Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite: A Look At The Differences
When installing new countertops you will need to think about quartz vs marble vs granite and look at the differences between the three. If you want new countertops, you need to know why each stone is unique.
Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite
Before comparing the different stones, we’ll describe each one. While other types of countertops are available like laminate and concrete, the three we will discuss are similar.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz is an igneous rock made up of oxygen and silicon atoms. Quartz countertops feature mined quartz. The quartz is crushed and mixed with resin to create a solid surface.
The process is 2000 years old with quartz objects dating back to 800-600 BC. Jewelry was one of the first decorative items to feature quartz.
What Is Granite?
Granite is also hard and igneous. Granite is made of quartz. You can have granite countertops that are also quartz countertops. However, granite is not always quartz.
Granite forms when magma below the Earth’s surface crystallizes, solidifies into a crystal form, taking anything it can during the process. This explains why granite isn’t the same color and why it has a different pattern.
What Is Marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that has been transformed over time with heat and pressure. Marble is a rock that was once limestone. The limestone was put under intense pressure and withstood intense heat.
Marble is the butterfly of rocks, and another reason why people love it. But like the other two rocks, it has pros and cons.
Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite Differences
Quartz, marble, and granite have key differences that need to be outlined so you can understand them better. Let’s break these differences down into categories to make them easy to filter through.
The top priority for one person may not be the same for someone else. Most homeowners will agree that cost is important.
Cost: Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite
The cost of the countertop you choose may take precedence over other factors. Cost is the first thing that most people consider when they pick something for their home. Let’s look at the average cost of these three countertops.
- Quartz – $100 to $200 per square foot
- Marble – $50 to $300 per square foot
- Granite – $30 to $100 per square foot
Durability: Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite
Countertop durability is key. What we mean by that is how scratch-resistant the countertop is and how long it lasts.
- Quartz – Quartz can be scratched and chipped. If you drop a heavy pan on it, you may need to repair it, but small scrapes don’t last.
- Marble – Marble countertops will scratch. They are bound to scratch because it’s not easy to use a kitchen countertop without being rough at some point. These countertops are a luxury. but not practical.
- Granite – Granite is a durable material that does not scratch. You want to reseal your granite countertops every few years. If you use them on a regular basis, you need to reseal them yearly.
Water-Resistance: Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite
We will not classify water-resistance under durability. Water-resistance comes in a can. It does not affect how easy it is to scratch a countertop and damage it.
- Quartz- Quartz is water-resistant. The reason for this is that it is made with resin that ensures it can be waterproof when you purchase it. You don’t need to seal it with the same type of sealer.
- Marble- Marble is ready to absorb any liquid spilled onto it due to the porous surface. You will need to be careful not to spill on it and use a water-resistant protective covering to seal the countertops.
- Granite- Seal your granite countertops. If the granite countertops are not sealed then water will absorb into the pores. When the water is absorbed, it will ruin the countertops over time. If sealed, few problems occur with liquids.
Sustainability: Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite
Sustainability is worth mentioning. The word sustainability means, “the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.”. If the material is not available at all times, then it is not sustainable.
- Quartz- Quartz is a green material with a long lifespan and is recyclable. These factors make quartz one of the most sustainable countertop options.
- Marble- Marble is sustainable. It is not as long-lasting as quartz. Quartz is more sustainable than marble but marble is still sustainable.
- Granite- Granite is as sustainable as quartz as it is composed of quartz. Most companies mine it without disrupting the ecosystem.
Heat-Resistance: Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite
Heat resistance is also different than durability. In the kitchen, heat resistance is an issue. But each countertop can only handle a certain amount of heat.
- Quartz- Quartz is a stone that has seen its fair share of heat. Quartz should not get hotter than 180-degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing hot pans on quartz without placing a cutting board under the pan.
- Marble- Marble is heat-resistant. It can get about twice as hot as quartz before it cracks.
- Granite- Out of the three types of countertops, granite is the most heat-resistance. It can withstand over 500-degrees before it starts to crack. Nothing in the kitchen gets that hot except the broiler.
Installation: Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite
If you can install one type of stone countertop, you won’t have a problem installing the others. The difference is in the cutting. Cutting holes for the sink and smoothing down edges varies. Let’s take a closer look at installing each type of countertop.
- Quartz- Quartz produces a lot of dust when cut. This is something to note as you should wear goggles and a mask. Use a wet saw with a diamond plate and be ready to polish it.
- Marble- Marble is easier to cut than quartz because it is more compact, but it is heavier. There is less dust and it works with you after you are halfway through. Cut wet just the same as quartz and take things slow.
- Granite- Just like with the other two, you should cut wet with a diamond blade. Cutting granite is like cutting quartz. Granite is much lighter than marble, which is difficult to move.
Versatility: Quartz Vs Marble Vs Granite
Versatility is important for those who want to let their creative juices flow and make a statement. If creativity is your priority, then you need to know how versatile each type of countertop will be.
- Quartz- True quartz is white or at least has a white background. You can buy colored quartz in a variety of natural colors but most of them are white, grey, or cream.
- Marble- There are many natural marble colors. Carrera Marble is a popular dream choice. Others include pink, red, brown, white, cream, and green. You may notice that marble comes in most colors.
- Granite- Granite has the largest selection of natural colors because granite is a mixture of stone. Blue Bahia is one of the most beautiful choices but it is expensive. You can get granite in any color.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Are There Seams In Quartz Countertop?
Yes there are but there’s an industry trick you should know. A seam is when you mold two separate stone pieces to make a bigger countertop. The trick here is how stone manufacturers will hide the seam additions or make them look smaller.
How Do You Spot Marble, Granite, And Quartz?
Noticing the difference between marble, granite, and quartz may not be easy. The pattern is the easiest way to tell. Marble has a large, layered pattern. Granite has a dense, speckled pattern. Quartz appears to have something embedded into the stone.
Which Countertop Is The Best?
There isn’t a “best” countertop. There is a best countertop for you. Look through the pros and cons of each one. If you find a dealbreaker then take that option out of the equation and start over.
How Do You Clean Marble, Granite, And Quartz Countertops?
Cleaning marble, granite, and quartz is easy. You can use a simple cleaner like vinegar. You can also buy a countertop cleaner that is safe to use. Avoid chemicals as they should not be near food.
Can You Paint Countertops?
You can paint some countertops. You can paint over countertops with special non-toxic stone paint. After you paint them, use a clear non-toxic sealer. But feel free to use the sealer to keep the natural look of the stone.
Which Countertops Can You Cut?
You can cut any type of countertop. Some countertops are easier to cut than others. The hardest part is cutting the sink insert spot without breaking the countertop. Be familiar with the saw you choose and test it on plywood.
Quartz, Marble, And Granite Conclusion
Quartz, marble, and granite each have individual traits that make them special. Choosing which one stone you want for your kitchen countertop isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Like anything else of importance, you’ll need to do your research before you begin installing one of the stones.