If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your kitchen countertops to quartz, but have heard mixed messages on whether it’s the right choice, continue reading. We break down the pros and cons of quartz so that you can make the best decision for your home.
Information about Quartz
Quartz is a relatively new material gaining popularity in countertops because of its attractive look and easy maintenance. Quartz is manufactured like a real stone and is a mix of resin, quartz, or “engineered stone” that is versatile in shapes, sizes, and colors. However, quartz is expensive and not as natural looking as granite.
Discover more about the pros and cons of using quartz.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
The beauty of quartz is unparalleled with any other material. With its smooth surface and unique designs, you can find the perfect shape, design, and color to match your kitchen or bathroom. Some other pros of quartz include:
- An elegant or luxurious look, which increases your home’s value, especially if you plan on selling your home at some point. If you flip homes, using this material can be the catalyst for selling a home at top value.
- Same durability as marble and concrete, but is more forgiving and won’t crack or chip as easily.
- Reduced hardness feel that some people find unpleasant
- Non-porous, so it resists staining better than marble, granite, and concrete, especially with oil, tomato, juice, wine, coffee, and other sources of stains in kitchens or bathrooms.
- Won’t harbor bacteria or viruses
- Warranty from most manufacturers that includes 25 years to a lifetime
- Customized to fit any cabinet material, color, backsplash, and flooring
Cons of Quartz Countertops
As with any material, there are always some cons; it’s the same with quartz. Some of the cons of using this material are:
- The price – Because of the way it’s manufactured, quartz is more costly than other materials. You’re looking at about $115-$200 per square foot. However, those prices could easily translate to high-end granite, marble, slate, or concrete materials.
- Not as natural-looking as granite, marble, slate, or wood, but that may not bother you since beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
- Seams may look a little more noticeable on engineered stone so, some people may be turned off by that look.
- Not as resistant to heat as crushed glass, granite, or concrete, so you must be more cautious with hot pots or pans in the kitchen and with hair tools in the bathroom.
- Even though quartz is stain-resistant, it’s not stain-proof and can react with certain chemicals, leading to damage. Materials like high pH cleaners, bleach, paint and paint remover, permanent markers, nail polish remover, oil soaps, and glue can stain quartz.
- Complicated installation that requires skilled professionals to measure, level, and secure the slaps to an island or cabinets.
Contact Intermountain Stone and Marble Company
Now that you’re aware of both the pros and cons of quartz, you can make an informed decision. For any other questions or to get an estimate, reach out and give us a call. We will direct you to our professional experts who can address your needs and desires. Contact us today.
