What is the downside to a quartz countertop?

Quartz is one of the most desirable high-end countertop materials available. That&#;s saying a lot considering the quality of many other countertop material competitors. Also called engineered stone countertops, their popularity is due, in no small part, to their stylish beauty and ease of ownership. But are they right for you? Let&#;s take a look at the pros and cons of quartz countertops and then review some details on points that will matter to you.

For more information, please visit ROMA.

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Planning A Kitchen Remodeling Project?

Avoid the stress of doing it yourself. Update your countertops, cabinets, sink, and more through top-rated kitchen remodeling services from Angi.

Explore Options

What Are Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are a man-made product. They are created by combining natural quartz and minerals with chemical resins and pigments. The manufacturing process allows unparalleled creative options. Made of 93% natural stone, they&#;re an excellent example of human ingenuity and nature combined. Quartz countertops pros and cons lists lean heavily toward the pros side.

Pros

• Color and design options: Quartz countertops have nearly unlimited colors available. The design options can be anything from simple patterns, to complex imitations of granite or marble.
• Contemporary: Crisp, clean looks whether a rich color or subtle design, can fit the style needs of any modern kitchen.
• Maintenance-free: The non-porous surface requires no sealing or special care. Simple cleaning keeps them looking great.
• Durable: Quartz tops should last a lifetime with minimal scratching or chipping.
• Resale value: As their popularity has increased, so has their value in regards to buyer appeal when selling your home.

Cons

• Price: Having one of the highest price tags of all countertop types, the luxury of having quartz countertops comes at a significant price.
• Vulnerable to heat damage: The resins and fillers that provide quartz&#;s durability also make irreparable damage from hot pans a possibility.
• Manufactured product: Although most of the materials in quartz tops are naturally occurring. The process of making them is not natural. They can be made to mimic natural stone, but in essence, they are not.
• Professionally installed only: DIY installation is not recommended. Professional tools and training are required for best results.

Cost

Purchasing quartz countertops will have a significant impact on your kitchen remodel budget. Starting at $80 per square foot installed, they can reach as high as $150 per foot for custom-built options with elaborate designs. More expensive countertop materials exist, but quartz definitely ranks among the highest.

Maintenance and Care

Moisture, dirt and contaminants simply will not penetrate the non-porous surface of quartz, keeping them free of deeply embedded stains. For this reason, they are considered maintenance-free. Simply wiping them off with soap and water is plenty to keep them looking their best.

Being a hard, but not too brittle material, they are difficult to scratch or chip. The resins that provide their tough exterior though, can be damaged by high heat. Protecting them from contact with hot pans is necessary.

Design Options

Design options for quartz countertops are seemingly endless. Some are made to resemble granite or marble, while others are created to look like nothing else can. Light and simple patterns are common, but deep colors and intricate designs are where quartz tops can truly show off their flamboyant tendencies.

Add to that their excellent (but not always perfect) seam-hiding attributes, along with the ability to be fully customized, and you have a countertop material that can be perfect for any kitchen.

Installation

Difficult precision cuts, product weight and seaming methods, command the need for professional installation. Other than very small prefabricated tops, DIY installation is not recommended. To create the nearly invisible seams requires extensive training, and the tools needed to cut the material are expensive.

Lifespan

Warranties on quartz countertops last from 10 years to the life of your home. In reality, they have the potential to last much longer than your house. The man-made products used in their construction don&#;t break down over time, and the natural materials are all but indestructible. When considering the price of quartz tops, keep in mind that it&#;s likely a one-time-only cost.

Top Brands

There are differences in quartz countertop manufacturers. Different combinations of materials can produce higher or lower quality tops. However, even lesser quality quartz tops are still better than most countertop materials. A few of the most recognized and trusted makers include Silestone, Cambria and Caesarstone.

Bottom Line

If your budget allows the inclusion of high-end countertops, quartz may be the right material to meet your demands. Having minimal downsides, low maintenance, durable beauty and boasting a myriad of design options, it&#;s not surprising that they are one of the most sought-after kitchen design features.

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Kitchen Remodelers

Free, No-commitment Estimates

Find A Kitchen Remodeler

Picking the material for your countertop will impact how it looks and functions. There are many options to choose from, including granite, marble, quartz and concrete. Let&#;s look at quartz.

It is among the most popular countertop materials for kitchens and bathrooms. This engineered stone has a loyal following because it looks good and is durable. And as it&#;s made by mixing 90% ground mineral quartz with 10% resin and pigments, it doesn&#;t have some of the weaknesses of natural stone, like porosity. To decide if quartz is the right countertop material for you, we&#;ve prepared a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons.

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Quartz Countertops?

Before you consider buying a quartz countertop, be sure to evaluate its benefits and drawbacks.

The company is the world’s best Natural Quartz Countertops supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Pros

1) It&#;s Durable 

Quartz doesn&#;t crack, scratch or chip easily, making it ideal for busy and messy kitchens. It&#;s engineered to be stronger than natural stones. On the Mohs hardness scale, quartz is rated 7 out of 10, meaning it can withstand a household&#;s regular wear and tear. 

2) It&#;s Attractive and Consistent 

From a natural, rustic appearance to a luxurious finish, you can achieve virtually any look you want with quartz by changing its pigment colours. Unlike natural stones which are all unique, quartz offers uniformity in terms of both colour and pattern. This means what you selected in the showroom is what you will get. 

3) It&#;s Stain-Resistant

Quartz is non-porous so spills that could stain, discolour or permanently damage the stone won&#;t seep in. This makes it quartz an excellent choice for kitchen countertops as you don&#;t need to panic if you accidentally spill red wine, as a quick cleanup will suffice. 

4) It Requires Little Maintenance 

Because of their non-porosity, quartz countertops don&#;t breed bacteria or other microorganisms, meaning they don&#;t require regular maintenance. 

To clean yours, simply wipe the surface with a soft sponge moistened with warm water and mild soap. 

The best part about them is that quartz countertops don&#;t need to be sealed, waxed or re-polished, unlike their natural stone countertops. 

5) It Adds Value to Your Home 

The rising popularity and attractiveness of quartz countertops make it a selling point of homes on the market. Homebuyers want stylish additions like hardwood floors, smart home technology and durable countertops. So, investing in a quartz countertop for your kitchen island or bathroom vanity should increase your home&#;s resale value. 

DID YOU KNOW?

The process of engineering quartz for countertops was developed in northwest Italy in by the Breton company which licensed it under the trademark

Bretonstone®.

 

 

Cons

1) It&#;s Expensive 

If you&#;re on a tight budget, quartz is not suitable. All of its great qualities &#;durability, appearance, stain resistance &#; come at a cost. The price of a quartz countertop can range between $40 and $100 per square foot depending on the quality of the material, design, edge profile and manufacturer. Add to that the cost of installation and cut-outs for the sink and other fixtures. 

2) It&#;s Vulnerable to Heat Damage

Excessive heat can damage a quartz countertop because its resins melt when in contact with heat. That&#;s why you should avoid putting items like hot pots, pans or curling irons directly on the surface. Instead, place them on a hot pad or trivet. 

3) It&#;s Difficult to Install 

Quartz countertop installation is not a DIY project. It requires a skilled professional to take measurements, level the slab and secure the countertop. 

It&#;s also a heavy stone (around 20 pounds per square foot) which makes professional installation a must. 

4) It&#;s Not Recommended for Outdoor Use 

Want a good countertop material for your outdoor kitchen? Quartz won&#;t do as the resins that bind the countertop fade and discolour when exposed to direct sunlight. 

5) The Seams Are Noticeable 

The seams on quartz countertop are noticeable, unpleasant to look at and vulnerable to damage. Choosing dark-tone quartz makes them less visible. 

Do you want your kitchen or bathroom to look upscale? Do you want it to last without spending a lot of time on countertop maintenance? Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams. Evaluate its pros and cons to make an informed purchase.

Are you interested in learning more about Custom Quartz Bathroom Countertops? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!