An Honest Review of Quartz Countertops
January 6th, 2023 | 3 min read
If you’re in the market for new countertops, you are likely looking at quartz as an option available to you.
Without understanding quartz and its characteristics, you may make the wrong selection for your countertops.
As a premier kitchen and bathroom design and remodeling contractor in the Mid-Michigan area, we help clients design their dream spaces every day. This includes assisting clients in selecting the countertop material that is best for them.
The information in this article was provided by Jeff Schei, the owner of Superior Granite in Carson City, Mi. He has over 14 years of experience working with quartz countertops and is well-versed in all aspects of the material.
In this article, you will read our honest review of quartz countertops including:
- Product info
- Price/cost info
- Pros and cons list
- Maintenance and care
- Is a quartz countertop worth it?
Quartz countertop product information
Quartz countertops have gained in popularity over the last 10 years for the following reasons:
- Durability and strength. Quartz is a strong, man-made material that is resistant to scratches and damage from common kitchen use.
- Colors and patterns. Color and pattern options are nearly limitless to meet your style needs. Whether you want the appearance of natural stone or a solid color like pure white, there is a quartz slab that’s right for you.
- Pattern replication. The patterns found on quartz slabs are easily replicated because of the man-made manufacturing process, unlike natural stone materials such as granite.
- Shape customization. Like other countertop materials, quartz can be shaped to match your lower cabinet layout. It is customizable yet strong enough to last a lifetime.
- Low maintenance. Unlike natural stone countertops which require sealing, quartz requires no routine maintenance outside of regular cleaning.
Price/cost information
Quartz countertops will be the more expensive option compared to a natural stone alternative, such as granite. This is due in part to patents and the exclusivity of manufacturing.
Prices for installed quartz countertops start around $90 sq/ft for more widely available patterns and top out at around $160 sq/ft for more exclusive quartz styles.
Proprietary manufacturers have set up exclusive vendor rights and control over who can sell and shape quartz products for the end user. This exclusivity raises the price in a way that natural stone doesn’t have to contend with.
Pros and cons of quartz countertops
Quartz has both benefits and drawbacks as a material for your countertops. Understanding these will help you decide if quartz is the right choice for you.
Pros of quartz countertops
- Lifetime durability: Quartz is incredibly strong and able to withstand everything from knife scratches to dings from pots and pans. A quartz countertop will last you a lifetime, making it a good long-term investment for your home.
- Color availability: Quartz is available in a wide array of colors, textures, and patterns. These include pure white which is an incredibly popular choice unavailable with natural stone.
- Pattern replication: Unlike the unique patterns of natural stone, quartz patterns can be replicated between different slabs. If you find a pattern you like, you can get that exact pattern even though it’s a different quartz slab.
- No maintenance: Quartz requires no maintenance other than routine cleaning to keep it in great shape.
Cons of quartz countertops
- Cost: Quartz is a more expensive alternative compared to a natural stone option, such as granite.
- Susceptibility to heat damage: While quartz is durable against scratches and other physical damage, it is susceptible to heat. Avoid putting hot pots and pans directly on a quartz countertop. It will cause permanent damage. To prevent this damage, use hot pads or coasters to protect the quartz.
- Professional fabrication: To make sure your countertop is a perfect size and fit for your kitchen or bathroom space, quartz needs to be professionally measured and installed.
Maintenance and care
As mentioned previously, quartz requires no regular maintenance outside normal cleaning to keep it in good condition.
To clean a quartz countertop safely, use mild dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth. This will remove everyday kitchen messes without damaging the countertop.
Other common cleaning products such as disinfectant wipes, Windex, or all-purpose cleaners are safe to use on a quartz countertop.
Avoid using highly abrasive scrubbers. While quartz is scratch-resistant, it’s not scratch-proof. These scrubbers can leave superficial marks on your countertop.
Is a quartz countertop worth it?
Quartz countertops have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It is strong, resistant to everyday use, and looks fantastic.
While quartz is pricier than other countertop materials, it may be a great choice for your kitchen and bathroom countertops.
If you’re a buyer who wants to keep your budget lower with a well-functioning product, consider choosing granite for your countertops.
If you love the timeless look and your budget will allow it, quartz is a great product. It will look beautiful, last a lifetime, and be highly functional.
Next steps for purchasing a quartz countertop
Purchasing an expensive element of your home remodel without doing the proper research can lead to many problems. Now that you have more clarity from our honest review you can make a more informed choice.
As a full-service home design and remodeling company serving the Mid-Michigan area, we help people like you every day with their kitchen and bathroom remodels. We enjoy sharing our 15+ years of experience to help you make an informed decision for your project
If you are planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, consider choosing Custom Built to help you assist and build it. Book an appointment with our sales team to learn more about what we can do for you.
Planning to remodel more than just your countertops? Consider learning more about kitchen and bathroom remodeling in the following:
Michael brings over 2 decades of building and remodeling experience to his position as the Owner and Visionary of Custom Built. Michael’s passion to make an impact on the home building industry has led him to serve for over ten years at the local and state Home Builders Association, culminating as President of the HBA of Michigan in 2020.
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