• Marble vs. Quartz: Which Countertop is Right for You?

    Marble vs. Quartz: Which Countertop is Right for You?

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    When it comes to choosing the perfect countertop material for your home, the debate between marble vs. quartz is a common one. Both materials are popular for their beauty and functionality, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, upgrading your bathroom, or simply exploring options, this guide will help you understand the key differences, benefits, and considerations to make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the world of marble and quartz to find out which one suits your lifestyle and design goals.

    What is Marble?

    Marble is a natural stone formed from limestone under intense heat and pressure. Known for its timeless elegance and unique veining patterns, marble has been a symbol of luxury for centuries. It’s a favorite choice for homeowners who want to add a touch of sophistication to their spaces.

    Key Features of Marble:

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Marble's natural veining and soft, elegant colors make it a stunning choice for countertops, flooring, and decorative accents.
    • Heat Resistance: Marble stays cool, making it ideal for baking and pastry preparation in kitchens.
    • Unique Patterns: No two marble slabs are exactly alike, offering a one-of-a-kind look. 

    What is Quartz?

    Quartz is an engineered stone made from approximately 90-95% crushed natural quartz and 5-10% resins and pigments. It’s designed to combine the beauty of natural stone with the durability and low maintenance of modern materials. Quartz is a popular choice for busy households and high-traffic areas.

    Key Features of Quartz:

    • Durability: Quartz is highly resistant to scratches, chips, and stains, making it a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
    • Low Maintenance: Unlike natural stone, quartz doesn’t require sealing and is easy to clean with mild soap and water.
    • Consistent Patterns: Quartz offers a wide range of colors and patterns, including options that mimic the look of natural stone like marble.

    Marble vs. Quartz: Key Differences

    To help you decide between marble and quartz, let’s compare them across several important factors.

    Appearance 

    • Marble: Known for its elegant veining and smooth, polished finish, marble exudes luxury and sophistication. It’s perfect for creating a classic or high-end look.
    • Quartz: Offers a more uniform appearance with consistent patterns. It’s available in a variety of colors and styles, including designs that replicate the look of marble.

    Durability

    • Marble: Requires regular sealing and immediate cleaning of spills to prevent staining. Avoid acidic cleaners to maintain its finish.
    • Quartz: Highly durable and non-porous, quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. It’s a better choice for high-use areas. 

    Maintenance

    • Marble: Requires regular sealing and immediate cleaning of spills to prevent staining. Avoid acidic cleaners to maintain its finish.
    • Quartz: Low maintenance when properly sealed. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient.

    Cost

    • Marble: Generally more expensive due to its luxurious appeal and limited availability.
    • Quartz: More affordable and widely available, making it a budget-friendly option for many homeowners.

    Applications

    • Marble: Ideal for low-traffic areas like bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, and decorative accents.
    • Quartz: Perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops, flooring, and outdoor spaces.

    Which Should You Choose: Marble or Quartz?

    The choice between marble and quartz ultimately depends on your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

    • Choose Marble If: You prioritize aesthetics and are willing to invest in regular maintenance. Marble is perfect for creating a luxurious, timeless look in spaces that don’t see heavy use.
    • Choose Quartz If: You need a durable, low-maintenance material that can withstand daily wear and tear. Quartz is ideal for busy households and high-traffic areas.

    Environmental Impact: Marble vs. Quartz?

    When choosing between marble and quartz, it’s worth considering the environmental impact of each material. Both have their pros and cons in terms of sustainability.

    • Marble: As a natural stone, marble is eco-friendly in terms of its composition. However, quarrying marble can be energy-intensive and may result in significant waste.
    • Quartz: While quartz is an engineered material, many manufacturers use recycled materials in its production. However, the manufacturing process can be resource-intensive.

    Best Uses for Marble and Quartz

    Best Uses for Marble

    Marble’s timeless beauty and luxurious appeal make it a favorite for creating elegant, high-end spaces. However, its softer and more porous nature means it’s better suited for certain applications. Here are the best uses for marble:

    1. Bathroom Vanities

    • Why: Marble’s natural veining and smooth finish add a touch of luxury to bathroom spaces. Its cool surface feels great in a bathroom setting.
    • Tip: Use marble for vanity tops, shower walls, or flooring to create a spa-like atmosphere.

    2. Fireplace Surrounds

    • Why: Marble’s heat resistance and elegant appearance make it a perfect choice for fireplace surrounds. It can transform a simple fireplace into a stunning focal point.
    • Tip: Pair marble with neutral tones to enhance its natural beauty.

    3. Decorative Accents

    • Why: Marble’s unique patterns and colors make it ideal for decorative pieces like tabletops, shelves, or wall cladding.
    • Tip: Use marble accents to add a touch of sophistication to living rooms or entryways.

    4. Baking Stations

    • Why: Marble stays cool, making it perfect for baking and pastry preparation. It’s often used in kitchen islands or dedicated baking areas.
    • Tip: Keep marble baking stations away from high-traffic areas to minimize wear and tear.

    Best Uses for Quartz

    Quartz’s durability, low maintenance, and versatility make it a practical choice for high-traffic areas and modern designs. Here are the best uses for quartz:

    1. Kitchen Countertops

    • Why: Quartz is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it ideal for busy kitchens. Its non-porous surface is also hygienic and easy to clean.
    • Tip: Choose quartz in neutral tones for a timeless look or bold colors for a modern vibe.

    2. Bathroom Countertops

    • Why: Quartz’s resistance to moisture and stains makes it a great choice for bathroom countertops. It’s also available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
    • Tip: Pair quartz countertops with marble accents for a luxurious yet practical bathroom design.

    3. Flooring

    • Why: Quartz’s durability and scratch resistance make it suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and kitchens.
    • Tip: Opt for textured finishes to prevent slipping in wet areas.

    4. Outdoor Kitchens

    • Why: Quartz is highly resistant to weathering, making it a great choice for outdoor kitchens and bar tops.
    • Tip: Ensure the quartz is rated for outdoor use to avoid discoloration from UV exposure.

    5. Commercial Spaces

    • Why: Quartz’s durability and low maintenance make it a popular choice for restaurants, hotels, and office spaces.
    • Tip: Use quartz in high-traffic areas like reception desks or conference tables.

    Resale Value: Marble vs. Quartz?

    If you’re considering the long-term value of your investment, it’s important to think about how marble and quartz might impact your home’s resale value. Both materials are highly desirable, but they appeal to different types of buyers.

    • Marble: Marble is often associated with luxury and high-end design. Homes with marble features, such as countertops or flooring, can attract buyers looking for a premium, elegant aesthetic. However, some buyers may be wary of marble’s maintenance requirements, which could slightly limit its appeal.
    • Quartz: Quartz is a popular choice among homebuyers due to its durability and low maintenance. It’s often seen as a practical and stylish option, making it a safe bet for increasing resale value. Quartz countertops, in particular, are a sought-after feature in kitchens and bathrooms.

    The Installation Process for Indoor Use: Marble vs. Quartz?

    The installation process for marble and quartz differs due to their unique properties. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

    Marble Installation: 

    • Precision is Key: Marble’s natural veining and patterns require careful planning to ensure the final installation looks cohesive. Professionals often take extra time to align the veining for a seamless appearance.
    • Fragility: Because marble is softer and more prone to chipping, measurements and templating must be extremely accurate to minimize the need for adjustments during installation.
    • Sealing: Marble requires sealing during and after installation to protect it from stains and damage.

    Quartz Installation: 

    • Easier Process: Marble’s natural veining and patterns require careful planning to ensure the final installation looks cohesive. Professionals often take extra time to align the veining for a seamless appearance.
    • No Sealing Required: Quartz is non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing during or after installation.
    • Consistent Patterns: Quartz’s uniform appearance makes it easier to template and install without worrying about visible seams.

    FAQs

    1. Is marble more expensive than quartz?

    Yes, marble is generally more expensive than quartz due to its luxurious appeal and limited availability. However, prices can vary depending on the type, color, and origin of the stone.

    2. Can you use marble in the kitchen?

    Yes, you can use marble in the kitchen, but it requires extra care. Marble is prone to staining and etching, so it’s best suited for areas with light use, such as baking stations or islands.

    3. How often do you need to seal quartz?

    Quartz doesn’t require sealing because it’s non-porous. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is sufficient to maintain its appearance.

    partnered post • image by midjourney

  • 5 Things to do Before Remodeling Your Basement

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    There are tons of ideas out there for what you can turn your dingy, dark, yet huge and oddly appealing basement into. But, before you do, you need to be sure your basement is ready and up for the task. Keeping that in mind, read on below for a few of the top things you should do before your basement remodel begins to ensure it’s ready for the process.

    Whether the goal is a mother-in-law suite (zoning permitting) to a game room complete with a stereo system for the kids, remodeling and finishing the basement is one job you’ll be glad you did — and did right.

    Make Sure Your Plan Is Legal

    Between zoning laws, homeowner's associations and even historical societies, there are a lot of people who want to control what you can build in your basement. Make sure you or your contractor obtain all the necessary permits and inspections needed before, during and after the job. This will ensure the work is up to code in terms of any plumbing and electrical work, which in turn, keeps you and your family safer. This is especially if you’re thinking about getting a gaming room; it’s always better to be safe when you have equipment like a laptop for gamers in that room.

    One thing to note, in many cases, no matter how beautiful the workmanship and design are, a finished basement will not be considered livable space and will not add to the legal square footage of your home. Be sure to check your local building and zoning codes for limitations and restrictions.

    Fix Any Water Damage

    Water damage is serious, and you want to find and fix it as soon as possible, especially before you start any construction. Not only should you check for water damage, you should check to see if there are any moisture issues at all. Just as with water damage, moisture coming in through the windows or the foundation of the basement needs to be dealt with right away. If you put off fixing these problems, then your new basement will become damaged and you'll be in for much more costly repairs.

    Insulate Your Utility Pipes

    If you have exposed water pipes anywhere on the outside wall of your basement, you’re going to want to insulate them before you close them in with your remodel. This ensures that you’re not suffering from heat loss in the winter months through those pipes and will help with your heating bills as well. It also ensures that your pipes won't freeze and burst over a long hard winter and that condensation doesn't back up and drip down into your walls as well.

    Make Sure You Have Enough Headroom

    Talk the contractor you have remodeling your basement to ensure that the basement is going to have enough headroom, because if it doesn't, then the room might not be up to code. Homes that were built in the 1950s often had very little headroom in the basement, which meant the ceilings and pipes hung too low. If your basement ceiling is too low, you might have to make adjustments to bring it up to code first. Besides, it will be a whole lot more fun to be in your basement if you don't have to bend over to do so.

    Take Your Budget into Consideration

    When determining what to turn your basement into, and all of the things above, it’s important to take your budget into consideration as well. Budget for everything from materials and contractors to inspections and cost overruns. And don't forget the extra cost of heating and cooling the basement.

    These are just a few of the things that you need to consider when looking to renovate your basement. Taking care of these things ahead of time will ensure your basement is done on schedule and that your family has a fun place to hang out for many years to come.

    brought to you by our site supporters • cc-licensed image by Dawn Peterson

  • Bathroom Remodeling Ideas to Increase Your Property Value

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    So, you’ve decided to approach remodeling as a way to increase the property value of your home. That’s the first step, and an excellent choice for any homeowner who wants to see a little return on their investment. The next step in that process is choosing which parts of your home to remodel and finding ideas that fit your budget, timeline, and aesthetic.

    If you do a quick search to look for ideas, you’ll find thousands of options, ranging from modest costs to millionaire budgets. You’ll probably want to narrow those options down a little, and the best way to that is to figure out where you’d like to start. Research shows that bathroom remodels are a surefire way to increase the value of your property.

    Below, we’ll talk about five great ideas for remodeling your bathroom, while shooting up your property value at the same time.

    #1 Did Someone Say Walk-in Showers?

    An updated or renovated shower can change the look of your bathroom entirely. Sure, you can always go with a fancy jet tub or the classic clawfoot tub for that vintage look, but if you’re looking for a direction, there’s nothing that can tick up the curb appeal of your bathroom as much as an updated walk-in shower. From waterfall showerheads and multi-directional water streams to heated floors and glass doors, a new walk-in shower can become a statement piece in your newly remodeled bathroom. 

    The materials you use are crucial, like polished chrome fixtures and durable glass, but the shower walls may be the most essential choice you’ll have to make. A dingy tile wall can make even the most enthusiastic buyer turn away. 

    If you go with a solid surface corner shower, on the other hand, you can cost-effectively transform your bathroom. These showers are made with materials generally associated with kitchen countertops. However, you can use this material on shower walls with great results. They’re nonporous, can be cleaned and refinished with ease, and look fantastic.

    #2 A Bathroom Counter that Shines

    Speaking of counters, your bathroom counter is another part of the bathroom that can affect your property value. Just like with shower walls, the materials you use are probably the most important decision you’ll have to make when considering this particular remodel. 

    Solid-surface countertops, which are designed to look like stone, have a high-end, beautiful look while remaining nonporous and easy to clean. A porcelain tiled counter is both cheaper and can be more durable than granite alternatives. Or you can go with quartz bathroom counters, which are designed to look like limestone or marble but are more durable. They’re also nonporous so they won’t absorb moisture and they’re easier to clean.  

    #3 Pull Up Those Old Tiles

    Some bathrooms have floors that are three decades old, stained and chipped, and that kind of damage or degradation can negatively affect your property value. There are plenty of options for remodeling your floors that can be both cost-effective and look great.

    Stained concrete floors, for instance, are an ideal option. A lot of the time, you can pull up those old tiles, and there will be a perfect concrete floor sitting right underneath it. A little polish and staining and your bathroom floors will look luxurious and expensive. Of course, concrete can be a little cold when stepping out of the shower, but that’s nothing a small bathroom rug can’t fix.

    #4 A Fresh Coat of Paint

    This may go without saying, but a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any bathroom. It isn’t a complicated process, either, though it can be tricky. Choosing the right color scheme, the appropriate tools, and the best quality paints are paramount. When in doubt, go with neutrals. 

    Plus, the best thing about this option is that it’s very cost-effective, and you can do it yourself. 

    #5 When in Doubt, Go Green

    Energy efficiency and water conservation are so crucial in our society, and if you remodel your bathroom with that in mind, it can skyrocket the value of your home. Water-efficient toilets, showers, and sinks are perfect options for updating your bathroom and increasing the value of your property. These options not only decrease the amount of water you’re using; it can also lower your water bill. Any prospective buyer is going to see this as a great benefit and added value.  

    Remodeling is the Key to Increasing Property Value

    The options don’t stop there. There are so many ways to increase the value of your property by remodeling, and it is one of the best ways to guarantee a return on your investment. Your bathroom is the perfect place to start because it’s an integral part of your home.

    You can’t just wait for the housing market to swing your way. Relying on the ebb’s and flows of the market can be a waiting game nightmare. Instead of letting time determine the value of your home, fix it up. Change it. Spend a little on remodeling and renovation, and you’ll thank yourself later. And above all, make sure who you hire – whether it’s contractors in Olympia WA or elsewhere – has great recommendations & experience.

    partnered post • client image

  • recent Craftsman kitchen remodels on Flickr

    My constant urging to check Flickr out for design ideas is probably getting pretty old at this point – sorry about that. Here are three attractive working kitchens, wholly or partially documented in photographs on Flickr:

  • Craftsman Kitchen Remodels III

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    Fourth in our series on kitchen remodels (and about the 25th article on the subject; previous episodes here), this time we’re taking a look at Southern California. High-end kitchens from the area’s best contractors, relatively inexpensive DIY projects and various steps in between:

    • La Jolla’s IS Architecture remodeled this 1914 Craftsman bungalow; the project included "a complicated pier foundation and seismic retrofit." Check out the before & after pictures of the kitchen & bath. They are also responsible for this very pretty coastal Craftsman and its blindingly-white kitchen in La Jolla and a very pretty wood-grain kitchen in this Spanish Revival ranch house in Rancho Santa Fe.
    • Qualified Remodeler magazine’s 2007 Chrysalis Awards – the 14th year these awards have been given to residential and commercial modelers across the country – include a number of great Southern California remodels. A lot of the remodels are pretty hideous, in my own opinion – cabinets that clash with the style of the house, ridiculous French and English country cottage motifs that are inconsistent with the house and neighborhood, things like that. I understand that designers have to do what owners want, but there’s no reason to submit that kind of work for an award. It’s not all overdone, glitzy and ridiculous, though; for example, the winner of the 2007 Best Whole House Remodel under $200,000 award, Moving Mountains Design in Pasadena, did a pretty good job.
    • Stefan Hammerschmidt remodeled his 1924 Venice bungalow, including a spare and functional kitchen. Check out the marble counters and the beautiful stove & giant range hood. Read more about it at the LA Times‘ great remodel-focused blog, Pardon Our Dust, by Kathy Price-Robinson. Another recent column looks at "the best-looking DIY kitchen (they’ve) seen yet." Now, why can’t some big fancy magazine or newspaper hire me to blog for them?
    • PaysonDenney Architects‘ website is a bit difficult to navigate, but the kitchen they produced for another Venice home (scroll down for photos) – right on that community’s Sherman Canal – is worth seeing. I only wish the photos were a bit bigger!
    • Nest Architecture built this "Rustic Canyon Retreat" for two Los Angeles clients; the kitchen, with its butcher block island and all-around windows, is bright & airy.

    photo via Pardon Our Dust