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Quartz is one of those countertop materials that get people asking questions. They’re surprised to learn that these countertops are not natural stone—they are what we call “engineered stone.”

After finding out that quartz countertops are not natural stone, they want to know how it compares to the natural stone that we have in stock so that they can decide which choice is right for them. Your countertop is something that will remain in your home for years—maybe even generations—and you want to make sure that you’re making a worthy investment. And making a good investment means comparing the choices in front of you.

If you’re shopping at Washington Marble Works, your choices for countertops are quartz, granite, marble, and quartzite. In this article, we’ll detail some of quartz’s best qualities and see how our natural stone options hold up in the same categories.

Maintenance

Quartz:

Quartz is known for being a low-maintenance stone. It’s naturally nonporous; this is because of the 5–7 percent of the resins and polymers that are included in its makeup. They seal the pores that the stone quartz is made with, essentially doing what sealant does for natural stone countertops but permanently.

Even without sealant, your quartz countertop is not a friendly environment for bacteria or germs—and that’s due to its nonporous nature. Liquid damage and staining won’t be an issue, either. For kitchens and bathrooms, two rooms that see a lot of liquid and spills, this is great news.

To clean quartz, all you need is a paper towel, soap, and water—no fancy cleaners or chemicals. You can’t get much more low maintenance than that.

Natural stone:

Natural stone countertops, unlike quartz, are naturally porous. You can close those pores by sealing your countertop during the fabrication process and then periodically when your countertop needs it. If you don’t seal your natural stone countertops, they will become vulnerable to staining and liquid damage.

As for cleaning, soap and water will do just fine on natural stone countertops as well. But instead of a paper towel, we recommend using a soft cloth to avoid scratches.

Durability

Quartz:

Quartz has no problem withstanding everyday wear and tear. It also is impervious to heat damage, chips, scratches, and liquid damage. Quartz is built to last, and you can make sure it lasts even longer if you take the correct precautions, like setting down hot pads.

Natural stone:

Different types of natural stone have different degrees of durability. Granite and quartzite, for example, are extremely tough stones. They are basically held to the degree of quartz when it comes to durability. Marble, on the other hand, is known for being a bit softer. That doesn’t mean it’s easily breakable, but it should be taken care of with a gentle hand in order to make sure it lasts.

The Investment

Quartz:

With quartz countertops, you get what you pay for. They aren’t the cheapest option on the market—but if you’re looking to create the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams, do you really want the cheapest option out there? Probably not.

Due to the fact that quartz doesn’t ever need to be resealed, you can save a lot of money down the line. Homebuyers are also fans of quartz countertops, so having them installed will also raise the resale value of your home.

Natural stone:

Natural stone is around the same ballpark price as quartz. If you want an exact number, get in touch with us, and we can give you an estimate based on your space and the material that you want. Keep in mind that natural stone will always be a bit more expensive, though, because of the need for resealing down the line. But the good news is that natural stone will raise the resale value of your home as well.

Appearance

Quartz:

Since quartz is a man-made material, its appearance tends to be predictable and seamless. If you’re someone who values the look of a steady pattern and doesn’t appreciate irregularities in the look of your stone, then quartz is a great choice for you. If uniformity and consistency are important for your kitchen or bathroom, choose quartz.

Natural stone:

Natural stone comes from the earth, and its patterns cannot be controlled. This is something that many people love about it—because it means that no two slabs of any natural stone are alike, and every piece is unique.

Is Quartz Your Choice?

Hopefully, knowing the differences between quartz countertops and the natural stone that we stock here at Washington Marble Works can help you decide which stone is right for you. If you’ve still got questions or would like to learn more about quartz, give us a call at (253) 891-1823 for a consultation.

In many cases, when we cut out the shape of a countertop from a slab of marble, there are unused parts left over—and those parts are called remnants. Remnants are a unique choice for smaller projects, and they are a great way to incorporate natural stone in a unique way while staying within your budget.

The Cost of Marble Remnants

Many people think that remnants are a cheaper option because they’re unwanted and cast aside because there’s something wrong with them. People also think that they’re waste, having been rejected from other projects, and therefore unwanted. That’s not true!

In many cases, fabricators will decide how to cut the slab of the countertop with the intent of creating as little waste as possible. That’s definitely something that we do at Washington Marble Works, as it lessens the cost for the customer and allows us to create remnants to set aside for future customers and their projects.

Marble remnants, while cheaper than an entire slab of a marble countertop, aren’t always “cheap.” If you want to use a remnant from a piece of White Carrara marble, for example, you might pay a higher price than you might imagine.

But one additional reason that remnant costs are lower than an entire countertop slab is that there’s less labor when it comes to them. We include the cost of labor in our countertop prices, but since remnants are closer to the size of what they’re going to be used for (examples to come later), there’s much less labor involved. It’s still important to keep SOME labor costs in mind, though, because even if a marble remnant is close to the size of what you have in mind, it’s not always exact.

Marble Remnant Uses

Remnants are most useful when it comes to creating smaller projects. They don’t work well for kitchen remodels because they’re not typically big enough to cover an entire countertop space. And while it may be tempting, we don’t recommend seaming remnants together; it’s next to impossible to find two remnants that are identical in their color and pattern.

Here are a few of the best ways to use marble remnants:

• In the Kitchen

One of the most common places in the kitchen where people use marble remnants is the kitchen island. You can update the top of your island even if you’re on a budget when utilizing remnants.

• In the Bathroom

Marble is easy to clean, and it can withstand a certain amount of moisture, which makes it a great material to use in the bathroom. Remnants are usually the right size to use for vanities—big enough for a hole to be cut for a drop-in sink. They can also be cut into tiles to place in your bath or shower.

• In the Living Room

If you have a coffee table, desk, or end table that you love, but it has seen better days, you don’t have to throw it away. You can update these pieces of furniture with marble remnants, which can be found small enough to fit them. A marble top can instantly update the look of your outdated furniture and spruce it up to a higher level than it had been before. If you have mismatched pieces of furniture that you don’t want to part with, you can replace the tops with marble remnants and create a cohesive look for the room.

• Hearth Pads

Marble remnants that are sized correctly can be a great way to update your wood stove or fireplace because it adds sophistication to something rustic—the two motifs go surprisingly well together. And if you can’t find a piece big enough to make this happen, it’s always possible to cut the remnant into smaller pieces and turn it into a mosaic trim.

How to Find Marble Remnants

The best way to find a remnant is to search for a stone that fits your project and minimizes the amount of waste. Finding a stone within your price range that gets the most use out of the slab and creates the least amount of waste is how to find the best-priced remnant. It helps to have your budget in mind, and if you share that with our experts at Washington Marble Works, we’ll be able to provide you with direction in the remnant yard.

If you don’t have a clear budget set, it can be overwhelming to look through all the marble remnants out there. Narrowing down your choices is the best bet.

Not all remnants are created equal. Each one comes from a specific project, which means that the colors you’re choosing from could be limited. But what’s great is that at Washington Marble Works, our remnant yard is constantly changing and being updated with new things.

If you’re interested in learning more about remnants or want to take a look at the remnant yard, give us a call at (253) 891-1823.

Remodeling your bathroom is an exciting process—but what’s not exciting is breaking the bank. Being constantly worried about your budget can damper the anticipation you have for your new bathroom, and at Washington Marble Works, we want you to get the most out of your project that you can.

That’s why we put together this article. We’ve compiled five hacks that can help you save money while still getting the best bathroom remodel possible.

If you’re remodeling on a budget, keep reading. This article is for you!

1. Make a Plan

One of the worst things you can do in any situation is go in without a plan. Have you ever been to the mall during the holiday season without specific gift ideas? Or at the grocery store without a list? A mission without a plan will fail faster than it can get off the ground.

Working with a designer when remodeling your bathroom is never a bad idea—this is the person who can help you make your plan and stick to it. Doing so might seem pricey, but designers are worthy investments, and their knowledge and advice will serve you throughout the process of remodeling. They can help you make sure that your design, timeline, and budget are all realistic, which will help you end up with the best results possible.

2. Get Thrifty

There are quite a few ways that you can get thrifty when you’re in the midst of bathroom remodels. Take tile, for example—that can get pricey. But before you fork over the cash at a big box store, take some time to check out Craigslist and eBay to see if anyone is selling leftovers. Many people buy more material than they need and have no use for it after they’re finished working.

You can get thrifty when it comes to bathroom furniture too. Check out flea markets and antique stores for dressers—the prices will be lower, and the pieces will be super unique.

Salvage yards aren’t a bad idea either. Once you get good at browsing antique stores and flea markets, you’re on your way to becoming a salvage yard master as well. You can find great items like iron tubs, light fixtures, and sinks there—and you have the freedom to make those pieces your own.

3. Leave Plumbing Alone

This is where working with a designer comes in handy—they’ll let you know that using plumbing that already exists in your bathroom will save you a lot of money, and they’ll help you figure out how to do it while still getting an updated look. Trust us—keeping plumbing where it is will save you a big chunk of change. Every time you move plumbing fixtures, it can cost up to $5,000.

And there’s no need to toss your toilet in favor of a new one either. Unless the entire thing is damaged, replacing the toilet seat can do wonders in updating its look—and it’ll save you money on plumber installation fees too.

4. Be Open to Alternatives

There are plenty of options for bathroom designs that can make the space look bigger and save you money on furniture. For example, using open shelves instead of cabinets is a much more economical choice, and it also allows you to show off your bathroom decorations in a classy, understated way.

Another tip we have for sprucing up your bathroom with what you already have is to add a frame to your mirror. If your mirror has wear and tear from age, all you have to do is add a frame instead of buying a whole new one. It gives the mirror an updated look and saves you cash along the way.

And don’t forget about tile! We know that tile is all the rage for bathrooms right now, but it’s not the only option for your walls. It can strain your budget, while alternatives like wood panels, board and batten, or beadboard won’t.

5. Be Smart with Countertops

Going with a simpler countertop design will always be less expensive than something ultra-elaborate.

But if simple isn’t your game, there’s still a way to save money—by making your vanity the focal point of your bathroom. By implementing the countertop material that you want only on the vanity, it brings the eyes there—and you only have to worry about paying for that material for a small space instead of for the entire room.

Your Bathroom, Your Budget

We’re passionate about bathroom remodels at Washington Marble Works, and we would love to help you with yours. If you have questions or would like to schedule a free consultation, give us a call at (253) 891-1823.

Your countertop is the foundation of the aesthetic of your entire kitchen, so if you’re currently spending a lot of time thinking about ways to make it perfect—there’s a reason for that!

When it comes to crafting your space exactly the way that you want it, choosing the right color quartz countertops is paramount in setting the right tone. You’ve already made a great decision in choosing quartz as your material—it’s durable, low-maintenance, affordable, and beautiful—and now you have to add the cherry on top of your choice and select the right color scheme.

Before you start choosing colors willy-nilly, it’s important to consider what type of color palette that your dream kitchen embodies. There are tons of options out there that can get pretty overwhelming, so to make the process a bit easier on you, we’ve compiled a list of six great color schemes that pair perfectly with quartz countertops.

Keep reading if you need inspiration for your own remodel. This is a great place to start!

1. White and Gold

If you’re looking for something that’s especially luxurious, look no further than white quartz with classy gold accents. This type of quartz is sure to elevate the sophistication factor of any remodeled room—and the gold is subtle but just present enough to pull in the same color from other mainstays in the room, like brass hardware, brass fixtures, or other furnishings in the space.

You can pair this type of quartz with an accent wall to bring out its radiance even further, and it can pair well with either stark white cabinetry or rich, deep oak.

2. Light Gray and Gold

This style of quartz is the perfect way to blend warm and cool tones for your desired vision. The gray brings out the coolness in the room. It is easily paired with black cabinetry and appliances, and the gold veining brings a sense of warmth to the space that might not have been present otherwise.

You can have the best of both worlds with this pattern of quartz, finding the middle ground that’s perfectly suited for your style.

3. Black and White

Black is a bold choice for quartz countertops, but if you’re ready to go all-in with it, we can’t recommend it enough. With white veining, it creates a stark contrast that catches the eye immediately and enhances the look of a neutral-toned kitchen with cool white accents.

This type of quartz has a look that’s similar to marble, which will only increase the sophistication factor. Getting a textured finish and pairing it with dark appliances and cabinetry will create a unique look that can turn the simplest kitchen into something moody and modern.

4. Smokey Quartz

Smokey quartz is known for its class factor, but all too often the gray-light background of quartz gets ignored in favor of colors that seem to stand out more. This tone of quartz is a way to create a stand-out vibe with a subtle twist, adding texture to your countertops and adding dimension to the space that may not have been possible with tones like black or white.

Smokey quartz pairs well with white cabinets, and that makes the space look even bigger, brighter, and more open.

5. Cool White and Gray

Quartz with this type of pattern pays an homage to marble with its high-end looks—but unlike marble, it won’t make you balk at the price tag. This countertop is a cool white with light gray veining throughout, which creates a look that’s inspired by stone and has the potential to soften the look of any kitchen.

This works especially well when paired with light-colored cabinetry—the two paired together can create a sense of natural light even in kitchens that don’t have much of their own.

6. Clean White

We can’t deny that white is one of our most popular options when it comes to quartz countertops—but there’s a reason behind that. Our customers love the clean, stark feel of this shade, and when it’s paired with dramatic gray veining, the two contrast and play off one another in a way that will really make your space interesting.

When these tones are paired with cool, dark-colored cabinetry, it creates a masculine kitchen with clean lines and precision.

Your Quartz Countertops

The final decision on what aesthetic you choose for your remodeled kitchen is up to you. But if you need help sifting through the numerous choices of quartz colors that we offer at Washington Marble Works, give us a call at (253) 891-1823 for a consultation.

When it comes to remodeling their homes, many of our customers start with the kitchen—that’s arguably the most popular room in the house. But the room that most often comes after the kitchen is the bathroom.

Choosing a countertop for your bathroom isn’t exactly an easy choice because there are a lot of deciding factors to take into account—your budget, the durability of the countertop, the way the countertop looks, its maintenance, and the impact it has on the resale value of your home.

In order to make this decision process a little easier on you, we’ve compiled a list of the four countertops that we supply—granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite—along with a list of reasons why they work wonderfully in bathrooms.

Keep reading and get the help that you need for choosing a timeless countertop for your bathroom.

Granite Bathroom Countertops

Granite is one of the best choices for bathroom countertops when it comes to a natural stone selection. If you’re looking for something dramatic and timeless, granite is the way to go. It’s sure to be the first thing you notice when you walk into your bathroom, and it can really make designs pop with its one-of-a-kind flecks and veins.

Granite is a great choice if you’re in the market for something that makes your bathroom look wide-open and spacious. For this kind of look, there’s nothing quite like vibrant white granite.

Along with its alluring beauty, granite is also famous for its durability and strength. With the proper sealant, it’s practically impervious to heat, scratches, and dents. (Sealant is necessary for natural stone countertops because they are naturally porous. Sealant makes sure that they remain resistant to germs, bacteria, liquid damage, and more.)

Quartz Bathroom Countertops

Quartz is definitely up there with granite when it comes to popular choices for bathroom countertops. Because it’s an engineered stone, it automatically has more design options than granite, and it can increase your home’s resale value by just as much. Once again, you’re making a worthy investment with quartz.

Because quartz is made up of 95 percent crushed quartz and 5 percent polymers and resins, it’s inherently more durable than granite. It’s nonporous, unlike granite, because the resins seal the pores of the stone to create something that’s great at warding off stains.

Quartz countertops are known for fine, smooth veining and consistent color patterns, which can be great for a bathroom look that’s on the muted side. But if you want a bright and modern feel, we can’t recommend white quartz enough. It can make a small bathroom look much bigger with just a trick of the eye.

Marble Bathroom Countertops

Marble is known for the way it adds sophistication and luxury to any room. While it’s on the more expensive side, there’s a reason for that—it’s a high-end stone with a high resale value.

It has bolder veins than granite and quartz do, and that only contributes to its elegance and beauty. Marble is the definition of a timeless stone; its color is consistent and the designs are bold and eye-catching.

Beauty comes with a price, and marble is known for being a bit less durable than granite or quartz. Because it’s a softer stone, it can be prone to dents and etching. Stains will need to be cleaned up quickly so they don’t set in, and marble needs periodic resealing in order to maintain its antibacterial properties.

Though marble does come with a bit more maintenance, the amount of extra work is worth it, in our opinion, when you look at the quality of stone that you’ll enjoy in your bathroom.

Quartzite Bathroom Countertops

Our customers love quartzite because it’s a completely unique stone, and its beauty will be showstopping in your bathroom. And it’s not just gorgeous to look at—it can hold its own in the strength category too. Its strength can be compared to granite because both stones are created under immense pressure inside the earth. It’s already used to much more than it could ever see in your home, which makes it a great choice for busy bathrooms. It’s resistant to scratches, heat, fading, and etching.

Quartzite is also very easy to clean. Soap and water will do the trick with this natural stone. And though it is a natural stone and does require resealing, doing so will maintain its durability and make it last for generations.

Your Timeless Bathroom

Choosing the right countertop for your bathroom is a big step, and our team at Washington Marble Works wants to make sure that you feel confident in taking it. If you have questions about bathroom countertop materials or would like to take a look at our showroom, give us a call at (253) 891-1823 for a consultation.