You know you are getting towards the end of your kitchen renovation when the countertops go in. And you usually pick what type of countertop you want way before this point. With unlimited amount of options at your disposal, how do you decide what to choose? The decision in the end is up to you and your budget. It’s your home and you can do whatever you want to do with it. Because you have no clue what you really want, you think it’s best to go look the different types and then make a decision. As you’re walking and looking, a display catches your eye. You’re staring at it, contemplating whether it would look great in your kitchen because you’re pretty sure you found the one. You know that you can’t make your purchase based solely on look, so you find out what it is. Quartz. You’ve heard of it, but you want to find out more information before you pick. To help you with making your decision we’ve put together information about quartz countertops.
Before you even get home, you will probably be looking up what makes quartz countertops so appealing. You’ll find first that quartz is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, making these countertops one of the most durable on the market. The quartz countertops are not mined like marble and granite, but engineered in a factory. You may ask yourself, why someone would want manmade vs. natural? Quartz countertops are made from ground quartz, polyester resins, and pigments. The combination of these materials makes a product like no other. The resins help make the countertops stain and scratch resistant, and nonporous. Without the hassle of resealing each year, these quartz countertops are practically maintenance free! Since the pigment is added during the manufacturing, the colors are truly limitless. You can have any color or style of countertop with almost no maintenance. Who wouldn’t want that?
To find your perfect quartz countertop, look no further than Planet Granite. We work with you every step of the way to ensure you have the perfect countertop for you. It’s safe to say that most countertops, quartz included, require a professional to install.
To help aid in that final decision you have to make, here are several pros and cons of quartz countertops you need to consider.
Pros
Like we mentioned before, one of the best features of quartz countertops is not having to reseal it each year. Not having the maintenance of natural stone relieves a headache that home owners have year after year. A simple soap and water combination will keep it looking fantastic over the years. Being manufactured with resin makes quartz countertops nonporous so stains, mold, and mildew will not be able to get into the surface. Another positive of being manufactured is the ability to have exactly what you want, not only in style but in size as well. Most slabs come in standard size, but larger slabs can be used to make your kitchens countertops seamless. Quartz countertops are more flexible than natural stone so fabricators can bend and shape these countertops.
Cons
Don’t use this type of countertop outdoors! Unfortunately, direct sunlight can cause colors to fade or make the countertop warp or split over time. While quartz counters are heat resistant to a point, a sudden temperature change can cause the surface to crack. Be sure to use a hot pad if placing on the counter.
Another con to consider is the initial price. While similar in cost to granite, quartz has far less continued cost in maintenance and upkeep since it does not have to be sealed like natural stone.
While there are pros and cons to any type of material, the end decision is still yours to make, but know that if you love quartz countertops, you will not be disappointed in your choice!