Quartzite & Marble Countertops in Wichita, KS

Quartzite and marble countertops are the two natural stones people choose for a soft, veined, light-colored kitchen. They look alike in photos, but they behave very differently. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone and is generally harder than granite. Marble forms from limestone and is softer and sensitive to acids. Knowing which one you are buying, and which one a slab really is, matters more than the name on the tag.

Quartzite

True quartzite resists scratching and heat well and is less prone to etching than marble, which is why it appeals to people who want a marble look in a working kitchen. It still needs sealing. Some stones sold as quartzite are actually softer dolomitic marble, so we recommend a simple scratch or etch test on a sample before you commit. HomeGuide lists installed quartzite at about $65 to $150 per square foot, and Fixr's range runs to $200, because quartzite is hard to cut and slow to fabricate.

Marble

Marble has a depth and translucence that engineered stone imitates but does not match. It is also softer than granite and reacts with acids, so lemon juice, vinegar, wine and some cleaners leave dull etch marks, especially on polished finishes. A honed finish hides etching better. Many people accept marble's wear as patina; others prefer it for a bathroom vanity or baking area rather than a full kitchen. HomeGuide lists installed marble at about $40 to $150 per square foot, with Carrara among the more affordable types and Calacatta among the most expensive.

Selecting the slab

Both stones are chosen slab by slab. Veining can run in one direction or swirl, and the best section is usually reserved for the island or the most visible run. Bookmatched slabs, two slabs cut from the same block and opened like a book, can create a mirrored pattern across a seam. You approve the slab and the layout before we cut.

Sealing and care

Seal both stones after installation and reseal as needed; HomeGuide lists marble sealing at about $0.50 to $2 per square foot. Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild soap, wipe acidic spills quickly, and use cutting boards and trivets. Polishing out etches on marble is possible but is a separate service.

Where these stones fit in Wichita homes

Light marble and quartzite suit the bright, simple kitchens that many owners create when they open up a mid-century ranch layout. They are heavy, though, so we check that older cabinets are sound and plan support for long islands and overhangs.