Choosing the right countertop material is one of the most crucial steps in renovating kitchens and bathrooms. The material choice can affect not only the aesthetic appeal but also the practicality of the room.
Quartz countertops are a popular choice among the options as they are highly durable and versatile. However, as with any other options quartz countertops have their own advantages and disadvantages. Keep reading to delve deeper into the pros and cons of quartz countertops.
Quartz is an engineered stone and it is made by combining crushed natural quartzite with manufactured materials such as resins and pigments. In the end, an incredibly durable material that is ideal for purposes such as kitchen countertops and kitchen islands is created.
As opposed to natural stone countertops like granite or marble, it has a consistent appearance throughout with harmonious patterns and colors. This makes quartz an especially popular choice for modern home designs.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
Knowing the amazing benefits of quartz countertops is an important part of the selection process. These advantages will not only help you make the best decision for your home but also help you figure out which qualities you value the most in countertops.
Durability
One of the most important quartz countertops pros is that they are extremely durable and long-lasting. The added resins and binders make the materials resistant to scratches and cracks. Moreover, quartz countertops won’t get chipped easily. They can withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining their pristine condition.
Low maintenance
As quartz is not a natural stone, it is not porous. In other words, it doesn’t need to be sealed or resealed like natural stones do. This makes quartz bacteria and stains resistant. Therefore, cleaning and maintaining quartz countertops is very easy and fuss-free.
Aesthetic appeal
Quartz countertops will serve as a gorgeous and elegant focal point in your kitchen or bathroom. Their timeless beauty will achieve a luxurious appearance that will elevate the design of your home.
Variety of colors and patterns
As quartz is an engineered stone, pigments are added to it during its manufacturing process. Therefore, quartz countertops are available in any color and pattern. This allows for more variety compared to natural stones which are constrained by the limitation of natural color and pattern options. You can pick any color and pattern you wish regardless of how unusual it might be, so you can reflect your style and express your creativity.
Stain resistant
As mentioned before, quartz is non-porous and, thus highly stain resistant. Spills are a common household occurrence and beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine can be deeply staining on natural materials. On the other hand, as resins are added to the mixture that creates quartz, such liquids won’t be able to penetrate the stone.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
Although quartz countertops have many amazing benefits that make them a favorite among designers and homeowners, it has certain cons as well. Knowing the disadvantages of quartz countertops will help you make the best-informed decision and decide if any of these qualities is a dealbreaker for you.
Cost
The cost of quartz countertops can be considered to be one of their primary disadvantages. Options such as laminate or tile will have a lower initial cost per square foot, however, quartz is a much more durable option. Therefore, it will prove itself to be a wise investment in the long run.
Heat damage
Quartz countertops are not heat resistant and can get heat damage if they come into contact with hot pans and pots. This is due to the additives that also make it stain resistant. In other words, you are trading heat resistance for stain resistance in the case of quartz countertops.
Weight
Quartz countertops are a very heavy material. This makes the installation process more challenging and can put a lot of stress on the cabinetry that is supporting the countertops. Therefore, if you are interested in quartz countertops, it is best to get them professionally installed instead of turning them into a dıy project so the countertops can be properly supported. Even the highest quality material can crack if it isn’t properly installed, so you should consider this to be a crucial step.
In short, knowing quartz countertops pros and cons is an essential part of making the final decision for your countertops. Quartz countertops offer a great blend of beauty, durability, and versatility that makes them a favorite of many homeowners. By weighing the advantages and disadvantages of quartz countertops, you can determine if they are the right choice for your aesthetic and functional needs.
