Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom surfaces due to their durability, visual appeal, and easy maintenance. However, as a manufactured stone product, quartz countertops do require some special considerations when it comes to installation and long-term care. Understanding how to properly support and care for a quartz countertop will help ensure it retains its beauty and performs well for years to come.
Proper Installation Support
Installing quartz countertops requires securing them to a solid base that will provide ample structural support. Here are some best practices to follow:
Use a Sturdy Cabinet or Base
Quartz slabs are heavy, weighing in at around 15 pounds per square foot on average. The underlying cabinets or base need to be able to bear this weight without sagging or shifting over time. Reinforce base structures as needed prior to installation.
Include a Sturdy Underlayment
It is essential to place quartz on top of a durable underlayment secured to the cabinetry or base. The underlayment provides critical support and helps level and smooth any imperfections in the base structure.
- Plywood underlayment that is at least 3/4″ thick is recommended.
- For island or peninsula installations, use 1″ to 1 1/4″ thick plywood to prevent long-term sagging.
- The underlayment should be flush with the front edge of the cabinets.
Use Adhesive and Fasteners
Quartz slabs should be firmly attached to the underlayment using both adhesive and mechanical fasteners:
- Adhesive: A specialized quartz adhesive helps create a tight bond between the slabs and underlayment. Apply adhesive evenly across the surface following manufacturer guidelines.
- Fasteners: Screws placed every 8 to 12 inches along the perimeter and through the quartz field help reinforce the bond with the underlayment. Use special screws designed for securing quartz.
Proper adhesion prevents shifting, separation, or cracking long-term.
Allow Space for Expansion
Quartz expands and contracts minimally with temperature changes. Allowing small gaps between slabs and at walls/backsplashes lets the material move without placing stress on seams or joints. A credit card-width gap (about 1/16″) is typical.
Following these installation best practices provides the critical structural support a quartz countertop needs for durability and proper performance. Consult a professional fabricator/installer for guidance on your specific project.
Ongoing Maintenance and Care
While quartz is not susceptible to damage the way natural stone is, it does require some simple maintenance practices to keep it looking pristine over decades of use. Here are key things to keep in mind:
Clean Quartz Routinely
- Daily wiping with a soft, damp cloth or sponge removes surface dirt, dust, and grime.
- For deeper cleaning, use a non-abrasive quartz cleaner and rinse well with clean water.
- Stay away from harsh cleaners, abrasive scrubbing pads, and multi-surface sprays which can dull quartz’s shine.
- Disinfect quartz periodically with diluted bleach-and-water solution.
Handle Spills Promptly
Quartz resists stains, but spills should be wiped up quickly to prevent possible absorption.
- Blot liquids immediately and rinse the area well with water.
- For dried spills like wine, vinegar, or grease, use a non-abrasive cleaner formulated for quartz.
Avoid Excessive Weight
While quartz is very strong, extremely heavy objects can potentially damage its structure.
- Use trivets or mats when placing hot pans directly on the surface.
- Avoid resting or exerting excess body weight on countertop overhangs.
- Place heavy appliances like mixers toward the back not front edge.
Inspect and Re-seal Seams
Quartz seams and joints should be checked every 6-12 months and re-sealed as needed to prevent moisture intrusion. Use a flexible silicone caulk designed for quartz.
Handle Chips Promptly
Quartz is resistant to chips and cracks but accidents can happen. Small chips can often be repaired by a pro – address promptly to prevent further damage.
Consider Re-polishing Eventually
While quartz maintains its glossy sheen well over time, an occasional re-polishing can be done every 5-10 years by a professional to restore its “like-new” luster.
By providing proper daily and routine care, homeowners can keep their quartz looking pristine for decades. Avoid neglect or using inappropriate cleaners/materials which can lead to permanent damage. With simple maintenance, quartz offers unmatched longevity and satisfaction.
Benefits of a Quartz Countertop
There are several reasons why quartz has become such a coveted choice for today’s kitchen and bath countertops:
Durability
Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available rivaling granite and far surpassing marble, laminate, or solid surface. Made from crushed quartz mineral combined with polymer resins, it creates an extremely hard, damage-resistant surface able to withstand years of use without scratching, staining, or losing its luster.
Low Maintenance
A key advantage of quartz is that it requires minimal maintenance compared to many other surfaces. Simple daily wiping keeps it clean and occasional use of quartz-safe cleaners maintains its beauty. It never needs sealing or polishing unlike natural stone.
Appearance
With its gleaming polished finish, quartz has an elegant, high-end aesthetic. It comes in a wide array of colors and patterns – from subtle blacks, whites and grays that mimic marble to bold, vibrant solid hues. There are endless design possibilities.
Non-Porous
Quartz resists moisture, mildew, and bacteria growth making it ideal for kitchens and baths. Food prep and spills wipe right up instead of soaking in. Quartz contains no pores for microbes to grow.
Versatile Fabrication
Quartz offers flexibility to create custom countertop layouts and edge profiles perfect for any space. Quartz can accommodate sinks and faucets, be cut around corners, used on vertical surfaces, and more.
Increased Home Value
Quartz countertops provide a significant return on investment in terms of added resale value. Their refined style and longevity offers an attractive focal point that buyers are willing to pay more for.
With its superior durability, easy-care properties, and beautiful aesthetic, it’s clear why quartz makes an exceptional choice to install in the busiest and wettest areas of the home.
How Thick Should a Quartz Countertop Be?
Quartz countertops are available in varying thicknesses, most commonly ranging from 2cm up to 3cm. The thickness chosen for a particular installation depends on several factors:
Usage
Thicker quartz is preferable for surfaces expected to undergo heavy day-to-day usage. Areas like kitchen workstations and laundries may benefit from 3cm thickness to prevent any long-term sagging, flexing or structural issues under heavy loads or impact.
Overhangs
Countertop sections with significant overhangs, such as bar areas or islands, require thicker quartz for proper support. Overhangs with seating will need at least 3cm thickness to safely bear the weight of people leaning against them without cracking or collapsing long-term.
Aesthetics
Thicker 3cm+ slabs add an appearance of luxury and durability for those desiring substantial visual mass. However, 2cm quartz is equally durable for most applications and provides cost savings.
Installation Method
Seamless-looking installations often involve joining multiple quartz pieces. Thicker quartz is easier for fabricators to handle and properly join together seamlessly.
Undercabinet Space
If space under cabinetry is limited, thinner 2cm quartz may be needed to allow for appropriate clearance. Measure carefully during templating.
Most experts recommend at least 3cm thickness especially for kitchen installs. While 2cm quartz performs admirably in most cases, the extra thickness adds reinforcement and peace of mind for decades of heavy usage. Consult with an installer to determine the best thickness for your specific kitchen or bath design.
How to Choose the Right Thickness
When selecting quartz thickness, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Kitchen counters: 3cm provides ideal durability for moderate to heavy use
- Bathroom vanities: 2cm often suffices since less weight/impact occurs
- Overhangs: Overhangs wider than 10” do best with 3cm minimum
- Islands: Always use 3cm or thicker for island installs
- Higher elevations: 2cm can work for bar-height surfaces with less impact
- Budget: Thinner 2cm costs less but thicker 3cm maximizes longevity
Carefully consider how each surface will be used long-term. While thinner 2cm quartz costs less, the minimal upcharge for 3cm is usually worth the added peace of mind for heavy usage areas. Consult a professional fabricator to ensure you choose the right thickness for durability.
How Much Does Thicker Quartz Cost?
Quartz pricing depends on several factors, but thickness plays a significant role. Here are some general quartz thickness cost comparisons:
- 2cm quartz: Starting around $60 per square foot installed
- 3cm quartz: Starting around $70 per square foot installed
The difference in price may appear minimal, but adds up over the square footage of a full kitchen or bath. Other pricing factors include:
- Brand: Premium designer brands charge more
- Color/finish: Unique finishes like leathered or metallics cost more
- Fabrication: Complex edges, cutouts, lighting, etc. add labor fees
- Local market: Pricing can vary regionally based on distributors
A professional fabricator can provide an accurate quote for your project accounting for thickness, materials, fabrication complexity and local market conditions. The small upcharge to go from 2cm to 3cm thickness is often less than 10% but can make a big difference in performance.
Pros and Cons of Thinner 2cm Quartz
Here is an overview of some of the key advantages and disadvantages of selecting thinner 2cm quartz:
Pros
- More affordable: 2cm slabs cost less leaving room in the budget for other upgrades
- Lighter weight: Easier for fabricators to maneuver and join together
- Good for walls: Provides ample durability for backsplashes
- Small spaces: Allows more under-cabinet clearance
Cons
- Prone to flexing: Not as structurally rigid making seamless joins harder
- Risk of damage: More prone to cracks/chips from impact over time
- No overhangs: Cannot be used for overhangs more than a few inches
- Unsuitable for some uses: Too thin for floors or heavy commercial settings
2cm can work well for low to moderate usage bathrooms and vertical applications like splashes. But for best structural integrity in heavy use kitchens, 3cm is the smarter long-term investment.
Pros and Cons of Thicker 3cm Quartz
Here are some strengths and drawbacks of choosing thicker 3cm quartz:
Pros
- Very durable: Offers maximum solidity and impact resistance
- Minimal flexing: Allows for easy seamless looks
- No reinforcement needed: Eliminates need for extra support under overhangs
- Ideal for kitchens: Holds up to decades of use and abuse
- Luxurious feel: Heavier mass provides an upscale, quality feel
Cons
- Higher cost: Materially costs roughly 10% more
- Heavy weight: Harder for installers to maneuver
- Too thick for some uses: Overkill for walls, may not fit everywhere
- Thicker overall: Minimizes under-cabinet clearance
The minor extra investment in 3cm thickness pays dividends in added peace of mind and structural longevity for critical kitchen surfaces. It also allows creative overhangs without worry. Evaluate needs carefully.
How to Choose Between 2cm vs 3cm Thickness
Deciding between 2cm and 3cm quartz depends primarily on the installation location and intended use:
- For moderate use bathroom vanities, 2cm often suffices
- For heavy use kitchen workstations, 3cm is best
- For backsplashes, 2cm provides enough durability
- For islands or wide overhangs, 3cm is critical
- For walls or niches, 2cm can work if properly supported
- For high-traffic commercial settings, 3cm+ is recommended
Considerthicknesses samples to get a sense of durability firsthand. While 3cm comes at a slightly higher price, the added assurance of robustness is worthwhile for most kitchen installs. Get input from an experienced local fabricator.
Is 2cm Quartz Too Thin?
While 2cm was once the most common thickness for quartz, 3cm is now recommended for nearly all kitchen and bathtub deck installations to prevent flexing, cracking, or collapse from impact or weight. The minor additional cost is worthwhile.
Reasons 2cm may be too thin include:
- Overhangs beyond 3-4” cannot be well supported
- Increased risk of seam-failure from inadequate rigidity
- Insufficient strength for high traffic commercial settings
- Prone to cracking/chipping over time from normal wear and tear
- Provides less protection from thermal shock cracking
There are a few appropriate uses cases for 2cm quartz:
- Low usage bathroom vanity tops
- Backsplashes
- Vertical surfaced like tub/shower walls
- Niches and inlays
For any primary countertop surface subjected to daily use and impact, 3cm thickness (or greater) is advised to ensure the longest-lasting, trouble-free quartz installation.
Is 3cm Quartz Thickness Really Necessary?
Many homeowners balk at the 10-15% higher price tag of 3cm quartz and wonder if it’s truly a needed upgrade. But for nearly any kitchen or heavily used bath surface, 3cm offers critical reinforcement – providing:
- Rigidity against cracks/chips: Heavier mass resists impact damage from dropped objects.
- Minimal flexing: Allows flawless joining of seams and edges.
- Overhang support: Enables greater overhang distance without reinforcement brackets.
- Prevents collapse/bending: Sturdier base averts sagging, even under heavy loads.
- Holds sinks/fixtures: Anchors weight of undermount sinks without cracking around the rim.
- Luxurious feel: Substantial thickness provides an upscale look and feel.
The same durability that makes quartz an ideal workhorse surface in kitchens depends heavily on sufficient thickness. While 2cm saves money upfront, repairs down the road can cost much more in the long run. Evaluating needs thoughtfully before purchase prevents later regret.
Standard Thicknesses for Quartz Countertops
While available in a range of options, three standard thicknesses dominate the quartz countertop market:
- 2cm (about 3/4”): The former default thickness, now giving way to thicker options. Provides adequate durability for walls, light use surfaces, and vertical installations with proper support. The most affordable choice.
- 3cm (around 1 1/4”): Considered the minimum recommended thickness for kitchen counters and heavily used vanities. Prevents sagging, maintains structural rigor for flawless seaming, and resists impact damage. Provides peace of mind.
- 5cm (approximately 2”): Extra-thick slabs reserved for the highest durability settings like commercial kitchens. Provides maximum strength but higher price and lower availability. Often overkill for residential use.
3cm offers the ideal middle ground of durability, function, and cost for most quartz buyers. While thicknesses vary across manufacturers, these three options cover most residential and commercial needs. Consult an installer to determine ideal thickness.
How to Determine Quartz Thickness Needed
Choosing the right quartz thickness for each application comes down to factoring in:
- Use: Kitchen counters need thicker material than low use bathroom vanities.
- Overhangs: Overhangs wider than 10” require thicker support.
- Joints: Long spans and seamless looks demand more rigidity.
- Weight: Consider heavy objects like commercial appliances.
- Budget: Thicker quartz costs more.
Tips for determining needed thickness:
- Kitchen counters should minimally be 3cm, while 2cm can work for baths.
- Get professional input on minimums needed for overhang distances.
- Expect to pay 15% more for the upgrade from 2cm to 3cm.
- Always check that cabinets/base can support heavier 3cm material.
- Ask about manufacturer warranties – thicker quartz may provide better coverage.
Considering how each surface will be used long-term is the best guide. An extra 1-1.5cm thickness delivers decades of added peace of mind.
Is There a Standard Thickness for Quartz?
While thicknesses vary somewhat by brand, 3cm (1 1/4”) is considered the standard minimum thickness for quartz countertops installed in typical residential kitchens. Here’s an overview:
- 2cm (3/4”) was once the most prevalent thickness but provides less structural rigidity for long spans and heavy use. Still useful for walls.
- 3cm (1 1/4”) delivers the necessary strength for kitchen counters while maintaining a competitive price point. It has become the accepted standard for medium to heavy use applications.
- 5cm (2”) is overkill for residential settings but used for extra durability in commercial kitchens. Very heavy and expensive.
- 1.2cm (1/2″) is too thin for countertops except very small sections like inlays or trivets. Vulnerable to damage.