30

Apr

Why Are Quartz Countertops So Popular? Top 8 Reasons

When considering countertop options, a lot of homeowners and experts alike suggest quartz countertops. So, if you’re wondering why they are so popular and if they would be the right option for your kitchen, follow this guide.

Reasons Why Quartz Countertops Are Popular

They Are Highly Durable

Quartz countertops are made with 90-95% crushed quartz crystals and resin and polymer. They are engineered stone countertops and considered one of the most durable engineered countertop options out there.

This statement holds a lot of weight when you compare the hardness of quartz countertops with other popular options, like granite and marble. Quartz countertops score 7 on Mohs hardness scale while granite scores 6-7 and marble 3-4. So, this man-made stone is equal or better in hardness (scratch-resistance and durability) than granite, a popular natural stone option.

This turns heads and makes people consider this option. But that’s not the only reason people choose quartz. There are more reasons, as well explained in this guide.

Quartz Countertops Are Non-Porous Surfaces

So, quartz is more scratch-resistant and harder than granite? So what? Well, here’s an even better reason why quartz is popular. Quartz countertops are non-porous, which means any spills won’t seep into the surface and cause stains or hygiene concerns.

As spills are inevitable in kitchens, you need a surface that doesn’t stain or appear ugly after a spill. Quartz checks this box. One that almost all natural stones can’t because natural stones, like granite, marble, soapstone, quartzite, etc., are porous and allow water to be absorbed into the surface. This is why natural stone countertops are always sealed.

So, what about other engineered surfaces? They may be non-porous as well? You may ask. The answer is: yes, most synthetic or man-made countertop surfaces are non-porous. Popular ones include solid surface, laminate, and others. But what they don’t have is the kind of durability that quartz possesses.

Therefore, in that, quartz has the best quality of natural stones (durability) without the drawback of porosity, and it also has the best quality of engineered options (non-porous surface) without the drawback of lower durability.

They Don’t Require Sealing

This ties in with the above point. As quartz countertops are non-porous, they don’t require sealing. Natural stones require sealing every year or so. And as you apply a sealer to the surface, you have to care for the slab more mindfully. Because even if you have a durable countertop, like granite, the sealer is still not as scratch-resistant or heat-resistant as the granite’s surface. So, you will have to use protection, like cutting boards, trivets, and coasters. This applies to all natural stones.

Now, you do still need to use cutting boards, trivets, and coasters for quartz countertops as well, but they are more forgiving if you seldomly chop a food item directly on the surface. However, heat resistance is a whole another issue. You must use trivets and heating pads, otherwise, the surface may get heat stains or damage.

Design Versatility

Quartz countertops are manufactured in factories. This means that their design and colors can be controlled and made in as many variations as you can think of. So, you can find all kinds of quartz colors and patterns that will match perfectly with your kitchen’s color theme and style.

Moreover, quartz countertops can be made to look like natural stones, like granite or marble. This means you can get a surface that appears like natural stone without their drawback (porosity). This is a huge win for many people.

But some people may say that laminate and solid surface countertops can also mimic natural stones, so why are quartz surfaces popular? Well, because laminate countertops use sheets that have the print of natural stone, they don’t appear very real if someone looks closely.

On the other hand, solid surface countertops are softer and lighter, so they don’t have the heaviness associated with natural stones. Not to mention that both surfaces are not as durable as most natural stones and quartz countertops.

As quartz surfaces are as hard as some of the best natural stones, they take the cake for being the most preferred choice among engineered countertops that can imitate the look of natural stones.

However, keep in mind that this is not the only benefit of quartz countertops when it comes to appearance. Quartz surfaces have come a long way and they have many color, veining, and pattern options that can’t be found in natural stones. Many people also prefer solid color quartz countertops for a modern and sleek look.

In short, they are popular because the design versatility allows homeowners to use them in any style of kitchen, be it traditional, transitional, or modern. This is why quartz countertops are all over the latest kitchen trends.

Quartz Countertops Are Low Maintenance

Quartz countertops are low-maintenance because they don’t require sealing, and cleaning them is super easy. All you need is a mild detergent and water to wipe the surface.

Moreover, due to the non-porosity, there is a lower risk of stains from spills, so you don’t need to clean them intensively to remove stains. That’s a common problem with natural stones. However, remember that quartz countertops are not very heat-resistant, so heat stains can occur if you’re not being careful and not using trivets and coasters.

When compared to engineered materials, like laminate and solid surface, all these surfaces are low maintenance and don’t need sealing. However, quartz countertops have excellent scratch-resistance and durability that laminate and solid surface don’t have.

Moreover, concrete and paper composite are durable man-made countertop options, but they do require sealing. And then there are stainless steel countertops that are also easy to clean and are durable, and are the norm in commercial kitchens, but they are not much preferred in residential kitchens.

Scratches Can Be Fixed Easily

Not all countertop surfaces allow you to fix scratches, and the process can be difficult. There are materials like laminate, butcher block, recycled glass, stainless steel, concrete, porcelain, and others that can be hard to fix when scratched.

So, easier reparability of quartz countertops is a huge benefit. You can have minor scratches buffed, and for deep scratches, you can apply epoxy fillers. However, if the scratches are real ugly, you will need a professional’s help.

The Cost Range Of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are not very affordable and more expensive than options like laminate and solid surface, wood, and recycled surfaces, but they are still a good option, as quartz counters are more durable than cheaper options.

Moreover, the cost range of quartz countertops is similar to that of granite countertops, while they are actually cheaper than marble, quartzite, and many others.

They Boost Home Value

Quartz countertops are popular due to the above-mentioned reasons, so buyers perceive the property as more attractive. This increases the home’s value and helps you fetch a better price.

Downsides Of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops have many benefits, but they do have a few downsides you should know before buying:

  • Direct sunlight can fade the material, so they are not suggested for outdoor kitchens.
  • They are not heat-resistant. Therefore, always use trivets and heating pads.
  • High-end quartz surfaces can be expensive.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops are popular because they are durable, scratch-resistant, non-porous, low-maintenance, and have a lot of variety. If you want to know more or want to take a look at samples, get in touch with a quartz countertop contractor Potomac.

31

Mar

11 Misconceptions About Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a popular countertop option preferred for its durability and low maintenance. However, there are many things believed about quartz countertops that are not true at all. Here are some of the more ridiculous ones.

Myths About Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops need to be sealed

For people familiar with quartz countertops, this one is outrageous because quartz is non-porous and doesn’t require sealing. This is one of the primary reasons why quartz worktops are so popular.

The myth stems from the perception that all countertop surfaces need to be sealed, which isn’t true. No man-made countertop option requires sealing, and quartz is also one of those. This makes quartz a low-maintenance option compared to natural stones, such as granite and marble, which do require regular sealing.

They are natural stone countertops

As most common countertop options are natural stones, many believe that quartz is also a natural stone, however, that’s far from the truth. The fact is that quartz countertops are made of crushed quartz crystals mixed with pigments and resin to form solid slabs. So, they are categorized as engineered stone countertops. People also call them man-made countertops.

What is natural quartz, though? Quartz is a crystalline mineral that’s found in most types of rocks. This quartz mineral is used in the manufacturing of quartz countertops. As it’s in a crystalline form, it’s crushed and then used with binders and resins.

Natural stones, on the other hand, are simply mined and then cut into slabs and fabricated.

Quartz and quartzite countertops are the same

The almost identical name of these two countertop options confuses a lot of people, and many think that they are the same. However, they are two very different countertop materials.

Quartz, in this context, is an engineered stone made with crushed quartz crystals and resins, whereas quartzite is a natural stone, a metamorphic rock formed beneath the Earth’s surface.

Quartz countertops have the characteristics of man-made materials, like they are non-porous and have a huge variety. On the other hand, quartzite countertops have natural stone properties, such as being porous and limited to their natural colors and patterns.

However, both are durable countertop options and their price range is also similar. But their installation costs differ, as quartz countertops cost less to install than quartzite.

Quartz countertops are for kitchens only

This is probably due to the fact that quartz countertops are commonly named and used in kitchens for countertop and island surfaces, so people associate them with kitchens only. But the real fact is that quartz countertops are suitable not only for kitchens, but also for bathrooms and laundry rooms, and they are suggested for home office desks, shower seats, fireplace surrounds, and many other purposes.

Quartz countertops are actually preferred in wet and moist areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms because they are non-porous, moisture-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. However, it’s better to avoid using them in areas that receive direct sunlight for most of the day. More on this in the next point.

They are not for outdoor kitchens

This one is partly true. Quartz countertops are not recommended for outdoor kitchens because they consist of resins and polymers that can discolor or warp if kept under direct sunlight for longer periods. So, quartz countertops will turn yellow or weaken outdoors. They are very much like sports cars that are excellent for highways but terrible for off-roads.

However, there are a few quartz countertop manufacturers who make UV-resistant quartz countertops that perform excellent outdoors as well. But they are not as commonly available and also cost more than regular quartz countertops. So, if you want a countertop option for your outdoor kitchen, it’s better to go with granite, concrete, stainless steel, or porcelain slab countertops.

Quartz countertops are expensive

Quartz counters can be budget-friendly or costly, depending on the quality you choose, along with the thickness and edge profile. In general, quartz countertops are mid-range countertop options with premium options available as well. Their pricing is quite similar to granite countertops, as they are also mid to high-tier countertops.

In comparison, quartz countertops usually cost less than marble, quartzite, stainless steel, and some types of wood countertops. On the other hand, they are costlier than laminate, ceramic tile, solid surface (Corian), and cheaper wood types.

Quartz countertops are high maintenance

A common misconception about quartz worktops is that they are high maintenance, but this is not true. In fact, they are one of the most low-maintenance countertop options because, unlike natural stones, they don’t require sealing and polishing. Moreover, their non-porous surface is stain-resistant, so there is a lower risk of them staining. So, caring for quartz countertops is easy. However, you do need to protect them from heat and abrasive cleaners.

They are heat-proof

Quartz countertops are fairly heat-resistant, but they are not heat-proof. In fact, they have lower heat resistance compared to natural stones like granite, marble, soapstone, and quartzite, and also other materials like stainless steel and concrete. However, they are better in heat resistance than laminate countertops.

Generally, they can withstand heat up to 150°F to 200°F (65°C to 93°C). Anything over can cause discoloration, heat stains, and cracks. So, you should always place hot pans and other items on trivets and coasters, otherwise, the surface will get damaged very quickly. Interestingly, this advice is for almost all countertop options, even natural stones that are highly heat resistant.

Quartz countertops scratch easily

This is not true because quartz slabs are scratch-resistant as they have a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale. So, they resist everyday scratches of knives and regular sharp objects. However, they are not scratch-proof. They can be scratched by abrasive tools, dragging metal objects on the surface, and also excessive use of knives can leave marks over time.

So, even though they are scratch-resistant, you should never chop food directly on the surface or they will slowly lose their appeal.

They are only available in white, gray, and light colors

Although white, gray, and light tones are popular quartz countertop colors, there is a huge variety of other colors as well you can choose. The thing is, quartz countertops are engineered stone slabs, so their color options are not limited to what nature offers. In fact, the use of polymers and resins allow manufacturers to make quartz slabs virtually in any color and pattern.

This means, apart from whites, grays, and light colors, you can also find darker colors, bright colors, and also unique ones like orange, green, and red.

Quartz countertops are only for modern kitchens

People associate quartz countertops with modern and contemporary kitchens because they add that sleekness required in those kinds of spaces. However, the wide variety of quartz countertop colors, patterns, finishes, and edging profiles allow you to choose them for any kitchen style and theme, be it traditional, transitional, modern, farmhouse, or even industrial.

Conclusion

Many of the misconceptions about quartz worktops can keep people from buying them or influence some to buy them for the wrong reasons. So, know these myths about quartz countertops before making any decision and consult a quartz countertop installer Rockville for credible information and quartz samples.