Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Here are some of the top reasons why homeowners are choosing quartz over other countertop materials:
Durability
Quartz is an engineered stone made from resins and natural quartz crystals, making it an incredibly durable material. It’s harder than granite and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat up to 212°F. You can cut foods directly on quartz without damaging the surface. The non-porous nature also means it won’t harbor bacteria. For homeowners looking for countertops that can stand up to years of daily use, quartz is a top contender.
Easy Maintenance
One of the appeals of quartz is that it requires very little maintenance compared to other natural stone countertops like marble or granite. Quartz does not need to be regularly sealed to prevent staining. Simple cleaning with soap and water is enough to keep quartz countertops looking like new. While marble or granite requires careful cleaning and sealing, low-maintenance quartz simplifies your care routine.
Appearance
With technology advancements, quartz manufacturers have been able to create stunning designs that mimic marble, granite, and other natural stones. But unlike real stone, quartz offers consistency in color and patterns. This allows homeowners to achieve the beauty of natural stone with less variation. From solid colors to aggregates that look like granite, the visual options are nearly endless.
Cost
Quartz counters offer an attractive balance of affordability and durability. Quartz costs more than laminate but less than natural stone. The price for installed quartz counters averages $40-100 per square foot. This reasonable price point combined with a long lifespan makes quartz a cost-effective investment for kitchens and baths. Quartz delivers the elegance of stone without the higher expense.
Non-Porous
Unlike granite and marble, quartz does not require sealing because it is non-porous. Liquids cannot penetrate the surface, making it very resistant to staining. You also don’t have to worry about food and drinks causing discoloration. This makes quartz an ideal choice for busy kitchens prone to spills and messes. The non-porous nature also inhibits bacteria growth.
Variety of Colors/Patterns
Quartz manufacturers offer a vast palette of colors and patterns to match any design style. Options range from solid white, gray, and black to stunning aggregates that mimic natural granite, marble, and onyx. The consistency of quartz patterns means what you see is what you get, unlike natural stone that varies slab to slab. You can find a quartz option that aligns with your aesthetic preferences.
Heat Resistance
While granite and marble can be prone to scorching or cracking under hot pans, quartz stands up well to heat. Home cooks can place hot pots or baking sheets directly on quartz without worry. As an engineered composite material designed for durability, quartz offers more heat resistance than many natural stone options do.
Non-Reactive
Quartz surfaces are non-reactive, meaning they won’t get etched by acidic foods like lemon juice or vinegars. Marble and limestone especially can develop etching damage from prolonged exposure to acids. You don’t have to worry about this type of degradation with quartz. It maintains its smooth, polished surface regardless of chemical exposure in the kitchen.
Adds Value
A kitchen or bathroom remodel with quartz counters will boost your home’s resale value. Quartz is increasingly popular with buyers due to its stylish appearance and reputation for durability. Realtors consistently recommend quartz as an on-trend material that appeals to home shoppers. Updating dated laminate or worn natural stone with fresh quartz can be a worthwhile investment.
Renewability
Unlike natural stone materials that can be difficult to repair or replace, quartz offers the advantage of renewability. If your counters ever do sustain damage, a pro can sand out superficial scratches or burns. For more significant damage, the slabs can be removed and replaced, though this is rarely needed with durable quartz. Renewability provides peace of mind.
Consistent Quality
With natural stone like granite or marble, each slab has distinct variations in color patterns and veining. Finding a suitable color match can be challenging. But with quartz, manufacturers carefully engineer each slab to maintain consistent quality. The colors and aggregates are uniform slab to slab. Homeowners can feel confident installing a large quartz surface that seamlessly matches.
Easy Installation
Quartz slabs are easier for countertop professionals to install compared to natural stone. The uniformity and engineered precision of quartz means installers don’t have to spend as much time modifying pieces to create consistent seams or joints. Installers don’t have to account for as much variation in quartz thickness or patterns.
Minimal Maintenance
Caring for quartz entails little more than wiping up spills as they occur and cleaning occasionally with soap and water. Unlike marble or granite, quartz does not need periodic sealing to prevent staining. You can enjoy your counters without having to seal them each year. The non-porous material does not require special cleaners either.
Hygienic
By inhibiting the growth of bacteria and microbes, quartz creates a hygienic surface for food prep areas. Materials like granite or marble can absorb liquids that promote bacterial growth in tiny pores and cracks in the stone. But quartz’s non-porous nature makes it able to resist bacteria accumulation. Keep your space clean with quartz.
Integrated Sinks
Quartz offers the option of choosing counters with coordinating integrated sinks for a seamless, clean look. Because it is engineered, quartz can be fabricated into one-piece designs with sinks, avoiding seams between the countertop and sink bowl. This integrated look creates a refined, contemporary style.
Design Flexibility
Quartz manufacturers create quartz slabs in a wide range of sizes, allowing flexibility in designing kitchens and baths. Large islands or substantial spans are possible with quartz that may be more challenging with natural stone options. The engineered nature of quartz makes customized sizing, cutouts, and seam placement achievable.
Easy to Clean
Spills and messes wipe up easily from quartz surfaces, allowing you to keep your counters tidy with minimal effort. Unlike more porous natural stones, quartz does not absorb stains. A simple wipe down with a cloth cleans up most messes. Quartz’s resistance to scratches also means you can safely use cleaning products without worry of damaging the finish.
Less Wastage
Quartz slabs come in large, consistent sizes with minimal imperfections and color variations. Fabricators can optimize cuts and install seamless counters with less wasted material compared to natural stone. Less waste means you maximize the beauty and value of your investment. Quartz’s engineered nature affords this advantage.
Scratch-Resistant
In busy kitchens and baths, scratches are a fact of life with natural stone countertops. But quartz offers superior scratch resistance and durability compared to materials like granite or marble. Everyday activities like chopping veggies or setting down handbags are unlikely to mar quartz surfaces. Scratches can even be sanded out in many cases.
Stylish Options
Today’s quartz counters mimic luxurious natural marble and exotic stone patterns, offering homeowners beauty without some disadvantages of real stone. Unlike natural materials, quartz brings uniformity in patterns and colors. You get stunning marble or granite-like visuals with quartz’s durability.
Neutral Colors
Quartz manufacturers offer many tones in neutral whites, grays, and blacks that fit well in both modern and traditional design schemes. Unlike more brightly colored granite, quartz’s neutral palette works in kitchens and baths of all styles. The colors coordinate beautifully with cabinetry, flooring, and accents.
Resale Value
Investing in new quartz counters for your kitchen or bath remodel gives homeowners an appealing upgrade to market to potential buyers. Quartz offers natural stone beauty without some downsides that turn off buyers. Realtors consistently recommend quartz as a durable, low-maintenance material that appeals to buyers.
Frequently 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 absorb bacteria into small cracks and pores if not properly sealed. But quartz’s non-porous surface makes it naturally resistant to bacteria growth. Quartz inhibits microbial growth.
How often should you seal quartz countertops?
One of the benefits of quartz is that unlike natural stone, it never requires sealing. The resins make quartz non-porous so liquids don’t penetrate the surface. Homeowners don’t have to worry about sealing quartz counters annually like needed with granite. Low maintenance is a pro for quartz.
Is quartz scratch resistant?
Quartz has superior scratch resistance compared to many natural stone options because it is engineered from quartz crystals and resins. It stands up well to everyday activities in kitchens like chopping, prepping and setting down pots. While not scratch-proof, quartz resists scratches better than granite.
Can you cut on quartz?
Yes, quartz counters are durable enough that foods can be cut directly on the surface without damage, unlike some fragile stones. However, using a cutting board is still recommended to prolong the life of your counters and keep them looking their best. The composite material of quartz can handle normal kitchen cutting.
Does quartz stain easily?
No, quartz is non-porous so it resists stains far better than porous natural stone. Spills that would be absorbed and stain materials like marble, travertine or limestone essentially wipe right off of quartz. However, spills should still be cleaned up promptly as extended exposure may stain.
How long do quartz countertops last?
With proper care, quartz counters can last decades. The average lifespan ranges from 15-25 years. Though durable, nothing lasts forever with wear and tear. One advantage of quartz is that it can be refinished by sanding out scratches and re-polishing the surface to refresh the look.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
In most cases, installed quartz counters cost slightly less than natural granite. The price range for installed quartz is $40-100 per square foot on average. Granite ranges from about $50-150 installed. Durability and lower maintenance needs make quartz deliver greater long term value for the investment.
What are the cons of quartz?
Quartz has fewer drawbacks compared to natural stone but no material is perfect. Cons of quartz can include: susceptibility to damage from excessive heat and heavy impacts; lacks the unique one-of-a-kind look of natural materials; engineered appearance may not appeal to some.
Is quartz eco-friendly?
Quartz contains high percentages of natural quartz along with polymer resins. Manufacturers are working to produce engineered stone more sustainably with recycled glass, bio-based resins, and less water waste. So while not inherently natural, quartz does offer some eco-friendly attributes, especially compared to other solid surfaces.
Does quartz need to be resealed?
The resins that make quartz non-porous also make resealing unnecessary. Homeowners never need to reseal quartz counters, unlike porous granite that requires sealing every 1-2 years. The lack of regular sealing maintenance is one perk that appeals to busy homeowners. Quartz maintains its durability and stain resistance without sealing.
Conclusion
With stylish aesthetics, durability, and easy care, it’s no surprise quartz has surged in popularity for modern kitchen and bathroom countertops. Its resistance to scratches, stains, heat, and bacteria make quartz an ideal surface for busy kitchens prone to spills and daily wear and tear. Durable enough for decades of use, quartz requires little regular maintenance compared to natural stone. For homeowners who want the look of marble or granite without some drawbacks, quartz delivers on all fronts. Choosing quartz for countertops is an investment that will pay dividends in enjoyment and home value for years to come.