Marble vs. Quartz vs. Quartzite: Choosing and Caring for the Right Kitchen Countertop
One of the most common questions we hear from clients when selecting kitchen and bathroom countertops is—Do you recommend marble or quartz? Closely followed by—What about quartzite? How do they compare in maintenance and durability? What’s the difference in price? Which one would you choose?
Marble, quartz, and quartzite are all undeniably beautiful, and helping our clients select just the right slab is one of our favorite parts of the design process. In this post, we’re sharing the pros, cons, and maintenance needs of each—along with our honest take on which stone might be right for you.
The Look—Timeless v. Tailored
Marble
If you want something classic and full of character, marble might be your match. This natural stone is known for its beautiful veining and organic feel. No two slabs are exactly alike, which means your countertop will be one of a kind. We love how marble works equally well in traditional kitchens and modern spaces—it’s the kind of material that never goes out of style.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone, which means it’s made from ground natural quartz combined with resins and pigments. The result? A surface that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns—some designed to mimic marble, others completely unique. Because quartz is man-made, the patterns are more consistent from slab to slab, giving you a more uniform look.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone (not to be confused with quartz) that forms when sandstone is subjected to heat and pressure. Visually, it often resembles marble with its soft veining and light tones—but with a durability closer to granite. Each slab is unique, offering that organic beauty of natural stone while giving you a “best of both worlds” option if you love marble’s look but want a little more durability.
Marble detailing in our Parkmont 1920 kitchen
Durability & Maintenance
Marble
Marble is softer and more porous than quartz, so it’s prone to etching (dull spots from acidic foods or cleaners), scratching, and staining if spills aren’t cleaned quickly. It does require sealing—which we recommend doing once a year to help protect against stains. If you choose marble, you have to embrace the patina (soft etching, not to be confused with stains) that comes with daily life. For some, this is part of marble’s charm: it tells the story of meals, celebrations, and everyday living.
Our Pro Tips:
Opt for a honed finish to help disguise etching.
Keep cutting boards and trivets handy to protect the surface.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner for daily care.
Embrace the patina—it’s part of what makes marble beautiful!
Quartz
Quartz is more scratch-resistant than marble and is also non-porous, meaning it will resist stains and won’t harbor bacteria—no sealing required. It’s a great choice for high-traffic kitchens or bathrooms where you want beauty with less upkeep.
Our Pro Tips:
Consider this stone for busy kitchens, kids’ bathrooms, and rental properties.
Always use a trivet for hot pots and pans—heat can damage the resin.
Wipe up spills quickly to prevent any potential discoloration.
Quartzite
Quartzite is harder and denser than marble, making it highly resistant to scratching and heat. However, because it’s a natural stone, it is still porous and requires sealing (typically once a year) to prevent staining and occasional etching. Unlike quartz, it has no resin, so you don’t have to worry about heat damage from hot pans.
Our Pro Tips:
Seal annually to protect against stains.
Clean with a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner.
Always use cutting boards and trivets—though quartzite is strong, it’s not indestructible.
Quartz countertops in the primary laundry room at our Scottsdale Residence
Price Points
Marble
Pricing for marble can range widely depending on the type and origin. Common varieties may be comparable to upper-range quartz, while exotic slabs can be significantly more expensive.
Quartz
Quartz pricing is generally more consistent and tends to fall in the low-to-mid range, making it the most affordable of the three stones.
Quartzite
Quartzite often falls in the higher price bracket, sometimes rivaling premium marbles. The added durability and natural beauty often justify the investment for homeowners who want a surface that balances elegance and durability.
Quartzite countertops and backsplash in the kitchen of our Country Club Residence
Our Recommendation
At TSD, we believe the “best” choice depends on your lifestyle and design priorities.
If you love the idea of a natural material that gains character over time and you don’t mind a little maintenance, marble is worth it for its timeless beauty.
If you prefer a low-maintenance, more affordable option that still looks gorgeous and offers more consistent patterning, quartz may be the better fit.
If you’re drawn to the organic beauty of natural stone but want a less porous option, quartzite is an excellent choice.
Whichever stone you chose, you’re investing in a surface that will set the tone for your space. The key is choosing the one that fits your lifestyle and your maintenance comfort level. There’s no wrong answer—just the right choice for you!
Marble countertops, backsplash & flooring in the primary bathroom of our Laurelhurst 1946 Residence