Marble vs. Quartz: Which Surface Is Best for You?

High-traffic surfaces — like countertops and floors — are the unsung heroes of the home. Think about it: Not only are they an eye-catching addition to any room, but they also need to be strong and supportive of you and your family’s everyday life.

Marble and quartz are an easy choice when it comes to finding the best materials for the job. Here are three questions to help determine which surface best suits your lifestyle.

Marble or Quartz? Three Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What kind of use does your space typically get — and what kind of maintenance do you desire?

Think about the functionality you want for your surface. Will this be a show-stopping fireplace or a kitchen island that endures spills of spaghetti sauce and Kool-Aid every night?

If your surface is no stranger to messes, you may want to consider quartz. Because quartz has greater hardness properties than marble, quartz-polished surfaces are:

• Highly scratch-resistant
• Nonporous
• Resistant to liquids and acids (such as vinegar, coffee, wine, and even makeup)

A more forgiving surface like quartz can benefit a high-traffic area and cater to busy families or adventurous culinary lifestyles. More durable surfaces like quartz can also be a good fit for rental properties or public spaces, where excessive wear-and-tear is a factor.

However, just because your space will be exposed to the elements doesn’t mean you have to rule out marble surfaces. Their upkeep just requires a little more know-how, so be sure to do your research to make sure their beauty lasts.

2. What kind of look do you prefer?

Marble’s unique patterns and silky-smooth properties have sealed its reputation as a timeless and luxurious design element. There are many varieties, but it’s the veining — lines of color — that consistently make marble one-of-a-kind.

If you love the look of marble but still seek consistency in your surface, engineered marble is an excellent choice. You’ll get the beauty of natural marble without worrying about unexpected imperfections in your slab. (Santamargherita engineered marble is composed of up to 92–95 percent natural marble chips blended with advanced polymer resins and pigments.)

The Santamargherita marble collection offers a variety of colors, from neutral Mimosa (left) to bold, black-and-white Palladio Moro (right).

Since they are man-made, quartz slabs are available in a wider range of colors, textures, and finishes. Plus, they can mimic natural stone (and even resemble marble) thanks to the uniformity in color and pattern of choice. (Santamargherita quartz is composed of up to 93 percent natural quartz and 7 percent polymer resin binder.)

In colors ranging from a soft Sand White (left) to the bright Navy Stardust (right), resins, nuances, composition, and sizes can be fully tailored in Santamargherita quartz.     Waterjet cutting and sublimation printing are also available.

3. What’s your budget?

Historically, marble has boasted a higher price-point than quartz. However, if you’re opting for engineered surfaces, you’ll likely find that engineered marble is more affordable than quartz due to lower manufacturing costs.

Regardless, you’ll want to determine what’s in your budget from the get-go. When selecting a surface, identify the space you’re looking to renovate and then contact a dealer near you for an estimate.

When it comes to choosing between marble and quartz, there’s no wrong answer — but you can get the most out of your space by taking the time to choose a material that supports the lifestyle of you and your loved ones.

Want to keep exploring? Take a closer look at Santamargherita’s quartz and marble offerings.

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John Brodrick is the North American sales manager for Santamargherita. He has 17 years of experience in the manufacturing industry specializing in engineered surfaces for residential and commercial use. John has lent his expertise to projects worldwide ranging from airports and shopping malls to thousands of residential homes.