Marble vs Quartz for Bathroom Tiles & Worktops
Marble and quartz are two different stones with some similar characteristics. Firstly, marble is a natural stone, while quartz is manufactured. This fact has a huge impact on almost all characteristics of both stones. The truth is, both stones are high quality and you should vague the pros and cons of both according to your needs.
1. Quartz is manufactured
Quartz is a man-made product, made as a combination of 93% natural quartz and 7% resins. Marble, on the other hand, is a natural stone without any other added materials.
2. Quartz is non-porous
Quartz has a non-porous surface, which means it doesn’t absorb water and liquids. That also means that it is highly stained resistant. This characteristic is excellent for bathroom worktops, but for tiles not as much. Since it is non-porous, it will not absorb water and it will be slippery.
On the other hand, marble is a porous material and it is not slippery. However, marble can get stained easier then quartz, so make sure not to use hair colours and similar products around it.
3. Marble is more unique
Marble is recognizable by the veining, which is the most common pattern, but it can have other ones as well. The veining is the result of different mineral impurities in the stone. Those minerals create beautiful veins that are always unique, like everything else created by nature.
Quartz patterns are often man-made and can be more uniformed. However, if you like better symmetrical and predictable patterns, that can be also a good thing for you. There are many well known quartz brands on the market like Silestone, Classic Quartz, Cimstone, Sensa, Lunastone and others.
4. Marble resists heat better
Marble can be a better option for users with underfloor heating because it resists high temperatures better. It also accumulates the temperature and can maintain it for days.
While quartz also accumulates temperature well, it can be more sensitive to high temperatures due to resins. Resins tend to expand and melt on higher temperatures and therefore quartz tiles are not recommended with underfloor heating.
5. They are both durable
Both stones are very durable and they will not break or crack easily. An excessive amount of force should be used to break them. However, there are still differences between them when it comes to their durability.
Although marble is a heavy and durable stone, it is also soft and can get scratched or chipped on the edges. Quartz is more resistant to scratching and chipping then marble.
6. Maintenance
The cleaning of both stones is handled with just soap and water. Just make some soapy water and wipe your surfaces with a mop or a soft cloth, depending on the application. Rinse off the residue with water.
Marble, unlike quartz, should be sealed regularly. The sealant will form a top layer that will protect your surfaces from getting stained. Quartz, on the other hand, doesn’t need sealing at all due to resins.
In conclusion, both stones are excellent and you should choose the one according to your needs. They even make a great combination; marble used for bathroom tiles is a great option because it is not slippery and it accumulates temperature, while quartz is great for worktops as it is stain resistant.
For more questions regarding the comparison between marble and quartz for bathroom surfaces, please feel free to contact us.
