Choosing new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options like granite, marble, and quartz, it can be challenging to decide what will look best and fit within your budget. Quartz countertops in particular have grown in popularity in recent years due to their stylish appearance and durability. But do you need to visit a showroom to pick out quartz countertops or can you choose them another way?
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The end result is a durable, non-porous material that resists scratches, stains, and heat. Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns that mimic looks like marble and granite. Since it is manufactured, quartz offers more consistency in coloring and patterning versus natural stone.
Some popular benefits of quartz countertops include:
- Durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Low maintenance
- Resistance to stains, mold, and mildew
- Heat and water resistance
- Variety of colors and patterns
- Consistent coloring throughout the slab
- Non-porous so liquids don’t seep in
Do You Need to Visit a Showroom?
When it comes to choosing quartz, visiting a showroom can be helpful but is not absolutely necessary in every case. Here are some things to consider:
Pros of Visiting a Quartz Showroom
- See slabs in person – Photos don’t always capture the true color and visual details of a slab. Seeing quartz slabs in person allows you to get a feel for the overall look.
- View a wide selection – Showrooms have numerous slab options on display so you can view a large variety all in one place.
- Get expert guidance – Showroom staff can point out the differences between options and provide advice to help narrow down your selection.
- Feel surface texture – Being able to touch the display slabs allows you to get a sense of the texture and feel of different quartz surfaces.
Cons of Visiting a Quartz Showroom
- Inconvenient – Showrooms may not be located near you, requiring extra time and effort to visit.
- Limited selection – Each showroom only displays a fraction of total quartz varieties so you may miss out on options not represented.
- Pressure to decide – Sales associates may put pressure on you to make a quick decision which could lead to regret later on.
- Doesn’t show full installation – Seeing only a slab, not the full countertop installed, makes it hard to envision the final look.
Alternatives to Showroom Visits
Luckily, with the digital world we live in, you have other convenient ways to choose quartz beyond trekking to a showroom. Consider these options:
Browse Online Galleries
Many quartz manufacturers and distributors have online galleries showcasing all their available colors and patterns. Browse through categories like whites, grays, and patterns to narrow down your favorites. However, keep in mind the photos may not capture finishes accurately.
Order Samples
Ordering free small samples is an easy way to get an actual piece of the material to see accurate coloring. Get samples of 2-3 favorites to compare. Keep in mind the sample size doesn’t showcase the full pattern.
Visit Fabricator Showrooms
Local countertop fabricators may have a showroom displaying their most popular quartz choices making selections easier. They can also order full slabs of almost any variety.
Use Visualizer Tools
Many company websites have apps that let you visualize quartz on 3D models of kitchens or baths. This allows you to experiment with different colors before fully committing.
Hire an Interior Designer
Design pros have resources to get samples and can visit distributor showrooms on your behalf to select the perfect slabs. Their expertise helps narrow down options.
Questions to Ask When Choosing Quartz
If you do decide to visit a quartz showroom, asking the right questions will help guide your decision making:
- What are the most popular colors/styles you sell?
- How consistent is the patterning and coloring from slab to slab?
- What thickness options are available?
- Are there warranty or maintenance requirements?
- Does the price include fabrication and installation?
- Do you have full slabs in stock or do they need to be ordered?
- How durable is this quartz variety?
Don’t be shy about asking questions to gain knowledge that helps you select your perfect quartz countertops with confidence.
Conclusion
While seeing quartz countertops in person allows you to get a hands-on feel for options, visiting a showroom is not an absolute necessity. Thanks to online galleries, samples, apps, and design expertise, you can gain enough knowledge to make an informed quartz selection without ever leaving your house. Do your research to narrow down favorites that fit your style and budget. Feel empowered to choose beautiful, durable quartz countertops for your next remodeling project!