Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, quartz offers a durable and stylish alternative to natural stone and laminate. But like all countertop materials, quartz has both advantages and disadvantages to consider before making a decision.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is an engineered stone made from approximately 90% ground natural quartz crystals and 10% polymer resins and pigments. The quartz provides strength and hardness, while the resins bind the material together. The pigments add color and pattern.
Quartz slabs are made by blending the quartz crystals and resins together, molding them into slabs under heat and pressure. The material is harder and less porous than natural stone, making it very durable. And unlike natural stone, the color and pattern of quartz is consistent from slab to slab.
Advantages of Quartz Countertops
Durability
One of the biggest advantages of quartz is its incredible durability. Its non-porous surface makes it resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible under normal use. It can withstand years of daily use without showing significant signs of wear and tear. This makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens.
Low Maintenance
Quartz requires very little maintenance compared to other countertop materials. Its durability and non-porous quality mean it does not need to be regularly sealed like natural stone. Simple cleaning with soap and water is enough to keep quartz counters looking like new.
Resistance to Stains and Bacteria
The non-porous surface makes quartz highly resistant to stains from spills, juices, wine, oil, and other liquids. Bacteria and microbes also have difficulty adhering to the surface. This makes quartz an excellent choice for food preparation areas.
Heat Resistance
Quartz can withstand heat up to 212°F, making it more heat resistant than solid surface materials like Corian. This means you don’t have to worry about damage from hot pans, appliances, or baking dishes. However, it is still recommended to use trivets or hot pads to preserve the surface.
Color and Pattern Options
Quartz comes in a wide array of colors and patterns to fit any design aesthetic. Options range from solid neutrals to bold, vivid colors and natural-looking stone patterns. This variety allows quartz to mimic looks of granite, marble, and other natural stones.
Seamless Appearance
Quartz slabs can be fabricated into counters with tightly sealed seams for a continuous, streamlined look. This gives spaces a neater, more refined appearance compared to natural stone with obvious grout lines.
Non-Porous
Unlike granite and marble, quartz does not need to be regularly sealed to prevent staining and bacteria growth. This makes maintenance much simpler.
Consistent Color and Patterning
While natural stones vary from slab to slab, the color and patterning in a quartz surface remains uniform. This allows for a consistent look from one project to the next.
Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops
Cost
Quartz is more expensive than laminate countertops and tends to be pricier than many granite options too. The average installed cost of a quartz countertop is $80-100 per square foot. This premium price point is one downside for many homeowners’ budgets.
Limited Heat Resistance
While quartz is heat resistant, it is not completely impervious. Prolonged direct heat exposure can cause damage. Trivets and hot pads should always be used when placing hot pots, pans, and appliances on quartz.
Prone to Chips and Cracks
Although durable, quartz can chip if subjected to hard, focused impacts. Dropping heavy cast iron pans edge-first onto a quartz counter, for example, may cause chips or cracks.
Must be Professionally Installed
Quartz countertops must be cut precisely and expertly installed to create tight seams and prevent future cracks. DIY installation is not recommended, so professional installation is an added cost.
Not Completely Stainproof
While quartz resists most stains remarkably well, prolonged exposure to strong chemicals and stains can damage the surface and require professional repair.
Lacks Natural Stone Variation
The consistent patterning of quartz lacks the one-of-a-kind natural variations found in granite and marble. For those desiring an organic, unique look, quartz can seem too uniform.
Manmade Material
As an engineered product, quartz lacks the cachet and prestige that comes with natural stone counters. For some, an engineered material does not seem as upscale or exclusive.
Can Require Frequent Polishing and Resealing
Depending on the quality of the installation and quartz material, counters may need frequent polishing and resealing to maintain their original luster and water resistance. This adds hidden maintenance costs.
Prone to Damage from Direct Sunlight
In hot, sunny climates, direct UV ray exposure can cause quartz countertops to fade, discolor, or yellow over time. Keeping blinds or window treatments closed is recommended.
Difficult to Repair
Unlike natural stone, quartz is difficult to patch or repair seamlessly. Significant damage often requires a full slab replacement. The resin content makes quartz less heat and scratch resistant over time.
Limited Recyclability
The resins used in quartz fabrication make the material non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle. Eco-conscious consumers may view this as a drawback.
Can Develop a Hazy Film
Cleaning quartz with waxes, oils, or greasy soaps can leave behind a cloudy film. Avoiding these cleaners and using a quartz-specific cleaner is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about quartz countertops:
Is quartz healthier than granite?
Yes, quartz is generally regarded as a healthier choice compared to granite. Granite is porous and can harbor bacteria if not properly sealed. Quartz’s non-porous surface makes it inherently antimicrobial and stain-resistant without the need for sealing.
Is a quartz countertop a good investment?
Quartz countertops are a significant investment, but they can greatly increase a home’s value and appeal to buyers. Their durability and low-maintenance qualities make them a smart long-term investment for busy kitchens. Their resale value and popularity make quartz a good option when selling a home.
How long do quartz countertops last?
With proper care and maintenance, quartz counters can easily last 25 years or longer. Many manufacturers back their quartz products with 10-15 year warranties. Their durability and longevity are a key selling point.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Unlike natural stone, quartz does not need regular sealing. Its non-porous, stain-resistant qualities eliminate the need for sealing. However, some manufacturers do recommend occasional resealing to preserve the material’s glossy finish.
Can you repair quartz countertops?
Minor damage like superficial scratches can be buffed and polished out of a quartz surface. However, significant damage like chips, cracks, or stains are difficult to repair seamlessly. Full slab replacement is usually needed for major quartz repairs.
Is quartz toxic?
Quartz surfaces contain small amounts of crystalline silica, which in concentrated forms can be toxic if inhaled over prolonged periods. However, finished quartz products do not release harmful silica dust, so quartz countertops are considered non-toxic.
Is quartz eco-friendly?
While composed partially of a natural material, quartz contains synthetic resins that are difficult to recycle. And mining natural quartz crystals has some environmental impacts. So quartz is not considered the most eco-friendly option, but it is more renewable than natural stone.
Can you cut on a quartz countertop?
Yes, quartz stands up well to being cut on, making it a great surface for food prep. However, using cutting boards is still recommended to preserve the aesthetic beauty of the countertop and avoid dulling knives.
Conclusion
Quartz offers exceptional durability, maintenance ease, and style when shopping for new countertops. But the manmade material does have some drawbacks to weigh, mainly regarding cost and limits of heat resistance and repairability.
Ultimately the pros and cons will differ in importance for each homeowner. For busy kitchens in need of countertops that can withstand heavy use with minimal upkeep, quartz remains a top choice. Weighing your budget, lifestyle, and design priorities will help determine if quartz is the right fit for your next remodeling project.