Pros and Cons of Installing a Quartz Countertop

Quartz is one of the most sought-after countertop materials due to its sleek appearance, durability, and low maintenance. While quartz’s stunning visual appeal could be enough to win you over, it’s worth learning as much as possible about its advantages and disadvantages before making the final decision over other materials such as granite or marble. 
In this comprehensive guide, the experts at Castorena’s Granite and Quartz will explore the pros and cons of quartz, comparing it relative to other countertop materials, and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision for your home.

What Are Quartz Countertops? ​

Made from natural stone particles bonded together with resin and other polymers, quartz is one of the most durable materials available for countertops. While it is technically a man-made product, quartz countertops are created by combining natural quartz (approximately 90-95%) and minerals with chemical resins, polymers, and pigments - the final product looks entirely like natural stone, but it also allows for extensive creative options for style and color. Quartz countertops are extremely durable, stylish, easy to clean, hygienic, and relatively eco-friendly. 

Where Are Quartz Countertops Usually Installed? ​

At Castorena’s Granite and Quartz, we have seen many exciting and creative uses for quartz countertops. Wherever you need countertop space, quartz countertops can be the perfect solution. That being said, it is extremely common to install quartz countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, but it’s also commonly used for shower walls. 
During the manufacturing process, natural pigments can be added to the combination of quartz crystals and resin, which is why quartz worktops come in a broad range of colors and designs. Because of this, quartz countertops can work great for practically any setting, color scheme, and aesthetic theme of a home or business.  
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Pros of Installing a Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops have gained a reputation for their impressive list of advantages. Quartz worktops are stylish, hygienic, durable and easy to clean. They’re also more eco-friendly than many alternatives. Here’s everything you need to know about the pros of quartz worktops in more detail:

Durability and Resistance

Quartz is one of nature’s most resilient materials, and quartz countertops benefit from being composed of 90-95% quartz. With its addition of resins, quartz is also highly resistant to stains, scratches, chemicals, chips, and impacts, and it does not require regular sealing like marble and granite. Finally, quartz has double the impact resistance and four times the flexural strength of granite.
That being said, quartz is not indestructible, and it is still possible for quartz to incur chips, stains, and scratches. It’s a very strong surface and generally low maintenance, but it’s important to know that things can still happen and that it’s not impervious to damage. 

Aesthetic Quality

One of the most impressive features of quartz is its aesthetic beauty and design versatility. Due to its manufacturing process, quartz comes in practically all colors and can therefore match your style and design preferences. It can also be made to have a smooth or flecked appearance. It is a sophisticated and polished countertop material, and the massive range of patterns and colors makes it an intriguing option compared to alternatives. 

Low Maintenance

Another benefit of quartz countertops is that they need little to no maintenance. Other natural stone countertops require regular sealing in order to keep them non-porous and protected from damage. Because quartz is an engineered stone with resins built into its construction, it never requires sealing, needs very little polishing, and is thus very easily maintained. 

Long Lifespan

Due to the fact that quartz countertops are highly durable and resilient, they are built to last 20 years or more. Its ability to withstand degradation and normal wear and tear from frequent use makes it a long-lasting and worthwhile investment. ​

Hygienic and Non-Porous

Quartz countertops are non-porous which makes them impervious to fine solids and liquids. This means that quartz countertops are both very easy to clean, sanitize, and disinfect, but it also means that they are not easily damaged or stained like other countertop materials that are porous. 

Cons of Installing a Quartz Countertop

Despite the extensive benefits of quartz countertops, there are a couple of downsides to quartz that you should consider before investing in them for your home or business: 

Heat and UV Damage

Quartz countertops are generally heat-resistant, but they can be damaged by excessive heat or very quick changes in temperature, such as a hot pot or pan being placed and left directly on the surface, which can lead to cracks or discoloration. It’s advisable to use hot pads to protect your quartz countertop from extreme temperatures.
Similarly, the resin used in the manufacturing process of quartz countertops is non-UV resistant. Quartz countertops can be used outside, but not in strong direct sunlight. Some UV-resistant quartz countertops are available, but the majority of them can fade and lead to discoloration if exposed to intense sunlight. 

Cost

Quartz is not the least expensive countertop material. Compared to materials such as laminate or wood, a high-quality quartz countertop will be more expensive; however, the significant long-term advantages and superior aesthetic quality of quartz countertops are well worth the additional cost. 

Are Quartz Countertops Worth It? ​

If you’re looking for a premium countertop material, quartz countertops are well worth considering as your top choice. Not only do they bring a superior aesthetic quality that will emanate a timeless, luxurious charm, but they are also built to last with high durability and resistance in order to stand the test of time. There’s no doubt that you’ll love your quartz countertop and that it will increase your property value when it’s finally installed in your home. 
To learn more about quartz countertops or to secure a custom quartz countertop for your home, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Castorena’s Granite and Quartz!