Quartz is often considered to be a great material for kitchen worktops. By why quartz kitchen countertops are so popular? What are their qualities, costs, pros, and cons? Let’s find out if it’s a good idea to buy such an expensive quartz countertop.
What is Quartz Kitchen Countertop Made of?
It is made of a composite material, namely, quartz sand/crumb (94%), polymer resin (5%), and pigment (1% dye). These are all eco-friendly natural materials. This kind of kitchen bench is produced from relatively large slabs, approximately 3000 by 1400 in dimensions. As the result, you can avoid having seams for L-shaped countertops.
Pros of Quartz Tabletops
- Resistant to damages (scratches, chips, cracks).
- Quartz used for countertops is specifically engineered to be solid and durable
- Various end chamfer designs
- Works with bottom-mounted sink, which can be made of the same material as the kitchen countertop
- Is resistant to aggressive chemicals (acids, solvents) and high temperatures
- Nonporous: doesn’t breed bacteria and mold, also does not absorb moisture (wine, coffee)
- Doesn’t require special re-treatment, like sealing and waterproofing, unlike granite countertops
- Carefree – super easy cleaning with sponge and soap
- Predictable color and texture – you can expect consistency between samples and the actual end products
- Huge color scheme
- It has a flawless beautiful sheen. You can also pick from matte or textural quartz, all of which can be easily cleaned
- Quartz kitchen countertops are synonymous with luxury and can increase the price of an apartment or house sale
- The availability of large slabs makes it possible to create monolithic designs without visible seams.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
- Cold to the touch
- Only stone textures
- Curved countertop design is not possible. You cannot bend quartz slabs. The alternatives for more flexible designs are concrete, granite, or marble countertops.
- A special metal frame reinforcement may be necessary for bar counters due to the heavy weight of the stone
- Doesn’t lend itself to restoration. A cracked kitchen worktop means a complete replacement
- You can’t leave very hot objects on it for too long, because stone may burst or crack in that place
- You have to pay for professional installation because it is very difficult to cut and lift it by yourself
- Very careful measurement is crucial to a successful installation because quartz stones are incredibly hard to adjust
- Color fading under direct sunlight because quartz counters are prone to UV exposure
- Natural quartz is expensive as the material. Some manufacturers may use a small amount of quartz in slabs or even replace it with ceramics, sand, or other cheaper materials. When buying quartz countertops for kitchen, you should request a product certificate.
The Price of Quartz Countertops
Of course, the cost of quartz worktops varies depending on many factors, such as processing, finished surface, edges, and etc. Quartz (artificial stone) is a rather expensive material, although in price it’s more cost-effective than granite (natural stone). Another important fact, the cost will depend on the country of the producer. For example, the same product coming from China is cheaper than that from the US. The approximate costs range from $200 to $450 per running meter.
Quartz vs Granite Kitchen Countertops
Some sellers can offer you granite kitchen countertops instead of quartz ones, but they’re expensive and difficult to cut. At the same time, granite is a natural stone and in some ways inferior in quality to quartz. The video below compares the differences:
Conclusion
In this article, we addressed the most significant factors to consider when buying quartz countertops for your kitchen, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. Remember, a quartz kitchen countertop is very easy to take care of, has a hard surface resistant to micro scratches, and chic finishes that will enhance your home interior design greatly. While quartz is cheaper than natural stone countertops, it is more cost-effective and has better overall quality than its counterparts, like granite and marble.
