Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops Quartz countertops are relatively new, but they’ve found a loyal following because of their many good qualities such as their attractive appearance, durability and the fact they don’t have some of the weaknesses of natural stone. Also called engineered stone countertops, quartz countertops are here to stay. Here is a look at their strengths and weaknesses. Reasons to Consider Quartz Countertops Quartz is a manufactured product and can be very attractive. The manufacturing process allows a much wider range of colors than you’ll find in natural stones such as marble or granite. The appearance of the finished engineered stone is rich, even luxurious. The finish has a depth that can’t be produced with solid surface materials like Corian. Quartz has the same durability as concrete and granite, but is quite a bit more forgiving, so it won’t chip or crack as easily. It doesn’t have the same hardness in the feel that some people find unpleasant. Like other hard surface countertop materials, quartz is non-porous so it resists staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. It stands up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and other sources of stains in the kitchen. For cleanliness, a non-porous surface means that it will not harbor bacteria or viruses. You can always be confident that you are getting your quartz countertop absolutely clean, and that’s a great benefit in both the kitchen and the bathroom. Reasons to be Cautious about Quartz Countertops There aren’t many cons to this engineered stone. The biggest concern for some will be the price. When you get written estimates, expect quartz countertop prices to be $115-$200 per square foot. Keep in mind, however, that those prices are competitive with other high-end countertop materials such as granite, marble, concrete and slate. The look of quartz countertops is fairly contemporary. That isn’t necessarily a weakness since beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, some homeowners will prefer the more natural look of granite, marble, slate or wood for their home. The seams on engineered stone countertops are sometimes noticeable too, about like those with granite countertops, but this isn’t a deal breaker for most people. Finally, quartz is not as resistant to heat as granite, crushed glassed or concrete, so caution will have to be used with hot pots and pans in the kitchen or hot hair tools in the bathroom. Summary For a contemporary, upscale look with very low maintenance required, quartz countertops are definitely worth considering. Be aware of the few potential drawbacks and their price. If you’re willing to live with those things, quartz countertops should meet or exceed your expectations.