If you’ve ever remodeled, you know it can be a mixed bag of emotions. Sure, the process can get tedious when it comes to planning and decision-making, but just thinking about the result is exciting – especially if you’re renovating a high-traffic area like the kitchen.
Whether you realize it or not, countertops can make or break a kitchen. After all, they are the focal point of the room that your guests will notice immediately. So, what material should you go with?
There are plenty of countertop options to select from, including granite, marble, concrete, and wood, but one material is gaining popularity you may not have considered – quartz. But is it right for you? We outline the strengths and weaknesses of quartz, giving you a little more clarity when choosing the best countertops for your home.
What is Quartz?
While quartz is a natural mineral, it’s not simply cut, formed and polished to produce a beautiful surface. It must first be manipulated through a highly refined manufacturing process that becomes the finished material used in countertops.
It’s ground into dust and combined with synthetic materials like polymers, resins, and pigments. When everything is all said and done, a quartz countertop is made up of about 90% quartz.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
There’s a reason why quartz is becoming more popular. It has many strengths that outshine other materials, including durability, stain resistance, and aesthetics. So, if you’re leaning toward quartz and are looking for affirmation, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some pros of quartz countertops.
Durability
Other than aesthetics, durability might be the most important attribute of a potential countertop. And if you’re looking for a countertop that doesn’t crack, scratch or chip easily, quartz is one of your best options.
Yes, quartz is durable, but it’s not indestructible. While it’s possible to chip or scratch, the probability of damaging it isn’t high during typical everyday use.
Appearance
“What will it look like in my kitchen?” That’s the big question. And due to the use of various pigments and other materials, manufacturers can create any design you want. And since they are manufactured, you aren’t limited to the designs of Mother Nature.
Are you looking for a solid color or the look of natural stone to match your cabinets? Youngstown Granite & Quartz has quartz countertops that match the designs of granite and marble.
Stain Resistant
Because of their composition, quartz countertops are very resistant to stains. Marble and granite are more susceptible to liquid stains because they are porous, which means they have space for liquid to pass through. However, there is no way for liquids to seep into non-porous materials like quartz.
Stain-resistant doesn’t mean stain-proof. While the quartz won’t stain, it’s possible that certain chemicals can cause damage when reacting with resins and pigments.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
Just like every countertop material that you’ll come across, quartz has shortcomings that are important to understand. Here are some reasons why you might be hesitant to go with quartz countertops.
Price
Typically, if you’re on a tight budget, quartz isn’t the way to go. We’ve discussed quartz’s pros, including durability, appearance, and stain resistance. Unfortunately, those advantages come with a cost.
Youngstown Granite & Quartz offers the highest quality countertops for a reasonable price. Because they are a little pricy, quartz countertops are great for smaller surfaces in your home.
Heat Damage
While quartz is resistant to heat, the other materials that make up a quartz countertop are not. Exposing these countertops to hot cookware could melt the resins, causing damage and discoloration.
Not Optimal for Outdoors
If quartz countertops have extended exposure to direct sunlight, they become discolored. So, if you’re looking to build an outdoor kitchen area, you’d probably be better off with a different material.
Believe it or not, direct UV light through a window can have similar effects, so be cautious if you’re thinking about putting quartz in rooms with large windows where sunlight will constantly be beating down on the countertops.
Overall, there’s more reason to consider quartz than to rule it out because, at the end of the day, it’s a beautiful stone that is extremely durable. But is it right for your home? Well, that’s up to you. And if you need help, the experts at Youngstown Granite & Quartz can help you decide.
