Quartz is easy to live with. It’s engineered and non-porous, so it never needs sealing. Granite and Marble Designs buys quartz from the major brands, cuts it in our shop at 5676 N Pecos St in Denver and installs it with our own crew. Compare quartz slabs side by side in our showroom, and we’ll put together a free estimate.
Compare Quartz Brands In Person
What quartz is
Quartz countertops are made from about 90% natural quartz crystals, bound with polymer resin and pigments and pressed into slabs. The rest is other minerals and stone byproducts. Because it’s manufactured, the color and pattern are more consistent than natural stone, and brands can make quartz that looks like marble, granite, concrete or soapstone. A granite-look quartz has a less random pattern than real granite, because the color and mineral makeup are controlled as the slab is made. Quartz also comes in bold colors more often than natural stone does.
That’s also why people call it engineered stone. Don’t confuse it with quartzite, which is a natural stone. Here’s the difference.
Pros and cons of quartz countertops
The pros:
- Low maintenance. Quartz never needs sealing. Wipe it down with mild soap and water and you’re done.
- Non-porous and hygienic. Quartz is made without pores, so it repels moisture, air, other fluids, stains and bacteria. That makes it a good fit for kitchens, bathroom vanities, showers and tub surrounds.
- Hard and durable. Quartz is a very hard, premium stone with many of the same strengths as granite, plus even more stain resistance. It’s highly scratch resistant and stands up to nearly anything a kitchen throws at it.
- Works almost anywhere indoors. Quartz suits contemporary and traditional styles, in homes and commercial spaces: kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, bars and restaurants.
- Consistent look. If you want a clean, even pattern, or a specific color across a big kitchen, quartz is easier to match than natural stone.
- Lots of choices. The brands we buy from carry a wide range of colors and finishes, including marble-look quartz.
The cons:
- It isn’t heat-proof. Use trivets for hot pans.
- It can fade in direct sunlight, so we don’t recommend it for outdoor kitchens or spots that get strong UV. For outdoors, look at quartzite or granite.
- It doesn’t like harsh chemicals. Avoid cleaners high in alkaline, acid or oxidizers.
If you want a low-maintenance kitchen and a more modern, less natural-looking stone, and you don’t mind using a trivet, quartz is a good choice. Please review our Care and Maintenance page for the best ways to keep your quartz looking good for years.