8 Reasons To Choose Quartz For Your Countertop
March 8, 2020
March 8, 2020
Are you working on a kitchen remodel and having difficulty selecting the perfect countertop to accompany your new super expensive cabinetry? With so many countertop options on the market, it's understandably overwhelming. Balancing aesthetic, price, and performance is critical but also time consuming so it's natural to default your search to the countertop options you know best; namely marble and granite.
Today, however, we're going to take a deep dive into the benefits of quartz, the fastest growing surfacing option in the world. Below are eight reasons why you should consider quartz over all else.
One of the attractive features of granite and marble countertops is that no two countertops look the same. Each of these stones provides a unique pattern and mixture of colors in every cut. A fact about quartz countertops that is often overlooked is that quartz also has a nearly endless stable of design options when it comes to pattern, color, and textures. Quartz, just like these more well-known, options provides a unique look in every slab but unlike natural stone, quartz is man-made so the color and overall composition from slab to slab remains consistent. The abundance of unique styles makes it highly likely that you'll find a countertop to fit perfectly with the feel of your home.
One of the main reasons that quartz has exploded as a countertop material is due to vast array of price points. As a general rule, quartz is not going to be the cheapest countertop material on the market but with such a bountiful selection to choose from, you're almost certain to find a countertop that fits your design and budget like a glove. For tighter budgets, quartz countertop remnants can offer an even more affordable price range. When comparing quartz to natural stone, you'll also need to factor in the premium advantages that quartz offers in order to make a true "apples to apples" comparison of options. Read on and you'll see what we mean!
One of the paramount benefits of quartz countertops is the virtually endless array of "looks" you can achieve. With over 100 quartz countertop manufacturers offering thousands of different styles, you're going to hit on one that works for your interior design. Whether you're in an ultra-modern high rise or a french-country cabin, you'll have options, which can't always be said for quartz's natural stone counterparts. A wonderful attribute of an engineered material is that it can be manufactured to replicate natural stone. Take a tour through available quartz styles and you'll notice that the names and appearance often mirror some of the most iconic natural stones on the market. Want a quartz version of Carrara marble or Macaubus quartzite? No sweat, it's available! What's more, unlike granite and marble, quartz can achieve what Mother Nature cannot: completely uniform, monotone colors in a palette you won't find in the natural world.
The popularity of quartz has also skyrocketed due to the number of headaches owners of marble and granite countertops have felt. This is due to the fact that quartz can provide a similar look and feel just without all of the maintenance. Quartz requires little to no maintenance due to the fact that it cannot scratch, is resistant to stains, and does not require sealing. Quartz provides the same look as luxury materials without the constant maintenance and repairs that other materials require.
Quartz is a great option for any homeowner because the return on investment is higher than with natural stones. It lasts a very, very long time. Its sheer durability will save you money in the long run. You'll never need to refinish quartz, it's not subject to the same wear and tear as other materials, and it's highly unlikely that you'll ever have a reason to replace it (at least until that point in the future when you decided you need a completely new look). Because it's man-made most manufacturers provide excellent long-term warranties that will keep your investment secure for the long haul. A friendly hint though: read your warranty carefully and take measures not to void it. Quartz will hold up to the rigors of everyday countertop usage but it's not indestructible.
One of the main reasons for quartz’s remarkable durability is the fact that quartz is exceptionally hard and incredibly difficult to scratch. That being said, the laws of physics still apply and any material harder than quartz will damage it. Good news is that most kitchen knives don't fall into that category so you don't have much to worry about.
An extremely popular variety of quartz is a type known as quartz marble. Quartz marble is exactly what its name sounds like, it is a type of quartz that looks very similar to marble while still retaining an affordable price and exceptional durability. The laws of supply and demand determine price and as you can probably imagine, the marble aesthetic is extremely popular so expect to pay more than you would for other quartz aesthetics. Compared to natural marble you'll find options priced both well above and well below. But as we mentioned above, what you can be sure of is that you'll have plenty of options in both categories.
Quartz countertops can also be a great benefit for those who cook a lot and have children, due to its durability and standing as one of the most hygienic countertop materials on the market. All countertop surfaces, both natural and man-made, are rated for food-grade usage so bacteria build-up is not a valid concern in general, but the density of quartz surfacing provides extra protection. Some manufacturers even include anti-bacterial solutions into their manufacturing processes for additional peace of mind.
