Quartz Countertops

What Are Quartz And Quartz Countertops?

Quartz is a natural stone that consists of silicon and oxygen. However, quartz countertops are not totally natural; they are artificial materials. Engineers, with polymer resins and pigments, bind the quartz dust together to form a slab, its countertop shape.

The overall ratio is %90-94 quartz to %6-10 polymers and resins in a quartz countertop. With this ratio, the quartz gets as hard as granite, and its appearance can also be changed accordingly to your needs.

Pros And Cons Of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are the most trendy countertops for kitchens and bathrooms. Here are why these countertops are the most selected ones and what their disadvantages are:

Advantages of Quartz Countertops

They are one of the toughest stones you can find. According to the Mohs Scale Of Hardness, quartz scored 7 out of 10. This means that the quartz is as hard as granite countertops and can withstand serious weight. (another example, Marble has a score of 3 out of 10)
Thanks to being %90 natural, quartz countertops are non-porous. You don’t have to worry about water damaging your countertop. Also, because of their non-porous characteristics, bacteria or germs cannot penetrate the front surface.
One of the best characteristics is that they do not require sealing, thanks to their non-porousness. So you don’t have to worry about the sealing cost and the time necessary to do it.
They are scratch-resistant. However, you should still use your quartz countertop as cutting boards.
They’re stain-resistant. However, if the mess is not cleaned quickly or does consist of solid acids, your quartz countertop may lose its original color.
One of their most attractive features is the countless types and patterns you can select on the market for quartz countertops. The pigments inside them can be inserted accordingly to your needs and likes.

Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops

Even though the quartz can withstand high temperatures, the pigments and the polymers cannot. So, if you put a hot pot straight onto the countertop, there can be visible hotspots.
Quartz countertops are one of the most expensive types of countertops on the market. The price tag can vary between the brands, but quartz is at the high-end margin of the market.
They are also not DIY friendly because of their weights and installation processes. So, before buying quartz countertops, evaluate the professional installation too.
Based on the area your quartz countertop covers, you can encounter seams. Even though darker colors like black or brown can hide them, they are visible in lighter colors.

Popular Quartz Countertop Styles And Colors

Because of the pigments in its material, there are many different designs of quartz countertops. You can choose various colors for your countertops, from black and white to red and blue. However, no matter the color, making it matte for your quartz countertops is one of the most elegant choices. Quartz shows off its flamboyance with deep and darker colors. So, selecting dark gray, black, and dark brown are some of the best choices on the market.

Also, there are more natural-looking options as well for people that are looking for that ambiance. But, the more natural-looking the quartz gets, the more expensive it becomes. So, please select an affordable design for your kitchen and bathroom.

Quartz Countertops Vs. Granite Countertops

Quartz countertops are high-end alternatives to granite countertops. However, they go head-to-head in terms of quality and characteristics.

Both are durable and have the same score of 7 on the Mohs Scale Of Hardness. They are two of the most formidable countertops in the market. So, you can be sure both will withstand heavy objects without problem.
While quartz countertops are %90-94 natural, they are known as engineered stones because of their polymers and pigments. Meanwhile, granite countertops are %100 natural and greener in manufacturing. But, they need to be quarried and transported, which increases their carbon footprint more than quartz.
The difference between the patterns of quartz and granite countertops will be visible. But, thanks to pigments inside them, quartz countertops can mimic any material in colors and patterns.
Quartz countertops are better in terms of maintenance. They do not require sealing at all, while granite countertops require regular sealing. Also, quartz kitchen countertops are non-porous and do not require special cleaning.
In terms of price, both are expensive. But, the overall price gap of quartz kitchen countertops is lower than that of granite countertops.

Quartz is a durable material against stains and scratches and is more elegant than its counterparts. Therefore, quartz countertops are one of the best kitchen countertops you can find on the market in terms of price performance and high quality. Moreover, their easy maintenance, the availability of different patterns and colors, and elegant looks are some of the characteristics that make them famous in the market and one of the best choices for your kitchens and bathrooms.

CabinetLand presents Quartz countertops with various colors and pattern options. You may also wish to see our other kitchen countertop selections for your house.