Updated May 21st 2021 | New Advice, New Pictures
It doesn’t matter whether you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen, your bathroom, or both. If home improvement is on your mind, odds are you’ve been researching different types of countertops.
While granite and marble are classics, quartz has been on the rise — and for a good reason. Quartz countertops have pretty much all the aesthetic beauty of natural stone. But, they also come with a few added benefits that you only get with quartz.
That said, quartz countertops aren’t for everyone. As with everything else in the world, they come with a few downsides.
If you’re looking for new countertops but aren’t sure if quartz is for you, don’t worry. We’re here to help you make the right decision for you and your home. Here are all the pros and cons of quartz countertops you should consider before making a final decision.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
As we said before, quartz countertops can feature the same level of beauty found in natural stone. But, their fantastic looks aren’t their only positive feature.
Quartz is naturally mined from the Earth but goes through a little bit of production to get you slabs of quartz ready to be made into countertops. These slabs are guaranteed to look great anywhere in your home.
But, there are a few other perks that come from choosing engineered stone over more traditional natural materials.
Wide Variety of Colors Available
You can make quartz countertops out of either mined or synthetic materials. Because of this, they are available in a more varied array of colors than their completely natural counterparts. This fact means that you won’t have to settle for one of a small set list of shades. You’ll be able to find quartz countertops in the perfect color to complement your space.
Imagine, the look of natural stone, in a unique color that matches your style. It’s this extra level of freedom that leads so many homeowners to choose quartz over granite and marble. As significant as decor can be, being able to find quartz countertops in a specific color is not the only reason it makes a perfect surface material.
Highly Durable
Picture this — you buy and install beautiful marble countertops. Your kitchen looks fabulous until your hanging pot rack comes loose and crashes to the floor, sideswiping the counter on its way down. Now your beautiful countertops are all chipped up, cracked, and damaged. Sure this specific scenario is unlikely, but it’s not impossible.
If you choose quartz countertops, you won’t have to worry about kitchen accidents damaging your countertops. Quartz, unlike other natural stone options, is all but indestructible. The striations and flaws you can find in materials like granite make them more susceptible to chips and cracks over time.
While you can get granite countertops sealed to make them stronger, they still don’t match up to the durability of sealed, or even unsealed, quartz. Quartz is nonporous, because of this it’s guaranteed not to crack or chip like other stone countertops.
Low Maintenance
Because of its nonporous nature, quartz is also simpler to maintain than other natural stone. Quartz comes with a natural seal, making it more resilient against stains. Liquids and oils can’t penetrate its surface, so accidental spills don’t have to spell the end of your pristine counters.
There aren’t any crevices where liquids and bacteria can grow. Because of this, quartz countertops are even considered more hygienic than other types of stone.
Cleaning quartz countertops is a breeze. There’s no laundry list of dangerous materials to worry about like there is with granite. And, there aren’t any specific cleaning solutions required either. All you need to get the job done is a damp rag and maybe a little gentle soap. It’s that simple.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
While quartz may look great and be more durable than other countertop materials, it’s not without its faults.
When it comes to renovating your home, it’s essential to understand the downsides that come with the alterations you make. If you’re considering installing quartz countertops, here are a few negative aspects you should take into account.
Vulnerable to Heat
Stone is always at least a little susceptible to heat, and, this is especially true for quartz. While quartz can take a beating from most things, too much heat can and will damage it.
If you set a hot pot or pan directly on a quartz countertop, it could cause the surface to become discolored or even crack. Even smaller, more innocuous items like a curling iron can cause irreversible damage to your countertops.
But, while quartz is very weak to heat, it is possible to protect it. You can avoid heat damage with the help of trivets, heating pads, or potholders. As long as your willing to be careful with hot items around your quartz countertops, this “con” shouldn’t be a significant issue.
Hard to Hide Seams
Everyone likes the look of a clean, flat, seamless stone countertop. Unfortunately, there are moments in life that need seams.
Depending on the color you choose to install, quartz counters can have the same issue other stone countertops do — pronounced seams.
If you choose to light countertops or countertops with a pattern, the seams may not be as striking. And, most homeowners don’t consider this issue to be a deal-breaking drawback. Whether you’re willing to have a few lines in your countertop is up to you.
Can Be Expensive
If you consider new countertops to be an investment in your home, this final “con” may not bother you as much. Stone countertops can be a bit more pricey than other materials — especially when you add in the cost of installation.
It can be easy to spend upwards of $200 per square foot on quartz countertops, it all depends on where you buy it. But, whether the price could be a dealbreaker depends on your budget.
You can request a quote on new quartz countertops from us today. Who knows? You may be pleasantly surprised by the price. We also have financing options available on all our available quartz countertops. So, beautiful new countertops may be well within your reach.
The Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops can be a gorgeous addition to any home. And, while they come with several notable “pros,” they aren’t for everyone. Now that you know the pros and cons of quartz countertops, you may be ready to make a decision. Whether you’d like to find some beautiful quartz countertops, or you’ve decided to try something else, we can help.
Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect countertops for you and your home.
