Quartz countertops are stylish and beautiful. They come in a range of designs and often resemble marble but are much easier to maintain in mint condition. But they’re also pricey, vulnerable to heat, and, well, not real stone. You also can’t use them in outside living areas or install them yourself.
Most people like to keep their countertops for at least a few decades. It’s important that you choose one that works for you. Here are the pros and cons of quartz countertops.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
Offers a Wide Range of Designs
Quartz countertops offer a wide range of stylish designs, from rustic to contemporary. Being man-made, there are few limitations to what a quartz countertop can look like, but a typical quartz countertop looks crisp, clean and modern. And because it’s a manmade material, it’s easy to get matching slabs.
Often, homeowners pick styles that resemble marble. So if you saw a beautiful, marble-like countertop, it may not have been marble at all. These marble-looking but resistant countertops are desirable, so there’s a chance they might increase your home’s value.
Note that quartz comes in different grades. Lower-grade quartz’ colors are less brilliant.
Easy to Maintain
Unlike some natural stone countertops like marble and most granite, quartz countertops aren’t porous, so they don’t need sealing or special maintenance. Simply clean them with water and mild soap. If you’re a messy cook like me and considering quartz, then I’m sure you’re happy to hear this.
Repels Stains
Marble, granite, and concrete stain easily. Quartz is less likely to stain because it’s not porous.
It’s not impossible, though. Strong and acidic substances like tomato and coffee may especially leave their mark, so be sure to wipe off spills quickly.
Keep in mind that lower-grade quartz countertops contain less quartz and more resin, so they may stain more easily.
Unlikely to Scratch
Some countertops, like concrete, marble, and laminate, are susceptible to scratches. That’s not the case with quartz. Aside from heat, this countertop handles stressors pretty well. Once again, though, lower-grade quartz countertops contain less quartz and more resin, so they may scratch more easily.
Durable
Quartz is pretty tough. Low-quality quartz may crack if you place something extremely hot or cold on it. It may also crack because of drastic temperature changes, hard impacts, heavy objects, sharp edges, and improper installation.
But don’t worry; these scenarios are uncommon. Quartz countertops typically remain in mint shape without cracks for a long time.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
Pricey
Quartz is durable, practical, and fashionable, but these countertops are also among the more expensive options out there. Depending on the brand, color, patterns, and thickness, quartz countertops generally cost between $50 and $150 per square foot, including labor, which usually costs between $10 and $30 per square foot.
However, you also want to consider the quality of your quartz. For the best results, you want to go for first-grade quartz. First-grade quartz usually costs $80 to $100 per square foot, plus installation. On the other hand, low-quality quartz often costs $50 to $60 per square foot, plus installation.
The thickest slabs with premium colors or patterns cost even more. Top-grade quartz is the most expensive, and lower-quality options are less expensive. However, it’s worth noting that the most premium laminate countertops cost more per square foot than the cheapest quartz countertops.
Vulnerable to Heat
While countertops like granite and concrete resist heat, that’s not the case with quartz. The resin that holds quartz together will melt with heat. Use a trivet before placing anything hot on your quartz countertop.
Not Real Stone
Quartz is a real stone, but quartz countertops contain some percentage of other minerals. The higher the percentage of quartz, the higher the quality, but no quartz countertop is 100% quartz. And while they look more high-end and authentic than laminate, and have come a long way in their designs and their ability to imitate marble patterns, some people still prefer natural stone.
Soapstone is a great alternative to quartz if you want a natural stone and a simple design. It also resists heat.
Sunlight Damages Them
You can’t use quartz in outdoor living areas because UV light will discolor it, and heat will eventually warp and crack it. If you’re looking for outdoor countertops, quartz isn’t the one.
Natural sunlight coming through a window can also discolor quartz indoors, but it takes much longer.
Fakes Are Not Uncommon
Not all quartz on the market is the same. First-grade quartz should contain around 93% quartz. Beware of phony quartz that doesn’t offer the quality and look of first-grade quartz. Some ways to spot a fake or low-grade quartz countertops:
- When they look defective
- When they stain easily
- When they get scratched easily
- When they show burn marks even though you haven’t exposed them to temperatures higher than 300 degrees Fahrenheit
Make sure you only work with reputable pros that won’t lie about the product they’re selling. Ask about the quartz content of your product if you’re not sure.
Requires Professional Installation
Installing quartz by yourself would be hard even if you’re an experienced DIYer. It’s very heavy and difficult to work with. Leave the job to a pro.
Are Quartz Countertops Right for You?
Quartz is a man-made stone that comes in various stunning designs. It can look like marble but is much easier to maintain and much more resistant, but it’s also pricey and vulnerable to heat and sunlight.
Quartz may be right for you if you have the budget and don’t mind that it’s man-made. But if it’s not, don’t worry; there are many other options out there.
For more about kitchen countertop options, check out these articles:
- Concrete Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Laminate Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Marble Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Stainless Steel Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Tile Countertops: Pros and Cons
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: Govi Reddy / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Related Posts:
