Are you looking to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen or bathroom? Give a try to quartz countertops. This extremely durable material is perfect for a busy area and will maintain its beauty for decades. Plus, with a wide variety of colors available, you can find a hue that perfectly matches your decor. What’s more, quartz countertops can be enhanced with color speckling to create almost any shade, giving you the look and feel of natural stone. But is the cost worth it? In this guide, we’ll go over the pros and cons of quartz countertops so you can make an informed decision. Make sure to also check out our guides for granite, marble, and other materials so you can compare them side by side.
What are Quartz Countertops Made of?
Quartz is an engineered product, whereas granite and marble are solid stones. Around 90 to 93% of a quartz countertop is made up of natural quartz, which is a plentiful material found in the earth’s crust. The remaining 7% consists of a binder, color, and sometimes glass or metallic flakes for a special look.
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To create a quartz countertop, the natural quartz is crushed into small particles, then mixed with a polyester resin binder and pigment. This mixture is then shaped into a slab and cured under heat and pressure, resulting in an exceptionally strong and non-porous material.
One of the great things about quartz countertops is the vast range of finishes and styles available. In addition to glossy or matte finishes that mimic marble or limestone, quartz can be textured to look like granite or other natural stones. And because it’s an engineered product, there are far more customization options than with natural stone.
Quartz Countertops Pros and Cons:
Pros of Quartz Countertops
- Extremely durable: Quartz is a very hard material, which makes it highly resistant to scratches and chips. It’s also non-porous, which makes it resistant to stains and bacteria.
- Quartz doesn’t need to be sealed: Unlike natural stone countertops like granite or marble, quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed regularly. Quartz doesn’t absorb liquids or stains as other natural stone materials do.
- Quartz can be resistant to bacteria: Quartz is naturally resistant to bacteria, because it’s non-porous, which means that it doesn’t provide a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive. In addition, the surface of quartz countertops is smooth and impermeable, making it difficult for bacteria to adhere and grow.
- Low-maintenance: Quartz countertops require very little maintenance, and they can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz doesn’t need to be sealed regularly.
- A vast range of finishes and styles available: Quartz countertops are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, which makes them a versatile option for any home decor.
- Consistency: Because quartz countertops are manufactured, they have a consistent look and feel, the seams between quartz slabs are less visible than between slabs of concrete or natural stone. Which makes them a good choice if you want a uniform appearance in your kitchen or bathroom.
Cons of Quartz Countertops:
- Heat resistance: While quartz is a durable material, it’s not as resistant to heat as concrete, tile, crushed glass, or granite, which means your quartz it can be damaged by hot pans and dishes.
- Price: Quartz countertops can be more expensive than some other materials, such as laminate or tile. And they will be more expensive, especially for the best quality and finish
- Environmental impact: The manufacturing process for quartz countertops requires a lot of energy and resources, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
- Appearance: While quartz countertops are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, they can have a uniform and artificial look, and don’t have the natural look of natural stone, since it is engineered. That some homeowners may not prefer.
About Prices of Quartz Countertops
The sleek and sophisticated appearance of quartz makes any kitchen look elegant and stylish. However, quartz countertops are not cheap. Estimating the cost of quartz countertops can be influenced by several factors. Factors such as the quality of materials used, the size of your kitchen countertop, and the complexity of the installation process. Finally, The pricing for quartz countertops can range from $65 to $155 per square foot, including materials and professional installation.
=> Related Article: The Average Price of Different Countertops
Main Quartz Countertop Cost Factors:
- The Complexity of the Project: The complexity of the projects plays a significant role in determining the cost of quartz countertops. The more turns and seams you have on your countertop, the more time, effort, and material it will take to produce the desired result. This means that the more intricate the design you want, and the size of the area that needs to be covered, the higher the cost estimate will be.
- Grade and Quality of the Quartz: If you simply want a countertop to blend smoothly with your kitchen decor, then standard grades of quartz might be a good option for you. . Depending on your budget and preferences, you can opt for standard, premium, or designer-grade quartz countertops, which have different price points based on their complexity and style.
- Edges and Finishes: The cost of quartz countertops will also depend on the edges and finishes that are selected. Custom edges (ex: waterfall edges, bullnose edges…) and finishes will typically be more expensive than standard options.
- Brand and Supplier: Different brands and suppliers of quartz will have different pricing structures. It’s important to shop around and compare prices from different sources.
Maintain Quartz Countertops
Maintaining and cleaning quartz countertops is essential for their longevity and appearance. Quartz is a hard, durable surface and can last for decades when properly cared for. To keep quartz countertops in good condition, it is important to clean spills immediately and use the right cleaning products.
=> Read more: Quartz Countertop: Clean, Maintain, Remove Stains
Quartz is low maintenance and very easy to clean. To keep your quartz countertops looking their best, All you need is to clean them regularly.
For spills, small dirt, and debris:
The best way to clean spills, small dirt, and debris on your quartz countertop is to wipe it down with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that has accumulated on the surface.
For stubborn dirt and grime:
you can gently scrape it off with a plastic knife. Be sure to rinse the surface with clean water afterward to prevent any residue from being left behind. It is also important to dry the quartz countertop with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Doing this on a daily basis will help keep your quartz countertops looking shiny and new.
Conclusion: About Quartz Countertops Made of Anyways?
From above, you can see that quartz countertops are made up of a combination of natural quartz and polymers, making them durable, low-maintenance, and versatile for use in any kitchen or bathroom. While they offer a variety of colors and patterns, they may not be as heat resistant as other materials and can be prone to chipping or scratching. However, their non-porous nature also makes them resistant to staining and bacterial growth, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
