When it comes to marble vs quartz bathroom countertops, there are a few things to consider...
Do you want something easy to maintain?
Something that looks luxurious?
Or maybe you're on a budget and you need to find something that's affordable but still looks good?
Whether this is for your master bathroom, guest bathroom, or powder room, or you want it for a regular bathroom vanity, double vanity, or any other type of bathroom vanities, this advice applies to all scenarios.
Your contractor should be able to help you with this info too if you choose them for their bathroom remodel services.
This article will reveal quartz vs marble bathroom counters so that you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
Bathroom Vanity Countertop
It can be difficult to decide which type of countertop is best for your bathroom.
Marble VS Quartz
Marble and quartz are two popular materials that have different benefits and drawbacks.
When it comes time to renovate your bathroom, one of the decisions you'll need to make is what kind of countertop to install. You'll find there are a lot of different options at the countertop manufacturer's showroom. So, which is the better choice for your bathroom? Let's take a look...
About Marble countertops
Marble countertops are made from 100% natural stone and have variety in color and texture. Marble is also heat-resistant, making it a good choice if you do a lot of cooking in your kitchen.
They come in natural stone slabs from the earth, so there is a wide range of colors.
About Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are made from a human-made composite material that consists of about 90% ground quartz (a natural stone) and 10% polymer resins and pigments. So it is not a natural stone slab.
They are non porous and stain resistant, meaning they require less maintenance. Quartz countertops also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so it should be helpful to find the exact type of materials that fits your style.
Stone quartz often has less veining because it is man-made and the slabs are fabricated to have a non porous surface exactly a specific way. Quartz has a vast range of colors like marble.
Choices for bathroom remodel countertops
The bathroom countertops you choose could be different than what you would choose in a kitchen or other space. A bathroom vanity is impacted by different substances than other spaces.
Bathroom countertops often get used a lot and can come in contact with makeup, chemicals, and other substances that can impact certain countertop materials.
Bathrooms are a slightly different environment so let's discuss a few factors...
Is marble ok for bathroom vanity?
Marble has a luxe, high-end look that can make any bathroom feel like a spa.
Marble countertops work well with other elements like bathroom sinks, faucets, and other materials in the area.
There are some drawbacks to marble countertops. First, they require more maintenance than quartz because they need to be sealed every six months to prevent staining.
Marble is a porous & softer stone compared to quartz, so it is much more likely to scratch, chip, or discolor.
Is quartz a good choice for bathroom countertops?
Quartz often mimics the veining and natural stone look of marble and that's why it's popular.
Quartz countertops also work well with other elements like faucets, bathroom sinks, and other materials in the area.
Quartz material is harder and denser than marble, so quartz is less susceptible to chipping & cracking. It is slightly more scratch-resistant.
They also aren't a porous stone so they don't need to be sealed or only need to be sealed once every few years, unlike Marble tops that need it every 6 months.
These factors are why quartz is currently the most popular bathroom countertop materials for a bathroom vanity.
Quartz is a little less susceptible to etching which is slight marks on the countertop surface that sometimes can't be seen unless from a certain angle. It is often micro scratches, circles from cups, and similar tiny markings.
There is one main downside to quartz countertops, however...
Can you put hot things on quartz
Quartz is more prone to issues with heat. It is made out of pieces of natural quartz stone along with resin. This gives it a more uniform look but can be impacted by very hot items.
This is more important in a kitchen where there is often a stove with pots and pans that may be rested right against the countertop.
The one item that can cause issues is a curling iron. A regular hair dryer doesn't get hot enough to hurt quartz.
Many remodeling companies offer storage sections specifically for curling irons and similar electrical items you can place in a metal container within a drawer or cabinet.
The beauty of this cabinet storage device is being able to use your hair dryer or curling iron while the door or drawer is open and you can immediately place the hot item in the metal container. Then you can close the drawer or cabinet drawer and be on your way.
Marble Vs Quartz Price
It's interesting how sometimes the price of the countertop has a huge impact on the overall remodel cost, and sometimes it accounts for a minuscule percentage of the total remodel project.
One factor is how long and how many square feet of countertops you have.
The cost of marble and quartz countertops can vary depending on the size or style or manufacturer, while another factor is the type of material you purchase which is outlined below...
Prices of Marble
Marble is considered to be the most expensive bathroom countertop.
Marble is typically more expensive than quartz, but there are many affordable options available.
Marble countertops can range in cost from $75 to $100 per square foot.
That price does not include installation or any other costs.
Price For Quartz
Quartz is more affordable than marble, making it a more budget-friendly option for homeowners who don't want to break the bank.
Quartz countertops typically range in cost from $50 to $75 per square foot. This makes them a more affordable option than marble countertops.
That price does not include the cost for installation or any misc costs.
Bathroom Countertop maintenance
-To keep your marble countertops looking beautiful, you'll need to seal them regularly. Make sure to follow the instructions on the sealant product to get the best results.
-To prevent staining, try to avoid placing oils and other liquids on the surface of the countertop.
-If your quartz countertop starts to look dirty, you can clean it with a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
Marble Versus Quartz bathroom Countertops Summary
So, which countertop material is the better choice for your bathroom: quartz or marble?
The answer depends on several factors, including budget and maintenance requirements.
Both marble and quartz have their pros and cons, but in general, quartz is a more practical choice for a bathroom countertop (just watch out for the curling iron).
It doesn't show fingerprints or scratches, it's easy to clean, and it's a very durable material.
Marble is a luxurious choice, but it stains easily from oils and other liquids. It's also more expensive than quartz. It can be impacted by small marks called etching. Marble has more visual variations compared to quartz which is a man made material.
Bother are relatively durable tops, each with its pros and cons.
Whichever material you choose, we hope this post helped you make a decision!
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