Marble vs. Quartz: What's the Best for Bathroom Countertops?

Bathroom countertops need to be able to stand up to the daily use they see, but they should also offer the style and design that homeowners want. Fortunately, thanks to materials like marble and quartz, that isn’t hard to do. Which is better, though? That depends entirely on what you mean by better and what you need and want from new bathroom countertops. In this guide, we’ll take a look at both materials, their pros and cons, and other features that will help you determine what’s best.

Shopping for the perfect vanity can feel like the never-ending task. In addition to having more selection than ever before, people also have the pressure of time on their minds. The longer it takes to choose the right materials for a remodel, the more money is being lost because people are sitting idle.

First, let’s look at what marble offers and how to know whether it’s the right choice for you. Bear in mind that no one can tell you exactly what’s best, but these guidelines can help. When it comes to getting the right counters, there is nothing more important than finding what you need.

84 Inch Blue Double Sink Bathroom Vanity with Choice of No Top

84 Inch Blue Double Sink Bathroom Vanity with Carerra White Marble Top

Table of Contents

What is Marble?
- Pros and Cons of Marble
What is Quartz?
- Pros and Cons of Quartz
Maintenance and Upkeep Concerns
What Fits Your Needs Best?
Resources

What is Marble?

Marble is a solid surface material that is at the high end of the countertop price range. Marble features unique veining and a different look with every single slab, which guarantees that people will get something that is worth the high cost. This material is usually white or light gray, although it may have a light beige or rose color, but that varies from one piece to the next. Marble is fairly durable but also prone to staining because of its porous design.

Marble is also higher maintenance in terms of cabinetry in the bathroom or the kitchen. If it is deemed within the budget and the desire of those doing the renovation, it should be added and you should start looking for the best marble vanities with vessel sinks that you can find.

Marble is available in slabs, or solid surface materials, as well as in tiles and other configurations. Depending on the style of the material you choose, that could impact the costs for the project.

Pros and Cons of Marble

Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind when considering marble as a resource.

Marble is designed for form, not function
This material is heat-resistant
Marble is soft, and therefore porous
It’s also easily stained and can get weaker over time.
As mentioned, marble does stain easily
All marble will have a unique finish
Marble, however, is expensive

There are generally more pros than cons at this level of material sourcing, but it is always important to do your homework and see specifically which benefits your organization stands to gain.

89 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity with Offset Sinks

89 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity with Carerra White Marble

What is Quartz?

Quartz is another mineral that comes from the U.S., and while some may complain that it’s a bit more expensive, they often don’t realize what they’re paying for. This material offers much more strength and durability, and is the better option of the two for ease of use, low maintenance, and more.

Quartz is entirely man-made, and it includes 93% stone (natural). It is designed to mimic more stylish products while offering the reliability and protection of quartz. If companies cannot do this, they are going to fall behind and someone else is going to get the customers.

Pros and Cons of Quartz

Quartz offers tons of design and color options, allowing people to get a near-custom look even without spending a small fortune. It also levels the playing field and gives every company equal access to the world of consumerism, and more.

Quartz is man-made, which means it’s durable and not easily faked. That allows people to get a higher quality material upgrade at a fraction of the cost of choosing a new organic element. On this note, quartz is also considered to be lacking because it isn’t DIY-Friendly. However, it is actually quite simple to work with and it can create durable finishes on all kinds of projects.

Like marble, quartz is also available in slabs or tiles, as well as other styles.

48 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity with Choice of Top

48 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity with Eternal Jasmine Pearl Quartz

Maintenance and Upkeep Concerns

One big thing to compare here is the maintenance of each of these materials. Typically, marble is going to require a lot more maintenance and care. For starters, it is soft and needs cleaned regularly to avoid stains and permanent blemishes. Quartz, on the other hand, tends to be much easier to maintain and keep clean over the years. It usually costs less to repair or have professional cleaning done to the material, too.

Another factor that affects the upkeep is whether you choose a solid surface or a tiled material. Tiles are great, but they do require additional maintenance and care because of the grout and seams. Solid surfaces tend to last longer and require fewer repairs or maintenance checks. In the end, though, it’s about choosing the material that best suits your needs.

36 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in White Washed Walnut

36 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity with Charcoal Soapstone Quartz

What Fits Your Needs Best?

As mentioned, this is the final deciding factor that will help you determine what surface to use for your bathroom countertops. Ultimately, it’s a combination of form, function, and style that will help you decide if whether marble or quartz is right for the job. Consider the different factors discussed above. Another element to keep in mind:

Quartz countertops cost about $80 per square foot, while marble could run as high as $150 per square foot, so there’s definitely a budget factor to consider here.

That’s right, marble costs almost twice as much as quartz. However, for those who want the epitome of luxury and will pull out all the stops to make sure they get the best, marble has a lot to offer. Both materials should be installed by professionals and quartz can last for years when it is taken care of. Marble, on the other hand, may break down over time or become damaged, which leads to the need for replacement.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and now that you’ve got the facts, it will be an easy choice to make.

contemporary-bathroom-joe-ginsberg-innovative-interiors

Photo by Houzz

My name is Julia Ritzenthaler, Founder and President of Unique Vanities, started in 2005. I started this business as an extension of our residential remodeling business, which focused on the design and build of custom cabinetry and architectural trim. I also worked as a financial advisor for 10 years at Ameriprise Financial, helping clients make sound money decisions, including budgeting for home improvement expenses. This expertise led me to start Unique Vanities, which offers a handpicked selection of high quality bathroom vanities, sinks, mirrors and more. You can find me most days sitting in Starbucks, my second office, or in my car driving my daughter across Dallas to gymnastics training.