per square foot, about the same that it costs to install similar looking countertops. While these countertops are a beautiful and delicate-looking interior design option, they do require a bit more maintenance. However, if you do your research and know how to care for this stone, it's relatively easy to keep it looking fresh and pristine for decades.

While both types of stone are viable, wonderful interior design options for the home, which one you decide to install is largely determined by which option will best suit the overall style of your living space and contribute to the cohesiveness of its design.

When deciding which type of countertop to install in your home, there is a large amount of elements that you need to assess beforehand. All facets of the living space, both large and small, need to be taken into account. It is necessary to determine which stone will best suit wall color, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and hardware. Additionally, determine how much of a focal point the countertops will be in the room. If you have an island as part of your countertop design, it will inadvertently draw a lot of attention. Your stone choice will determine whether or not the role of the island as a centerpiece is enforced or diminished. Also, consider what will suit the design and feel of your overall home, not just the kitchen.

kitchen design

Quartz countertops are a very flexible option, one that comes in a variety of colors and styles and can suit multiple wall colors, tile designs, and cabinetry. This stone can also go well with both gold and silver hardware, depending on the color that you choose. Darker options of quartz work well with gold hardware and neutral paint colors and suit basic, muted tiling and flooring designs. Additionally, quartz contributes a more formal style to any room. Lighter varieties of quartz add a more modern, open feel to the space and suit brighter paint colors, such as reds, yellows, and blues. Light options mesh well with silver hardware and light-colored cabinetry.

Additionally, quartz, due to its durable nature, is a great addition to family homes, especially ones with smaller children. Difficult to scratch and stain and easy to clean, this is a wonderful option for people who use their countertops often.

In addition to their flexibility and durability, quartz is beautiful and especially lovely in older homes. Lighter colored stone is a great option for farmhouses and mid-century homes whereas darker colored stone looks especially striking in Victorian-era houses.

Marble countertops have always been a classic and are especially fashionable now. To contribute a very modern, open feel to your home, consider installing gold hardware to pair with this stone and match it with light and clean paint choices, simple flooring, and modern, airy cabinetry. Light stone countertops pair beautifully with newer homes and open planning; they contribute a fresh look and pair brilliantly with pops of color in the space, whether in the form of artwork or other accent decorations, such as pillows or curtains. Although marble is currently on trend and especially popular in new homes, it can also look stunning in older homes, especially if you choose a darker stone. Darker varieties of marble pair nicely with neutral flooring and darker cabinetry and will certainly serve as a focal point and conversation piece in the space.

Consider marble if you have a newer home with an open floor plan or if you want to install a charming, statement piece in your older home.

Both marble and quartz are great options for your living space; they serve as an eye-catching feature for your home and are practical for use. Each option is easy to tailor to your home's style, depending on what coloration of the stone you choose and what you accessorize your countertops with. Be sure to thoroughly consider all aspects of your home and what you want your living space to look and feel like as well as what facets of design you want to emphasize before deciding which of these lovely, natural looking stones you want to install in your home.

Guest post by Jessica

About the Author

Jessica is a writer. She loves running as well as decorating her apartment in her free time. She is always looking for the latest home design trend and is obsessed with the show "Fixer Upper" on HGTV. If she's not in her apartment writing, she's most likely traveling or shopping for fun and cozy accessories to spruce up her apartment.