Quartz countertops, also known as quartzite or engineered stone, have become quite popular over the years. These countertops are manufactured by combining synthetic resins with ground quartz, which is then topped up with a colorant under heat and high pressure. 

They are known for their beauty and relative durability, but there are other benefits and disadvantages too. In this article, we will give you a complete breakdown of the pros and cons of quartz countertops, so you can make a wise decision. 

1. Variety 

The process of making quartz countertops can easily be controlled by the manufacturers. This means that there is enough leeway for creativity in design during the manufacturing stage. As a result, quartz countertops tend to come in many great designs and colors. There are even some options on the market that feature recycled glass and metallic flecks for additional beauty. The variety available is quite huge and this makes it easier for homeowners to pick something that meets their standards. 

2. Low Maintenance

Quartz countertops are factory made composites. They are homogenous and non-porous too, and these features add to the strength. In fact, the non-porous nature is one of the factors that make quartz stronger than natural stone. Here are some more pros:

• There is no need to seal off the surface after installation. 
• Quartz countertops are more sanitary, which is the main reason why they are mostly used in bathrooms and kitchens. 
• They are very resilient to scratching, even more so than granite. 

3. Design Ease

It’s much easier to design using quartz compared to natural stone. This is because window shopping for quartz is very simple. What you see online looks exactly the same as what you buy from your local store. This allows you to make design considerations before making the final purchase. 

In addition to this, 

The huge variety of quartz countertops available in the market allows you more flexibility when it comes to design. You can play around with the colors for example and determine what works best for you.

4. Cost 

Quartz is definitely not the cheapest countertop option in the market. But it offers more value for money. On average, the installation cost of quartz ranges between $100 and $200 per square foot. This is pretty much the same as the average cost for installing natural stone countertops. 

However, quartz offers more benefits compared to natural stone and as such, there is more value for money. But other cheaper options exist including plastic laminate countertops that will cost you $50 on average per square foot.

Disadvantages

There aren’t many disadvantages when it comes to quartz countertops. 

1. Weather and Heat Resistance

Although quartz is a very good stain-resistant option to use, it doesn’t do that well outdoors. Long term exposure to sunlight causes significant damage. Besides, quartz countertops are also susceptible to heat. In case you want to buy a countertop just for the weather and heat-resistant properties, you would be better off choosing natural stone, such as granite.

2. Limitations in Size

Quartz can be very limiting when it comes to size. For example, a standard slab of quartz will normally measure 65.5 inches wide and 132 inches long. In that case, you will need a seam for an oversized countertop. This can increase installation costs significantly. 

In addition to this, there are other options in the market that don’t have such limitations. For example, natural stone and granite can be installed in any countertop regardless of the size.

Conclusion

Quartz is a great countertop material. Even with its cons, it still offers great benefits, especially when compared to the other existing options in the market. Nonetheless, it’s always important to select something that works for your lifestyle and your budget. 

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