Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Choosing a countertop and selecting the right material that compliments your kitchen is one of the most crucial and critical steps. There are various options, including marble, granite, wood, and quartz, available in the market. But the material that is gaining popularity is quartzite or quartz. It’s essential to have all the necessary information to choose the right material for your kitchen and understand different quartz countertops pros and cons before you start remodeling.
If you are unsure whether quartz is the right material for you, here’s our unbiased and comprehensive list of quartz countertops pros and cons.
Before we jump into those, let us first understand quartz.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is also known as quartzite or engineered stone. There’s a common notion among people that quartz is entirely man-made. However, quartz is a natural mineral made up of silicon and oxygen, which is then manufactured into countertops. It is formed by combining grounded quartz with synthetic resins and polymers under high heat and pressure.
Engineered quartz countertops are a beautiful addition to your household as they can mimic any natural stone for cheaper. If you’re looking for a solid color or a more uniform pattern, quartz is your best option.
Pros of Quartz Countertop
Longevity
One of the best things about quartz countertops is they’re long-lasting. They are incredibly durable and resistant to cracking and chipping.
However, it does not mean quartz is unbreakable, but the chances of damaging your countertop from daily use are negligible. It’s essential to use heating pads before placing hot pots and pans over the countertops. They can otherwise cause it to crack or damage.
Quartz is a more flexible and forgiving stone to work with; it is undoubtedly a more robust alternative to granite and marble. Quartz helps your kitchen countertops to be free of breeding bacteria and viruses.
Impermeable
Unlike natural stones like marble and granite, quartz is non-porous. Porous materials have microscopic holes that allow water and liquid to accumulate underneath, leading to staining and discoloration. With quartz, you won’t face this issue.
Quartz countertops are homogeneous and factory-made composites. You won’t find any defects or irregularities that can weaken a quartz stone slab. They are highly sanitary, and you don’t have to seal them annually. Plus, they are twice as scratch-resistant as any other stone; and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Stain Resistant
The kitchen is your gourmet masterpiece, but it can get quite messy and chaotic. A spill and drop of coffee or gravy are all you need to stain your beautiful countertop. This is where quartz comes in.
Because of its non-porous nature, quartz countertops are stain and scratch proof. Their natural structure allows them to resist oils, liquids, and corrosion. It also helps the nasty spills stay on the surface without seeping in. So, feel free to opt for even a white quartz countertop for your kitchen as it will remain shiny and brand-new for years to come.
Wide Variety Of Colors
Since quartz goes through an engineered process, manufacturers can produce it in various colors and styles compared to naturally occurring materials.
Quartz can easily mimic any natural stone style and pattern you so very much admire. If you’re looking for natural stones but aren’t happy with the options available, you can easily opt for quartz countertops for its benefits and a wide range of hues that best suit your remodel goals.
Quartz is found in abundance and is not limited to numbers and styles. You can even customize your very own unique quartz countertop by adding little dots, colors, or gemstones for a premium look. Similarly, quartz can be engineered to look the way you want.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
Low Resistance to Heat
Unlike granite, quartz countertops aren’t resistant to heat. The polymer resin used to form quartz countertops is not strong enough to put excessive heat on them, so it is advised not to place hot objects on your counters and always ensure using a heating pad.
The burn marks can stay long after you placed an item on the counter. This happens because the polymer tends to melt faster when exposed to direct sunlight.
The fact is that quartz can handle the heat, but the polymer and resin cannot. Your everyday hot teapots and cookware can easily crack your quartz countertop when placed too quickly or for more extended periods. Doing so can lead to permanent damage and discoloration.
Some experts claim that corrosion can be avoided by simply placing a pad or trivet on the counter. Also, look out for white spotting; they are signs of heat damage. Bottom line — if you’re into cooking or baking a lot, granite is a much better option for you.
Weather Sensitivity
Quartz can resist stains, but it is not an outdoor stone. Prolonged UV exposure can be incredibly harmful as it can damage or warp your quartz counters.
You should avoid using quartz in areas that have exposure to UV rays for a more extended amount of time. This is most noticeable when one part of the quartz countertop has more exposure to UV rays than the rest of it over several years, causing it to fade.
Unfortunately, it can also raise several health problems, and no formulated cleaners can fix the discoloration.
To recap, here are some quartz countertops pros and cons. The reason it is an ideal choice for your countertops are–
- It is highly durable
- Stain-resistant and scratch proof
- Provides longevity and
- Available in a variety of colors and designs.
The few disadvantages of quartz are –
- It has a low heat resistance and
- It can fade if exposed to direct sunlight.