Quartz countertops are one of the pillars of modern kitchen and bathroom designs. They are becoming increasingly popular due to the myriad benefits they offer. Understanding the many pros of quartz countertops is an essential way of deciding whether it is the right choice for you. It will also help you compare it to other alternatives, helping you make the best-informed decision and create a functional, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing space.
Whether you are a homeowner interested in upgrading your home, an interior designer looking for the perfect match for your design, or you are simply curious about the benefits of quartz countertops, keep reading this comprehensive guide about why quartz is such a sought-after, versatile material.
What Are Quartz Countertops?
Quartz is a half-manufactured, half-natural stone that is commonly used in home improvement projects such as kitchen or bathroom countertops, backsplashes, walls, flooring, tiles, and more. It is a highly versatile material due to its many amazing benefits such as its durability and wide range of colors.
Quartz is made up of 90-95% natural crushed quartzite. Quartzite is an elegant and strong stone and in its natural form, it is used for similar purposes to quartz. While quartzite is naturally resistant and long-lasting, the addition of manufactured materials such as resins, binders, and pigments makes the stone even more versatile and durable.
The addition of the resins makes quartz slabs non-porous, thus extremely resistant to stains and discoloration. The pigments ensure that the stone can be made in any color or pattern imaginable.
Key Advantages of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops have numerous amazing benefits that make them a favorite among homeowners and interior designers. These pros of quartz countertops not only make them a beautiful option but also highlight their functionality.
Durability and Strength
Durability and strength are two of the most important factors when it comes to countertops. Quartz countertops excel in this category as they are incredibly strong thanks to the combination of already firm natural quartzite and the added resins that act as an added protective barrier.
Quartz countertops can handle the wear and tear that occurs from daily use without any issues. They can resist heavy use and high-traffic areas, making them an ideal option for kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz can last for a long time without showing any signs of damage, keeping its pristine condition for years to come.
Non-Porous Surface
One of the most influential pros of quartz countertops is their non-porous surface. As opposed to natural stones like quartzite, marble, or granite, quartz has a non-porous surface that makes the stone highly resistant to stains, discoloration, bacterial growth, and mold.
As other stones have pores all over them, dirt and bacteria can seep in, causing hygienic and aesthetic problems. However, the added resins make quartz non-porous, ensuring easy cleaning and a hygienic surface perfect for kitchens. Even highly staining liquids such as coffee or wine can be easily cleaned off of quartz surfaces.
Wide Range of Colors and Patterns
Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Thanks to thas amazing quality, quartz can be combined with any interior decofration style regardless if its modern or traditional.
Moreover, some quartz styles are made to appear similar to natural stones like marble which is known for its elegance. In other words, you can find a quartz slab that matches your needs even if you like the appearance of natural stones.
If you want to achieve a minimal and sleek appearance you can opt for dainty, subtle patterns like light veins. Alternatively, bright and bold splashes of color will decorate the space with an eye-catching and unique beauty.
As quartz is manufactured, it has a more uniform appearance compared to natural stones. Moreover, it doesn’t have naturally occurring blemishes and inconsistencies, boasting a consistent color palette, patterns, and finish throughout the stone.
Easy Maintenance
Picking a stone that matches your lifestyle and cleaning habits will make your life much easier. As much as you might like the appearance of a specific stone, if it requires more upkeep than you can provide, the stone will lose its luster before long.
Instead, you can opt for quartz, which is a very low-maintenance alternative that will look brand new for a long time without requiring constant upkeep. One of the biggest advantages of quartz countertops is that they don’t require sealing. As mentioned before, quartz is non-porous, therefore it doesn’t need the protective barrier other stones need.
Moreover, quartz countertops also don’t need special products or tools for cleaning. You can use materials you already probably have, mild dish soap and a soft cloth. As long as you wipe the countertops routinely and clean up spills, you won’t have to worry about damaging the stone.
Installation and Cost
The installation of quartz countertops is fairly straightforward. While the stone is dense and heavy, reputable countertop manufacturers can complete the installation without any issues. When it comes to the cost of quartz countertops, there are several factors to keep in mind. The quality, thickness, and complexity of the stone are all factors that affect the price.
While quartz can be more costly than budget-friendly alternatives such as laminate, it is also much more long-lasting. Quartz will cost more up-front, but as it lasts for such as long time, it is a cost-effective investment.
Environmental Impact
Many homeowners value the sustainability of the material they are investing in as much as its durability or beauty. Quartz countertops are an eco-friendly choice as they are such long-lasting options. While other, lower-quality countertop options might need frequent replacements, wasting material and energy, quartz can last for decades.
Moreover, as quartz countertops are such a widespread choice, they make sustainable choices more attainable. While some eco-friendly choices might be harder to commit to consistently, picking quartz countertops offers a sustainable solution without compromising durability or functionality.
In short, the pros of quartz countertops such as their durability, low maintenance, and eco-friendliness make it a great option that is suitable for various designs and multiple purposes. You can upgrade your home with the timeless elegance of quartz countertops and invest in a reliable surface that will improve your lifestyle.