The Best Quartz Countertops that Look Like Marble (Our New Vadara Countertops)
Are you a fan of the classic look of marble countertops but don’t want to compromise on durability? Then wait until you see this quartz product line that’s the closest thing I’ve seen to the real deal!
This post is sponsored by Vadara Quartz and may contain affiliate links. However, all opinions and recommendations are my own. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details.
We’re so close to wrapping up our kitchen remodel and I can’t wait to share all of the gorgeous details with you! But our new countertops were a bit of a showstopper on Instagram recently. So I feel like they deserve their own special blog post where I can answer all of your questions about them right here.
When Vadara Quartz sent me my very own designer sample box, I was like a kid in a candy shop. Not only did they have a variety of colors in all of their backgrounds, but the veining was so undeniably realistic. In fact, Vadara’s entire design process is about taking inspiration from surrounding nature and some of the most beautiful places in the world.
These are not your speckled quartz counters of the 90s and early 2000s. Each design is intentionally created to mimic the look of real natural materials and marbles, for a truly timeless look. Which is exactly what I needed for this kitchen, because I absolutely refuse to have this space feel trendy and dated within a few short years.
Are you ready to see what I chose?!
Our new Quartz Countertops
I must’ve spent a good few hours playing with each quartz countertop sample and pairing them together. Since I was going with the same color for all of my cabinetry, I really wanted to make a statement by choosing a different style countertop for the kitchen island and perimeter.
Our cabinets are a beautiful warm greige color and I wanted a white marble look that played off those tones without appearing too cool. The answer? Nimbus!
The background color is a warm, diffused beige base, which is absolutely perfect, because I wanted to shy away from anything that might appear too stark white.
I love the subtle whispy taupe veining. It’s the perfect touch for this traditional kitchen island.
Since I planned to have this ceiling height hutch cabinetry on the perimeter, I really wanted to add some contrast in with the countertops for a truly two-tone look. And what could be more contrasting than this stunning black Noir Blanc quartz?!
It has the most beautiful thin, white veining that gives it just the right amount of depth without appearing too modern for this space.
Although it could work just as well in a minimalist style kitchen also. That’s the beauty of these patterns. They truly mimic the look of natural stone countertops making them extremely versatile in any design.
I’ll admit, that I was a tad nervous making such a bold design decision, but so many of you were supportive and absolutely loved the contrast it created in this space. It’s such a unique look, but at the same time, it feels truly timeless having chosen such natural looking quartz materials.
What type of quartz looks like marble?
While quartz can offer a look that resembles marble it’s actually a man-made stone material that’s composed of up to 93% quartz with the remaining 7% consisting of resins, polymers and pigments used to make various colors.
Quartz can be manufactured to look just like marble, but when shopping these samples and slabs, you’ll want to look for some key characteristics to help you make the perfect design selection.
- Do they have subtle flecks of color within the background? If you’re on the hunt for a timeless look, then keep an eye out for a lot of color dimension in the background. Being sure to stay away from anything that might appear too solid or stark white.
- Does the veining mimic its natural counterpart? It’s easy to find quartz countertops with veining in shades of white, gray and even black, but do they move in a realistic pattern? Look for veining that doesn’t tend to repeat in the same pattern and varies on the size and scale for a more realistic appearance.
What is more expensive, Marble or Quartz?
Marble countertops have been a popular choice for kitchen countertops in recent years and their presence exudes luxury and elegance. But their beauty comes with a serious price tag; marble tends to be more expensive than quartz.
The cost of marble countertops can range from $75-$250 per square foot, depending on the marble type and its source. However, if you’re looking for a less expensive alternative, quartz might be the solution for you. The cost of Quartz countertops generally come in between $50-$150 per square foot, making it a more economical choice than marble.
What’s better, marble or quartz?
Quartz and marble have been dominating as some of the most popular materials used for stone countertops. Both offer a certain level of durability, beauty, and design options– but which is better in terms of lifespan, cost, and maintenance? When choosing between these two popular options, it’s important to consider all of the factors.
Marble countertops have been a classic choice for centuries due to its elegant appearance and timeless aesthetic. However, they require more care and maintenance than quartz countertops with regular sealing to prevent staining.
And while marble is a go-to choice among chefs and bakers alike, its porous material also means you should be wary of acidic liquids like lemon juice or tomato sauce, as they might cause stains.
Where as, quartz is a little tougher against these types of spills and is well-known for being stain resistant. And since they’re non-porous and very resistant to bacteria and other contaminants, this makes them an ideal choice for modern cooking spaces.
Quartz is also an excellent option when working with intense heat found in the kitchen, as they’re highly heat resistant. This makes them ideal when cooking with hot pans, but be wary about placing them directly from the stove top.
Even though quartz can withstand temperatures of up to 300°F, it’s always wise to use a trivet or another type of protection between the intense heat-source and your quartz countertop to prevent any potential discoloration or damage over time.
There’s no denying the beautiful, luxurious appeal that marble countertops offer. But it’s important to consider how your countertops will be used over time and whether or not they’ll stand up to frequent wear and tear.
I personally, have had the opportunity to use both countertop materials in my homes over the years, and while I love the timeless beauty of marble, it’s just never been conducive to my busy lifestyle with messy children. I love the versatility of quartz countertops and will likely continue using them in more of my designs.
They give your home that high-end look, while also being extremely durable and cost-effective.
FAQs
Is Vadara Quartz good quality?
With its unique blend of natural stone and advanced technological innovations, Vadara’s premium quartz is among the best on the market.
Whether you’re looking for a character-rich design or something more modern and sleek, Vadara has exactly what you need to create a beautiful surface perfect for your kitchen or bathroom needs.
Vadara is also well-known for its resistance to stains and scratches with some of the highest durability ratings. The material is incredibly easy to clean, and I’ve found using a simple wet, soft cloth works to wipe up most spills and stuck-on food.
As a busy mom of four, I’m so grateful for the durability of these beautiful counters.
Where can you shop for Vadara Quartz?
You can order free samples directly from Vadara’s website as you browse their collections, and shipping is free! Although, I would strongly encourage you to visit a distributor’s showroom to view the full slabs in person, as a sample won’t be able to give you the full representation of the veining patterns.
Click here to find a showroom in your local area.
Our remodel is almost complete, and these stunning quartz kitchen countertops are an absolute show stopper. Not only are they incredibly durable, but the color complements our cabinets and tile backsplash beautifully.
It’s been truly amazing to see the transformation of our kitchen; these quartz countertops add a modern and luxurious look. We couldn’t be happier with them! This countertop material is definitely worth considering if you’re thinking about undertaking your own renovation project.
Have a question? Drop it in the comment box below and I’ll be in touch. I love hearing from you!
