Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops: A Comprehensive Guide


By Artem Kropovinsky, Interior Designer and Founder of Arsight |
December 26, 2023

You may love redecorating and accessorizing your home, but what if your home is old and worn out? No matter how valuable home accessories you may purchase or how good aesthetic sense you may have, your efforts might go in vain.

So, what are the things to consider when redecorating your home? Walls, countertops, floor, furniture, décor items, and the list goes on. However, when planning your interior design, you must consider some major aspects such as environment, trends, budget, preferences, size, long-term value, and the country you reside in. It will rightly guide your renovation decisions.

Moganstone

Why Choose Quartz Countertops?

While the garden, dining hall, bedrooms, and sitting room are a major part of the home, we cannot underestimate the importance of the kitchen and bathrooms.

If you are planning a home maintenance project, you should consider quartz for countertops when revamping your kitchen and bathroom shelves. It will surely increase your house value.

In this era of rising inflation, where you have to manage so many expenses in a limited budget, you might feel overburdened. It is an undeniable truth that maintenance tasks consume a lot of budgets which is why many homeowners tend to skip them. However, a practical approach is to consider the long-term value rather than a one-time cost that will make home maintenance projects worth it.

Investing in extravagant and valuable furniture and décor items might not be a good idea if your interiors are wearing off. The kitchen and bathroom are roughly used and washed every day. So, it requires regular maintenance.

When searching for frequently used material options for countertops in the market, you may find marble or granite. But these are outdated and you should consider other popular choices. One such example is quartz, and people love it for its aesthetics and durability.

The first question that may pop up in your mind is what it is made of. Quartz countertops mainly feature ground mineral quartz combined with resin and pigments. So, it is free from any flaws that you may find in natural stones like marble and granite.

The Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

You need to be logical when investing in home maintenance projects and prefer options that offer value for money. The reason is that it’s a major investment and should last a lifetime.

As countertops are a major part of your kitchen, bathroom, or even dining area, you must evaluate the chosen material’s pros and cons before making renovation project decisions. This article will provide a comprehensive insight into the pros and cons quartz countertops.

Pros of Quartz Countertops

Durability

A major benefit of choosing quartz for countertops is that it does not break easily, and is also scratch-resistant. So, it is a preferred option for busy kitchens and frequently used bathrooms. According to the Mohs hardness scale, quartz is rated 7 out of 10, so it will not tatter easily.

Aesthetically Appealing

You may find a variety of design options in quartz ranging from a natural rustic look to an extravagant finish. If you are creative and want to give your interiors a modish look, then quartz is a recommended material. It is different from natural stones and may give a uniform look to your interiors in terms of colors and patterns.

Stain-Proof

Quartz is impermeable which gives it stain-proof properties. So, you don’t need to worry about any spills that may stain, cause discoloration, or permanently damage the countertops. In the kitchen, it's all about food, grease, and oil, and deep cleaning is essential. Quartz is ideal for this purpose.

Less Maintenance

As quartz is an impermeable material, it cannot be a breeding ground for germs or microorganisms, so you don’t have to worry about mold growth or regular maintenance. All you need is to regularly wipe the surface using a cleaning liquid and sponge. Moreover, other natural stones may require repolishing or lamination, however, this is not the case with quartz.

sommthink/Shutterstock

Valuable Interiors

When spending on home maintenance projects, you would certainly want to add value to your interiors. Quartz is a prized, fashionable, and appealing material that can give a completely new look to your kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. White and gold quartz countertops are trending and can match any interior. You can even expect your home’s higher resale value, so the investment is worth it.

Easy to Clean

Quartz countertops are easy to clean, you may use a simple sponge or washcloth with a cleaning solution. You should prefer using mild and non-acidic soaps for cleaning stains and spills on quartz surfaces.

Plank & Pillow

Cons of Quartz Countertops

Costly Material

If you have a limited home renovation budget, then the idea of installing quartz countertops may disappoint you. You must be aware of the exact costs before you plan the project. When choosing quartz countertops, the size and color are the main factors that may influence the final cost. For an estimate quartz countertops’ price ranges between 50 USD to 200 USD per sq. ft. On average, you may have to spend a minimum of 5000 USD which can go up to 12000 USD.

Cannot Withstand High Heat

If you have quartz countertops in your kitchen, you should be mindful that they cannot withstand high temperatures because the resin may melt away. You may have to keep coasters or pads on the quartz countertops to place hot pans and dishes.

It is not easy to install

Many people may plan DIY home renovation projects, but they must know that quartz can only be installed by a professional. The reason is that it is a hefty stone that cannot be handled by a layman. Only an expert can calculate exact measurements, install the slabs, and finish the countertop for use.

Not Ideal for Outdoors

It might not be a good idea if you plan to install quartz in the outdoor kitchen or outdoor shelves. The reason is that the resin material is likely to fade away when exposed to direct sunlight.

Gluckstein Design

Visible Layers

Quartz countertop layers are visible and may look unappealing. Besides, it is susceptible to damage. However, if you are still interested in installing quartz countertops, you may choose a dark-toned material as it will make the layers less noticeable, and can perfectly complement your interiors.

Takeaway

Quartz is emerging as a popular material for kitchen countertops, shelves, and bathroom vanities. Its qualities have outshined other material options such as granite, concrete, porcelain, and marble for residential and commercial purposes. However, before deciding on your home maintenance project, it is important to consider your requirements. Knowing quartz countertops' pros and cons will guide your decision. 

It is a reality that quartz countertops are much more expensive than the alternatives, but it’s a lifetime investment and worth it. It is long-lasting, requires little maintenance, and will boost your house's resale value.

Artem Kropovinsky is an author, interior designer and the founder of Arsight, a globally award-winning design firm based in New York. With over decade of experience, Arsight specializes in complex projects, including new constructions, complete residential renovations, restaurants, and retail stores.