Counter quality demands many things, including durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Beyond beauty, the benefits of quartz countertops lend themselves nicely to each of these points, and more.
Quartz is a manmade material used mainly in kitchens and bathrooms. Homeowners, interior designers, and contractors alike have noted its uniqueness, suggesting its rare qualities and notable advantages exceed those of even marble and granite.
Still not sold? Don’t worry, below we’ll discuss the quartz countertops pros and cons, as well as the various types of quartz countertops made available to you.
3 Advantages of Quartz Countertops
Countertops are a huge investment feature. For that reason, you’ll want to do your research before making any big and final decisions, including looking at the benefits that a particular countertop material can offer.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of quartz countertops:
1. It Can Mimic the Look of Other Materials
Quartz countertops are man-made, so they can be engineered to look however you want them to. Select a style that has the delicate veining of marble, or opt for an all-white look to mimic Corian. You can even buy quartz that looks just like granite. Whatever your style preferences are, you’ll be able to find a quartz option that best fits the look.
2. It’s Scratch and Stain Resistant
Quartz is incredibly durable, negating the need to worry about scratches, stains, and accidental burns. Compared to materials such as granite and Corian, quartz is quite harder. It also lacks the porousness of marble, so you get the best of both worlds when it comes to both looks and long-term usage.
3. It’s Easy to Maintain
No special care is required to maintain quartz countertops. Nor is there a need to seal your countertops or use quartz-specific cleaning products. Just use warm water and gentle soap for regular scrubbing, and disinfect when needed with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Do not use disinfectant wipes, however, since they contain citric acid and can weaken the countertops over time.
Disadvantages of Quartz
The only prominent disadvantage to quartz is that it can get pricey, though that’s to be expected with high-end, man-made, and customizable materials. Foot per foot, quartz is comparable to other luxury countertop materials, and can even cost less depending on the specific features you opt for.
Types of Quartz Countertops
You’ve got your pick as far as quartz countertop types, colors, and brands go. You can even buy quartz countertops with fragments of glass, brass, and metal in them for a more varied look.
While shopping, you’ll want to pay extra attention to look and quality, especially before committing. Avoid commercial and builder’s grade quartz if you can, since they’re not as smooth or durable as premium quartz. Additionally, look for a thickness of about three centimeters, as this is the best fit for standard cabinets.
Are Quartz Countertops Safe?
Quartz countertops are absolutely safe. Quartz is a non-toxic material and does not require the application of toxic materials to maintain it, making it a great choice for kitchens (including households with kids and pets). Likewise, quartz is naturally antibacterial, and because it can be made from recycled materials, it’s better for the environment.
Interested in learning more about quartz countertops? Want to discuss design options and receive a quote? Work with our design team to put together the perfect plan for your luxury kitchen or bath, and create that one-of-a-kind home you truly love.
