What is negative about quartz countertops?

Quartz is one of the most desirable high-end countertop materials available. That’s saying a lot considering the quality of many other countertop material competitors. Also called engineered stone countertops, their popularity is due, in no small part, to their stylish beauty and ease of ownership. But are they right for you? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of quartz countertops and then review some details on points that will matter to you.

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What Are Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are a man-made product. They are created by combining natural quartz and minerals with chemical resins and pigments. The manufacturing process allows unparalleled creative options. Made of 93% natural stone, they’re an excellent example of human ingenuity and nature combined. Quartz countertops pros and cons lists lean heavily toward the pros side.

Pros

• Color and design options: Quartz countertops have nearly unlimited colors available. The design options can be anything from simple patterns, to complex imitations of granite or marble.
• Contemporary: Crisp, clean looks whether a rich color or subtle design, can fit the style needs of any modern kitchen.
• Maintenance-free: The non-porous surface requires no sealing or special care. Simple cleaning keeps them looking great.
• Durable: Quartz tops should last a lifetime with minimal scratching or chipping.
• Resale value: As their popularity has increased, so has their value in regards to buyer appeal when selling your home.

Cons

• Price: Having one of the highest price tags of all countertop types, the luxury of having quartz countertops comes at a significant price.
• Vulnerable to heat damage: The resins and fillers that provide quartz’s durability also make irreparable damage from hot pans a possibility.
• Manufactured product: Although most of the materials in quartz tops are naturally occurring. The process of making them is not natural. They can be made to mimic natural stone, but in essence, they are not.
• Professionally installed only: DIY installation is not recommended. Professional tools and training are required for best results.

Cost

Purchasing quartz countertops will have a significant impact on your kitchen remodel budget. Starting at $80 per square foot installed, they can reach as high as $150 per foot for custom-built options with elaborate designs. More expensive countertop materials exist, but quartz definitely ranks among the highest.

Maintenance and Care

Moisture, dirt and contaminants simply will not penetrate the non-porous surface of quartz, keeping them free of deeply embedded stains. For this reason, they are considered maintenance-free. Simply wiping them off with soap and water is plenty to keep them looking their best.

Being a hard, but not too brittle material, they are difficult to scratch or chip. The resins that provide their tough exterior though, can be damaged by high heat. Protecting them from contact with hot pans is necessary.

Design Options

Design options for quartz countertops are seemingly endless. Some are made to resemble granite or marble, while others are created to look like nothing else can. Light and simple patterns are common, but deep colors and intricate designs are where quartz tops can truly show off their flamboyant tendencies.

Add to that their excellent (but not always perfect) seam-hiding attributes, along with the ability to be fully customized, and you have a countertop material that can be perfect for any kitchen.

Installation

Difficult precision cuts, product weight and seaming methods, command the need for professional installation. Other than very small prefabricated tops, DIY installation is not recommended. To create the nearly invisible seams requires extensive training, and the tools needed to cut the material are expensive.

Lifespan

Warranties on quartz countertops last from 10 years to the life of your home. In reality, they have the potential to last much longer than your house. The man-made products used in their construction don’t break down over time, and the natural materials are all but indestructible. When considering the price of quartz tops, keep in mind that it’s likely a one-time-only cost.

Top Brands

There are differences in quartz countertop manufacturers. Different combinations of materials can produce higher or lower quality tops. However, even lesser quality quartz tops are still better than most countertop materials. A few of the most recognized and trusted makers include Silestone, Cambria and Caesarstone.

Bottom Line

If your budget allows the inclusion of high-end countertops, quartz may be the right material to meet your demands. Having minimal downsides, low maintenance, durable beauty and boasting a myriad of design options, it’s not surprising that they are one of the most sought-after kitchen design features.

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Quartz countertop pros and cons are endless but they still remain a popular option in today’s kitchens. Most quartz countertop materials consist of approximately 95% quartz and 5% resin.

The countertop is often the kitchen’s focal point that everyone instantly notices and quartz is one of the most popular and desirable options! People love to use quartz for their countertops because it’s durable and it also adds a luxurious feel to your home.

Caesarstone Frosty Carrina Quartz Countertop

However, like many other materials, quartz countertops have their own drawbacks. So today, I’m dedicating this post to help you decide if quartz countertops are the best option for your kitchen!

Quartz Countertop Pros and Cons

Installing quartz countertops can have plenty of pros and cons, but the key is to learn as much as you can before undertaking such a project. Knowing these countertop pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about whether investing in quartz countertops is worth it or not!

I chose to use quartz throughout my home, and have been 100% happy with the choice! But since countertops are such an expensive item you want to be sure quartz is the right material for your lifestyle as well as your design aesthetic!

Caesarstone London Grey Quartz Countertop

I used the brand Caesarstone but there are lots of options out there. The colors used through my home are Caesartstone Frosty Carrina (in my kitchen & primary bath) and Caesarstone London Grey (in my laundry room). They give the look of marble but the durability I need with a young and messy family!

Advantages Of Quartz Countertops

Caesarstone Frosty Carrina Quartz Countertop

Looks Luxurious

Quartz countertops are popular for a reason! The process by which it’s manufactured allows there to be a wide range of colors and also creates a depth to the surface that’s very attractive.

Durable

The durability of quartz countertops is comparable to granite and even concrete! However, the surface of quartz is more forgiving and therefore won’t crack or chip easily.

Caesarstone Frosty Carrina Quartz Countertop

This is a big pro for most people because a chipped countertop really can’t be ignored and they’re not cheap to replace! We’ve had our countertops for almost 7 years and we haven’t even experienced a knick!

Resistant to Stains

Another advantage of quartz countertops is that they’re much more stain resistant than natural stones like granite or marble. Its surface is non-porous which means that it will easily fend off kitchen spills like oil, tomato, coffee, or wine!

Caesarstone Frosty Carrina Quartz Countertop

Its non-porous surface also means that it won’t trap harmful bacteria or viruses which makes it perfect for both kitchens and bathrooms!

Requires little Maintenance

Seeing as its surface is durable and non-porous, that means that there is very little maintenance required! All you have to do is wipe it down and you can be 100% certain that your kitchen countertop is clean!

Disadvantages of Quartz Countertop

Caesarstone London Frosty Carrina Quartz Countertop

Expensive

Although natural stone countertops are beautiful, they can be a little bit pricey. You can expect some estimates for this engineered stone to be around $115-$200 per square foot.

Even though that seems like a lot, it is still quite comparable to other options! So if you want to save money, try to shop around to find the best deal.

Difficult to Install

Another one of the cons of quartz countertops is that they require a skilled professional to install them. Which ends up costing you more money.

If you’re a fan of DIY, then this may not be the best option for you. Not to mention the material is extremely heavy which is another reason to have a professional ensure there’s a solid base.

There are Size Limits

Although most quartz countertops are made in a somewhat standard size, there are some size limitations. This means that if you need a large slab for a kitchen island, then you’ll most likely have some noticeable seams.

Heat Damage Susceptible

Although it is said that quartz is heat resistant, it can still be damaged if a hot pan is placed directly on it. The resin in the mixture can melt when in contact with heat so always use a trivet when using hot cookware!

Caesarstone Frosty Carrina Quartz Countertop

This is one of the big disadvantages of quartz countertops, although you can argue that most countertops don’t hold up well to direct heat!

Are Quartz Countertops Worth It

First things first, you must weigh all of the advantages and disadvantages of installing quartz countertops! Reading this blog is a good start, but I would recommend doing even more research before making your decision.

If you choose quartz countertops you will undoubtedly be adding value to your home. Plus, no matter how difficult it may be to install, you can find comfort in the fact that quartz countertops will last a long time.

Caesarstone London Grey Quartz Countertop

After considering all of the quartz countertop pros and cons, I believe they’re worth the cost because of all the amazing benefits they offer! What do you think?

Once you’ve installed your countertops be sure to check out how to decorate a kitchen island and dress up your pretty new counters!!