The Good And Bad of Quartz Countertops
These days, increasingly familiar rears in the United States are sheltered with quartz countertops. These counters are heavy and can be a real discussion point during your home renovation. But alas, titaniums have their own pros and cons like any other material. In this article we are going to talk about quartz countertops pros, cons, as well as a realistic view to make your decision wisely.
Durability and Maintenance
Durable Durability is one of the most essential benefits of quartz countertops. Quartz Quartz is an unnatural stone (engineered stone) that is made by combining 90% ground natural quartz with 10% polymers, resins, and pigments. This mixture renders it very difficult and resistant to scratches. Compared with natural stones such as granite or marble, quartz countertops are non-porous, so they are virtually maintenance free and will resist stains even if there is not to be any sealing. This aspect makes quartz countertops extremely attractive for busy kitchens or areas where spills and accidents happen often.
Maintenance: When it comes to maintenance, quartz is the clear winner. With a non-porous surface, there is no space for the bacteria, mold or mildew to grow, which makes it not only hygienic but also, can be easily cleaned with just soap and water. Granite countertops must be resealed periodically, but with quartz, you never have to worry about it.
Aesthetic Flexibility
Design flexibility when it comes to quartz QuartzComes in many color options and pattern that can be made to look like granite, marble and even exotic stones. Manufacturers may also embed glass pieces, man-made colors, metallic flecks, and specialty materials to increase the aesthetic appeal of the stone. This flexibility makes it possible to adapt their countertops to any existing interior design.
Consistency in Appearance
Also, as far as benefits go, quartz is about the most consistent material available. This manufacturing process guarantees that the countertops match in color and pattern, making it a godsend when covering large, seamless areas. Quartz is also an excellent option for larger kitchen islands or any extensive layout where long "designer quartz slabs" are desired as it is difficult (or impossible) to get a continuous look with natural stone.
Cost Considerations
Though quartz counters are less likely to crack or chip than natural stone, they are not completely impervious to damage by force or extreme heat. High heat can damage quartz so always use trivets or hot pads. Quartz countertops have a natural color and direct exposure to sunlight can make it fade over time, especially important if there is a lot of natural light in the room.
Environmental Impact
Quartz is not a natural stone It is made in a factory and the process to do this is HIGHLY energy intensive (thus making it's pretty dark mark on the environment-scenes). Also, although quartz does incorporate natural stone, the fact that it is mixed with polymers and resins essentially disqualifies it from being a totally natural product, proving less appealing to some buyers looking for greener alternatives in building materials.
Price Point
The price of quartz can be higher than low-end granite but is equal to or less expensive than high-end granite or marble. Quartz countertops will cost you $50-$120 per sq ft installed, this will be based on the design and manufacturer. This essentially allows the price cap up a bit, making the option a mid-range to high-end choice — not exactly for everyone’s budget.
The Bottom Line – Which Should You Choose?
Therefore you will need to seriously consider these factors when using quartz as a kitchen countertop material. Whether quartz is the right choice for your home will depend largely on finding the right balance of aesthetic appeal, durability, and cost. If you are interested in more in-depth thoughts about this stone, take a look at the quartz pros and cons, written by a stone supplier.