Quartz countertops have taken the market by storm. Ask any homeowner or builder and they are looking for quartz countertops.
The question is why is this so? What is so good about quartz countertops? Should you also join the wagon? It is good to be informed.
Here is why you should or shouldn’t use quartz countertops.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
- Durable
One feature that is making quartz countertops popular is their durability. While the mineral is hard, the engineered countertops are harder because of the ingredients and processes used to make them. The countertops do not crack as easily as natural stones such as marble.
- Low maintenance
Quartz countertops do not require a lot of maintenance, unlike other natural stones. Since they are non-porous, there is no need for sealing. They only need regular cleaning with mild soap and water.
- Non-porous
Quartz countertops are non-porous and so they do not allow germs and bacteria to seep through. This feature also ensures that they do not need to be sealed and they are not stained or discolored by liquids. This is unlike the porous natural stones that require regular sealing.
- There Is Wide Choice
Quartz countertops can be made in many designs and of different colors. For instance, there are calaccatta quartz, Carrara quartz, white, grey, Nero Marquina, Statuario, and many other subtypes. Since the product is engineered, most colors and designs are possible. So you should not be surprised to find calacatta quartz with subtypes such as calacatta Flutter, Gold, Huntington, Grace, Carze, all with different colors.
Besides, you can also get imitations of natural stones such as granite and marble. If you are looking for a contemporary appearance, you just go for those with glass and metallic flecks. You can also choose between polished and honed.
With quartz, it is easy to find what you will prefer to from the many choices.
Now, this cannot be done on natural stone such as marble which leads to limited choices.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
- Heat damage
Quartz is said to be resistant to heat. However other ingredients used in making the quartz countertops such as the resin and polymers are not heat resistant. That is why you should not place a too hot item such as cookware or hairdryer on it because it can cause discoloration.
In that case, you will need to use trivets and hot pads on the surface.
How much heat resistant your countertop is depends on the quality of the ingredients used and the manufacturer.
- Costly
Quartz countertops cost more than natural stone countertops. This can be attributed to the benefits they provide. So, be ready to spend about $100 to $200 per sqft based on the quality and how complex you want the product to be.
- Limits sink options
With the quartz countertops, you can only use under-mount, drop-in, and flush mount sinks. You cannot use integrated sinks.
- Needs a professional to install
You will need a professional to install the slabs for you. So, if you are thinking DIY, then don’t. The place where the countertops are installed need to be leveled, measurements are taken and slabs secured. Seams should not be visible which means the slabs need to be placed carefully.
