Complete Guide to Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons
Quartz Countertops Pros and Cons
Our miniature kitchen remodel is so close to being done I can taste it… Probably the biggest (and most pricey) decision I made in the process of renovating our small kitchen space was the countertops. Choosing the right countertops is a major decision that can really impact the entire scope of a kitchen remodel. In this post, I’ll break down why we chose quartz countertops for our kitchen and our quartz countertops pros and cons list.
Quartz has become a popular choice among homeowners and interior designers when choosing materials for kitchen countertops. Quartz countertops offer a blend of beauty, durability, and practicality, making them an excellent choice for various kitchen styles. Like any material, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages which I’ll cover in this blog post.
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What Is Quartz?
Quartz is a unique and durable man-made stone, typically used to create countertops for kitchens and bathrooms. Because of it’s durability and wide variety of design options, it has increased in popularity in recent years.
Composition
- Natural Quartz: Quartz countertops are typically made of about 90-95% natural quartz, which is a very hard and durable mineral.
- Resin and Polymers: The remaining 5-10% consists of resins, polymers, and pigments. These bind the quartz crystals together and allow the material to be molded into slabs, as well as adding color and other visual effects.
Manufacturing Process
- Quartz countertops are engineered using a manufacturing process where the crushed quartz crystals are mixed with resin and pigments, then poured into a mold to form slabs.
- The slabs are then compacted using a vacuum and vibration process, heated to harden, and polished to achieve a smooth, non-porous surface.
Is Quartz Man-Made?
Quartz itself is a natural mineral found abundantly in the Earth’s crust. However, when we talk about quartz countertops, they are man-made or engineered stone products.
When referring to quartz countertops as “man-made,” it means that the material is created through a manufacturing process rather than being quarried directly from the Earth like natural stones
Man Made vs Natural Stone
When choosing countertops, you have a variety of options that fall into two broad categories: man-made (engineered) countertops and natural stone countertops. Each has its own unique properties, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements. Here’s a breakdown:
Man Made Countertop Options:
- Quartz
- Porcelain
- Concrete
- Laminate
Natural Stone Countertop Options:
- Marble
- Soapstone
- Granite
- Slate
- Limestone
- Travertine
There are pros and cons to each type of countertop stone and it all depends on your personal needs + the look you are going for.
Our Countertop Inspiration
Can I be totally honest? I was shocked when I selected quartz countertops for our home. When I first started talking with our fabricator, I vehemently swore off quartz as an option. I’ve always been so inspired by natural stones like marble, soapstone and quartzite that was my original plan for our kitchen.
Our small kitchen is towards the back of our house and doesn’t have the best lighting. We only have 2 small windows in the kitchen space and they are on the side of the house without much natural sunlight. For this reason, I decided we really needed to keep the countertops light.
The Countertop Installation Process
If you have never replaced kitchen countertops, let me tell you: This was a learning experience!
I shared in THIS post that I tried to refinish the original butcherblock countertops in our kitchen to save money and it was an absolute nightmare! After realizing they would never work, we decided to buckle down and purchase countertops from a fabricator.
The first thing I did was call around to find a good countertop fabricator. The fabricator is responsible for turning the raw slab of granite/quartz/marble you select into a perfectly measured and finished countertop and then typically remove the old countertops and installing the new ones. Our fabricator didn’t have a large inventory so they gave me a list of distributors to visit.
When I tell you I’m the least decisive countertop selector known to man… I went to SO many different distributors to find the perfect marble slab…
After a few weeks of looking, I couldn’t find a marble slab that didn’t have a massive amount of gray veining. I love veining but I really wanted to keep the countertops as close to white as possible. Finally, I found one that I loved… that was close to $8,000.
Because this isn’t a full kitchen renovation, and we’re just trying to freshen up the existing kitchen I decided that marble was just too pricey. As I was leaving the last warehouse, I noticed a beautiful white slab with very slight gray veining. It was perfect AND it was quartz! My preconceived quartz notions were proved wrong.
The Pros of Quartz Countertops
1. Durability and Strength
Quartz countertops are known for their exceptional durability. This is the reason why many new home builders are installing them over marble and other natural stones. They just last longer! Made from natural quartz crystals combined with resin binders, these man-made products are incredibly strong and resistant to everyday wear and tear. The durability of quartz countertops makes them a great option for busy kitchens (like ours) where the surfaces are frequently used for food preparation and cooking.
2. Non-Porous Surface
One of the primary reasons quartz is an ideal choice for kitchen countertops is its non-porous surface. Unlike natural stone countertops such as marble, quartz does not have tiny pores that can absorb liquids. (I love marble with all my heart… We just replaced our foyer floor with marble tiles! But I won’t lie that I was a LITTLE intimidated when considering how quickly marble can suck a stain deep into the counter and it can be quite hard to remove).
The non-porous nature makes quartz countertops highly stain-resistant and easy to clean. Regular cleaning with mild soap and warm water is usually all that’s needed to maintain their pristine appearance.
3. Low Maintenance
Quartz countertops are probably the most low-maintenance option compared to other countertop materials. They do not require sealing, unlike granite, marble or other porous materials, which need periodic resealing to maintain their integrity. They don’t require special products for cleaning, they don’t etch and they don’t stain easily.
4. Natural Stone Look for Cheaper
One of my original preconceived notions about quartz was that it is trying to mimic marble… but it looks very unnatural. While this is the case with many quartz slabs, with diligent searching it is possible to find a slab that looks very similar to marble or other natural stones.
If you’re really going for the natural stone look, I recommend looking for quartz with a honed finish and very subtle horizontal veining. Many of the slabs I saw were white with no variation and then had giant gray veins going through the slab vertically which just doesn’t look like marble. The slab I selected had flecks of gray variation throughout the entire slab and the veins ran mostly horizontally which resulted in a more natural look. In addition, the honed finish takes away from that shiny plastic look that quartz can sometimes have.
Whether you prefer the look of natural stone or want a modern, sleek appearance, there is likely a quartz surface that fits your aesthetic preferences.
5. Scratch and Stain Resistance
The hardness of quartz stone makes it resistant to scratches from everyday use. It’s also resistant to stains from common kitchen substances like wine, coffee, and oils, adding to its appeal as a durable surface for kitchen worktops.
The Cons of Quartz Countertops
1. Sensitivity to Heat
One of the cons of quartz countertops is their sensitivity to heat. Although quartz is heat resistant, it is not heatproof. Exposure to excessive heat, such as placing hot pans or hot pots directly on the surface, can cause heat damage, including discoloration or cracking. To protect your quartz counters, it’s advisable to use hot pads or trivets when placing hot items on the countertop surface.
To me, this is kind of a no-brainer. I’m not aware of any countertop types that can withstand high amounts of heat without some damage so throwing a hot pad down on my counters isn’t a big deal.
3. Higher Price Point
While generally considered a very affordable countertop option, Quartz countertops can still be more expensive than some other countertop options, such as laminate or certain types of granite. While the price varies depending on the brand, color, and installation requirements, quartz is generally considered a premium material. If you’re on a tight budget, quartz may not be the most cost-effective option for new countertops.
Since I was considering marble or soapstone originally, the quartz slab I picked was about half the price of the marble I was looking at… So again, this wasn’t an issue for us.
4. Professional Installation Required
Installing quartz countertops is not typically a DIY project. Due to the weight and the need for precision during installation, it’s important to have quartz countertops installed by a skilled professional.
6. Lack of Natural Stone Variation
For those who love the unique, natural variations found in materials like marble, quartz countertops may not be the right choice. Although quartz countertops can mimic the look of natural stone, they often lack the one-of-a-kind patterns that are inherent to natural materials.
That being said, with some diligent searching, I now know it is possible to find a quartz slab that pretty closely mimics marble. There are more “fake” looking slabs than truly authentic-looking slabs, BUT if you can find one like I did, it’s worth your time (and budget) to keep looking!
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
The cost comparison between quartz and granite countertops depends on various factors, including the quality, brand, where you purchase them.
Cost Comparison
- Prices for Quartz can range from $50 to $150 per square foot, including installation. The cost varies based on the brand, design complexity, and color. Some premium quartz options can be more expensive, especially if they mimic rare natural stones.
- Granite countertops can vary more widely in price depending on the rarity and origin of the stone. Prices generally range from $40 to $200 per square foot, including installation. More common types of granite can be less expensive, while exotic stones or unique patterns can push the cost higher.
In Summary:
- Cheaper Options: Entry-level granite can be cheaper than quartz, especially if you choose a more common variety.
- Higher-End: High-end quartz and granite can be comparable in price, but some rare granite slabs CAN be more expensive than quartz.
- Consistency: Quartz offers more consistency in pricing, whereas granite’s cost can fluctuate significantly depending on the stone’s uniqueness and origin.
Is Quartz the Right Choice for You?
Quartz countertops offer a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing option for kitchen countertops. With a wide range of colors and designs, quartz surfaces can fit various kitchen styles, from modern to traditional.
When deciding whether quartz is the right material for your kitchen, consider your specific needs, budget, and how you use your countertops. If you prioritize durability, stain resistance, and a non-porous surface, quartz may be the best countertop material for you.
However, if you’re looking for a countertop with a natural variation of stone or need something more heat-resistant for a busy kitchen or outdoor use, you may want to explore other options.
In the end, making an informed decision involves weighing the pros and cons of quartz countertops against other countertop options. With professional installation and proper care, quartz countertops can be a great option that enhances both the functionality and beauty of your kitchen. I hope this quartz countertops pros and cons list helps you make the best decision for your home!
We are absolutely loving our new quartz countertops! For more kitchen content check out the following posts:
