The search for the perfect countertop can be daunting. Countertops come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, from butcher blocks to marble tops. With such a vast sea of options to choose from, it can be difficult to find an all-in-one solution. So how does quartz shape up against the other heavyweight stone contenders such as granite and marble? Here we’ll take a look at five great features of a quartz countertop.
Many homeowners choose quartz because of the broad array of colors and styles available. Check out our post on Cambria’s quartz countertop colors to get an idea of what we mean. Many homeowners are looking for coordinating colors that reach beyond the browns, greys, and blacks of natural stone, along with the smooth, continuous surfaces offered outside of the classic tiles.
The color of quartz is also incredibly consistent over time. In contrast, some granite slabs are dyed in order to create a consistent and pleasing color. Such dyes can fade over time, resulting in a color that’s inconsistent with what you originally purchased. Quartz stands the test of time and stays true to its original color. In addition, the color of a quartz countertop slab is consistent throughout the slab itself, meaning the color you chose on the sales floor is the same color you will experience in your home.
One of the most important facets of quartz is its amazing resilience. Offering an incredibly tough surface, quartz is a great choice for those heavy-duty chefs and families with children or pets. Most manufacturers offer a warranty to guarantee their product, which cannot always be found with a granite or marble purchase. Quartz has been called an almost indestructible material, making it a great option for homeowners who may be hard on their kitchens.
Cost must be carefully balanced between all facets of a construction project, and countertops can eat up quite a bit of that budget allocation. Although quartz is more expensive than laminate or tile, it is comparable to granite (yet more resilient and color-fast). Cost is almost always a factor when choosing building materials, and an important factor in ensuring that you are getting the best bang for your buck. With a quartz countertop, you’re choosing a superior product with comparable rates.
Along with all of its other great attributes, quartz is also a step above other stone surfaces because of its hygienic properties. Quartz is a non-porous material, which means that the risk of staining, corrosion, or soaking up unsanitary substances is low. This high resistance leads to less bacteria lurking around your kitchen. For homeowners with small children, older family members, or animals that find their way onto counters, keeping a clean and sanitary surface can be a very high priority.
Unlike marble and granite that need to be sealed regularly to prevent stains and keep them sanitary, quartz remains steadfast in its resilience against damage and bacteria. Quartz is also a low-maintenance material. Hardy and resistant to scratches, quartz is an easy-to-clean material that requires no special applications to keep it looking as good as new.
Learn more about how to keep your quartz looking new with our quartz care and maintenance guide.
Quartz has been booming in the U.S. throughout the recent decade, and for good reason. With so many countertop choices to select from, it can be difficult to find one that offers a variety of long-lasting colors, resilience against damage, cost-effectiveness, hygiene, and easy maintenance—but quartz offers these benefits and more.