Quartz Countertop Review: Pros and Cons
Quartz countertops have become all the rage (a top pick) in kitchen and bathroom remodel projects. They have attractive qualities and enduring characteristics that set them apart from other stone options such as granite. Quartz is highly durable, easy to keep clean and has a great color selection.
However, along with pros, comes some cons — which should also be considered when weighing your options. Countertops are a long-term purchase, so it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of quartz countertops when making your decision.
What are Quartz Countertops?
Quartz countertops are engineered stone slabs that are used as a surface in kitchens, bathrooms and other worktop applications. Unlike natural stones that are quarried from the Earth, quartz is man-made by combining quartz crystals mixed with resins that bond together to make a solid surface — resembling the look and feel of stone.
As engineered stone becomes more popular, manufacturers are continuously coming out with the newest and best inventory to keep up with the latest trends and market demand. Some of the most popular quartz brands in the market include Cambria, Caesarstone, Pental Quartz, Vetrazzo, and Nustone. Each of these brands produce specific types of quartz that possess unique colors and patterns. With hundreds of quartz brands, the options are vast. Comparing each brand prior to making your decision is important to find the exact slab you are looking for.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
Durability
Quartz countertops are most praised for their enduring durability. Quartz is a hard and stain-resistant surface that can withstand daily wear and tear. It is a nonporous stone that will naturally repel liquids, moisture and bacteria, as opposed to natural stones that are porous and absorb liquids.
In addition, quartz is not as vulnerable to chips and scratches compared to other stone options. It can withstand wear and is ideal for high traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. This makes it a top pick among home buyers, adding value and dependability.
Low Maintenance
Due to their nonporous quality, quartz countertops require little to no maintenance. Their resistance to liquids, dirt and debris prevents stains and bacterial growth. Since nothing is perfect, it is still important to wipe messes and keep your countertops clean to extend their lifespan. Cleaning your quartz countertops can be done using a simple mild soap and water mixture.
Another advantage quartz countertops have over natural stones such as granite is that they do not require sealing or special treatments. Sealing is necessary for porous stones because it creates a barrier to repel liquids and prevent staining or etching. However, quartz has an innate barrier that requires fewer preventative measures. This will save you money in the long run.
Variety of Colors and Designs
Quartz countertops come in a wide range of color options that can match any decor. If you’re looking for a stone to achieve a particular aesthetic, quartz is the perfect option. Since quartz is an engineered stone, slab manufacturers can manipulate its mineral makeup and appearance. Brands are able to produce slabs in colors and designs that are uniform or varied to achieve a certain look. In addition, slabs can be custom-built to match your decor. This gives quartz a leading advantage over natural stone slabs that cannot be altered in any way.
Quartz comes in many colors and patterns that can mimic the look of natural stone. Slabs can resemble the speckle and graining in granite or the white with gray veining of marble, without the additional maintenance that comes with them. The ability to mimic other natural stones while offering even more durability makes quartz an ideal option.
Consistency
Quartz slabs are abundantly available in prefabricated designs. This allows for greater consistency among slabs. Colors are typically less random and more intentional than natural stone slabs — which many people are attracted to.
The consistency in colors, patterns and designs, along with the composition of the slabs, allows for more predictable fabrication and makes it easier to match pieces during the installation process. This allows for a seamless outcome that is guaranteed to meet your expectations.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
Price
Price is always an important factor to consider when making a long-term commitment. Perhaps one of the biggest cons to quartz countertops is their price. In general, quartz countertops have a higher price range than other stone options, but this depends on the type of quartz.
One of the reasons that quartz slabs are more expensive is because they have a higher initial cost compared to some other materials. Quartz prices are associated with labor costs and the materials needed to produce the slabs.
Other factors that influence the price of quartz countertops include:
- Brand and quality
- Slab size and thickness
- Color
- Demand and availability
Susceptibility to Heat Damage
Quartz countertops are extremely durable. However, they can be damaged from excessive heat. It’s important to take preventative measures to avoid contact or long exposure to heat sources. Natural stones are often formed from pressurized heat and magma in the Earth, giving them an inherent tolerance to extreme heat. Quartz, on the other hand, does not acquire this trait.
When using quartz countertops in your kitchen or bathrooms, it’s imperative to get in the habit of using trivets or hot pads. Do not set a hot pot or pan directly on your quartz countertop because it can cause the resin in the slab to react. Placing something beneath the heat source will help avoid heat damage which can be difficult to reverse.
Not Completely Heat-Resistant
Quartz countertops are not completely heat resistant. Sudden or rapid changes in temperature can cause thermal shock, resulting in cracking, burn marks or discoloration. The stress of extreme heat creates tension and pressure that can trigger the chemical process and cause a reaction in your quartz countertop.
Precautions to take when using hot cookware include:
- Using trivets or hot pads
- Avoid direct contact with your quartz surface
- Reduce prolonged or repeated exposure
Limited Resilience to UV Light
Quartz countertops are not suitable for outdoor installations or areas with prolonged sunlight exposure. Their susceptibility to extreme heat can translate to direct sunlight. They can have a similar reaction in direct sunlight as occurs when they come in contact with a heat source such as a hot pot or pan.
Direct sunlight can cause your quartz countertops to fade over time. If you’re looking to use quartz for your outdoor application, be sure to avoid direct sunlight and take precautionary measures to limit excessive heat exposure. Quartz countertops for outdoor applications may require more maintenance and repairs.
Why Choose Granite and Marble Designs
After weighing the pros and cons of quartz countertops, you should be able to decide whether they meet your expectations. Granite and Marble Designs works with all of the best quartz brands and can help guide you on what you are looking for. Our showroom features hundreds of quartz samples from each brand so that you can compare them all in one place, saving you time in the long run.
We are not just fabricators. Our expertise includes:
- Design consultation
- Fabrication using the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment
- Installation
We are dedicated to sourcing only premium stone working with the most renowned quartz brands and manufacturers. Our StoneDoneRight™ Approach is our promise to providing the highest quality and customer satisfaction. We take the extra step to build relationships with our clients and deliver a flawless product. We guarantee our work and would love to be a part of your quartz countertop application.
Schedule a design consultation or appointment to visit our quartz countertop showroom.