Quartz has been a popular countertop choice for both kitchen and bathrooms for the last decade, and they aren’t going away anytime soon. Unlike many of the natural stone options on the market, quartz is a manmade stone. Quartz is made with a mix of crushed natural stone and a resin binder that are blended under intense heat and pressure.
Engineered quartz has special properties that natural stone products can’t provide. Here are a few reasons why you might want to choose quartz for the countertops in your home.
1. Durability
Quartz countertops are strong. Since these countertops are made with binders, they tend to be stronger than stone slabs. Additionally, quartz is known for its heat- and stain-resistant qualities. While it isn’t recommended that you leave a hot pot or wine spill on the countertop for long periods of time, they shouldn’t cause any damage to the stone.
Unlike other natural stones, quartz doesn’t scratch. In fact, you could cut your produce directly on the surface of your countertop without causing any problems to the countertop. However, cutting directly on the countertop will likely dull your knives, so we don’t recommend it.
While quartz is very durable, it isn’t indestructible. When possible, try to use potholders, clean up spills right away, and avoid banging dishes around on the surface of the stone.
2. Ease of Cleaning and Care
Cleaning quartz countertops is a breeze! Using just a towel and soapy water daily or a quartz cleaner, you can keep the surface of the quartz clean. Special quartz cleaners are safe and easy to use without being abrasive. Rock Doctor’s Granite and Quartz Cleaner is the perfect product to leave your quartz countertops spotless.
Natural stone countertops are porous, which means that liquids can seep into the countertops. For this reason, natural stone countertops like marble and granite require frequent sealing. Professional sealing services can be very costly, and even DIY sealers will cost you extra cash each year. Many homeowners like quartz because they don’t have to deal with the hassle and cost of sealing countertops every few months.
3. Variety
Natural stones only come in certain colors and patterns. With quartz, there are a lot more options because colors can be added during the manufacturing process, and patterns can be created. Additionally, you can be sure that your countertops have the pattern that you want, and that it won’t change between different pieces.
One unique trait of quartz is that it can be designed the way you want it, and that includes making it look like granite or marble. Surprisingly, you won’t be able to tell that your countertops are actually engineered quartz and not a natural stone slab.
4. Cost
The cost of quartz is one of the biggest factors many homeowners site for choosing this countertop material. Quartz countertops tend to cost roughly the same amount as granite, but they are more durable. Additionally, quartz countertops last a long time without a lot of maintenance needs. Over time, you will spend a lot less on quartz countertops than you would granite just solely based on upkeep costs.
5. Eco-friendliness
Quartz countertops are more environmentally friendly than other natural stone countertops. For some, this will come as a surprise, because marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces are mined from the earth instead of engineered. However, quartz is a very common element in the United States, and the quartz used to create countertops is made up of quartz that is already being mined. This is to say that no new quartz is being mined just for use in countertops.
Many of the quartz countertops brands manufacture their products in the United States, which cuts down on the distance and cost associated with transporting the materials around the world, which reduces the carbon footprint of the countertops.
Finally, quartz countertops release fewer carbon emissions during the construction process, which makes them greener than granite or marble countertops. Overall, quartz has less of an impact on the environment than the other options on the market.
6. Style
Modern kitchens are on-trend, and quartz countertops tend to fit into this style very easily. However, many homeowners have found ways to incorporate these countertops into rustic, classic, and other styles of kitchens and bathrooms as well. One of the best things about quartz is that it can be used to fit any style of kitchen or bathroom.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
While quartz countertops are a great option for homeowners, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some downsides. While there aren’t many downsides to quartz countertops, here are a few you should be aware of before taking the plunge.
- Price: While this is a pro for many, others find that quartz is too expensive when compared to its natural stone counterparts.
- Style: Quartz has a modern look to it, but some people prefer a more classic kitchen or bathroom design. Although you can have quartz in a variety of styles, many find it hard to get the same look that they could get with natural stone options. Additionally, some people prefer wood, tile, or slate countertops.
Other homeowners might prefer a different countertop material for a variety of reasons, but quartz is a great choice for those who want a durable, well-priced option without the hassle of extensive maintenance needs.
