Tips From The Trade: Pros And Cons Of Quartz Countertops

Quartz is quickly becoming one of the most popular countertop surfaces among homeowners and designers. This beautiful man-made material, which consists of natural stone fused with polymer resins, is here to stay! It offers a number of positive features like consistent beauty, extreme durability, and almost no maintenance. 

However, some are still cautious about quartz because of its price, contemporary look, and heat resistance. If you’re just not sure if quartz is right for you, then here are some of the pros and cons of quartz countertops to consider before taking the plunge. 

Pro: Consistent Beauty

Natural stone is unique, which means that each slab is different from the next. In contrast, quartz offers uniformity in terms of both color and pattern, so you can be sure that the countertop you select in the showroom is the same as the slab you will get.

Quartz countertops also comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, including options that closely mimic marble and other natural stone. 

Pro: Durable Material

Quartz is a durable, resilient material that is perfect for busy or even messy families. It’s also one of the strongest surfaces available on the market. The engineered product resists stains, so it can combat spills and splashes from things like juice, coffee, oil, and more.

It’s also scratch-, water-, and chip-resistant. Naturally, you should still use a cutting board to keep your quartz looking pristine for years to come.

Pro: Low Maintenance 

One of the best reasons for selecting quartz is that it’s a non-porous surface. Because quartz doesn’t breed bacteria or other microorganisms, you can have peace of mind knowing that your hygienic countertop is a safe place for prepping food.

Cleaning is a breeze with just some warm water, a soft sponge, and a bit of soap if needed. Another plus is that quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed, waxed, or re-polished, unlike other natural stone products. In fact, sealing quartz can actually ruin the look of the polish over time. 

Con: Price

While there aren’t very many negatives to quartz counters, some may shy away from the engineered stone due to its price. Costs can range from $115-200 per square foot, similar to other higher-end materials.

Like granite or marble, you have to consider it as an investment in your home, but quartz’s durability and ease of maintenance means that your investment will be a lasting one.

Con: Contemporary Look

Quartz tends to lean toward a more contemporary style, and may not be the best choice for a truly traditional design. However, with the many patterns available in quartz—some of which look almost identical to natural materials like marble—many homeowners make it work perfectly within their design.

Still, if you just prefer the uniqueness of each natural stone slab, such as with granite or marble, then quartz may not be right for you. 

Con: Heat Resistance

Featured: Calacatta Classique Quartz

Quartz doesn’t handle heat as well as granite does, so be careful when using hot pots and pans, or even hot hair tools. You should avoid putting these hot items directly on the countertop, so it’s best to use a hot pad or trivet underneath. As with any natural stone, the countertop could crack if quick temperature changes cause thermal expansion. 

It’s important to consider both the pros and cons of any countertop before making your purchase. If you think quartz is right for you, then you are sure to be happy with your new kitchen or bathroom countertop. That’s because with more than 60 quartz colors from MSI, you should have no trouble finding the perfect one to meet your design needs.