Marble Alternatives

Selecting the type of countertop material (not to mention the color), can be one of the most daunting tasks for a homeowner undergoing a renovation or home build. There are so many great options out there in terms of durability, style, and price. Granite is probably one of the most common and preferred countertop materials because it's solid, durable and stain resistant. It can withstand heat associated with cooking or serving food, and doesn't show water marks. It's difficult to break, crack or scratch with normal wear and tear. Many will have you believe that granite can be high maintenance, but don’t be fooled. Most granites need to be sealed only every 3-6 years or you can get a one-time sealer too. Plus, sealing your granite takes only a matter minutes.

However, today I want to focus on marble. Marble is a highly desirable natural stone right now for those wanting a lighter, higher end looking material. I LOVE marble. I would use it all the time if I could. That being said, it can be a little high maintenance. It definitely needs to be sealed in order to avoid stain and watermarks and can scratch easily. Marble countertops are well-made and structurally sound but can be less forgiving than granite. It’s one the most porous of natural stone and is especially sensitive to acidic liquids and potent chemical cleaners. For example, wine can stain marble countertops if not cleaned up quickly. If you’re not careful even everyday water spills (i.e. around sinks) over time can develop stains on your marble. You’ll want to select marble countertops if you want a design with the most unique, unpredictable veining and natural modeling. It will definitely give you a custom look as no two slabs will be the same.

So given the good and the bad on marble, for many of my clients (especially those with kids at home), I like to suggest an alternative to marble, quartz. Quartz countertops have all of the same benefits of granite, except they aren't entirely natural, they are an engineered stone. The downside, you’re not going to get the unique veining and coloring of marble, and they are not easily repaired if damaged (unlike granite & marble). However, on the huge plus side, they are non-porous so they incredibly stain resistant, don’t require sealing, scratch/chip resistant and hold up much better to everyday wear and tear. Price wise, all three are very comparable, different granite, marbles and quartz countertops will come in various degrees of quality and will therefore effect the price.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite marble alternatives (aka quartz). There are soooo many brands and choices out there that there is bound to be something for everyone, depending on how much veining you like. Some of the most common brands you’ll run into are Ceasarstone and Silestone. I didn’t list any Silestone brands today but two of my favorite from them are Lyra and Lagoon. So without further ado, my top 6 favorite quartz (and one porcelain tile):

1 | D A L T I L E - C A L C A T T A

If you really like a strong vein in your marble then this would be the one for you! It’s from Daltile’s One Quartz Nature Flicks line and it is gorgeous!

2 | A R I Z O N A T I L E – N E W C A R R A R A

This is a go to favorite. I always like a little more white than grey and this does it perfectly.

3 | C A M B R I A – T O R Q U A Y

4 | C A E S A R S T O N E – F R O S T Y C A R R I N A

5 | C A E S A R S T O N E – S T A T U A R I O N U V O

I really love the veining in this one. It’s a little warm and just looks gorgeous as a countertop or solid slab backsplash.

6 | C R O S S V I L L E – V I R T U E

So this one is actually a porcelain tile. So if you are not in the market for a countertop or vanity but are looking for flooring or backsplash, this is a MUST see! Since It’s porcelain it is much more budget friendly than a marble tile and really, just as stunning!