Quartz is a naturally occurring substance that’s popular in kitchens and bathrooms. In its raw form, its colouring ranges from off-white to smoky gray, with colourful variations like pink and blue in the mix, too.
Quartz countertops are versatile, budget-friendly, and long-lasting. We’ll talk about the five biggest selling points of quartz so you can decide if this natural stone material is right for you.
Though quartz is a natural stone, quartz countertops are actually man-made. About ninety percent of the material in quartz countertops is ground-up quartz, while the other ten percent is made up of resins, polymers, and pigments.
The countertops get their colours and patterns from artificially arranged quartz pieces, which makes it easy to personalize the look of your countertop. Plus, the quartz used in countertops is often a waste product from other manufacturing projects, so it’s eco-friendly and typically less expensive than other materials.
Quartz is trending in kitchens and bathrooms everywhere right now. Why are people going with quartz instead of other types of natural stone countertops like granite?
Quartz is, by far, the most low-maintenance natural stone countertop. Engineered quartz is non-porous, so it resists staining, bacteria, and mold growth. This also means that it usually doesn’t need to be resealed (unlike granite, which will need to be resealed multiple times during its lifespan).
You can also use nearly any cleaning product on quartz without damaging it. Other types of natural stone don’t hold up as well to chemical cleaning products, but quartz is hardy and difficult to damage. Always check in with your contractor about what types of cleaning products you should use on your surface, but know that quartz is usually low-maintenance and easy to clean.
Choosing quartz countertops for your kitchen gives you endless design options to choose from. Quartz comes in a wide variety of colours (whites, greys, beige, dark brown, black, and every shade in between), which makes it a great choice for people who want a one-of-a-kind look in their kitchen or bathroom.
Unlike other natural stone countertops, quartz countertops contain dyes. Manufacturers can dye and design the quartz to suit certain trends or homeowner preferences. This makes for an almost unlimited catalog of patterns and styles for you to choose from.
Other stones, like granite, vary a lot from one slab to another. You might get different colours and textures depending on what cut of stone you receive.
With quartz, you don’t have to worry about trying to match your new countertops throughout your home. Since each piece is engineered, you can get identical countertops in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room if you choose to.
Quartz is on-trend right now, so if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, consider putting in a quartz countertop. (As an added bonus, quartz countertops are usually less expensive than other options, so you won’t break the bank by adding this small update to your home).
Quartz is also durable, so even if you’re not planning to move in the next few years, it will last for decades and still look great when you’re ready to head out. Because of its natural appearance, it’s unlikely that it’ll ever go completely out of style. It fits into a wide variety of kitchen designs and enhances almost any natural finish.
Quartz is a great low-maintenance countertop material for busy families. If your island has a few different jobs — say, as a cooking space and a homework area — quartz is the right choice for you. It can hold up to spills, and it won’t scratch or chip easily, so you can use your kitchen to its fullest without worrying about your countertop.
Quartz also works well in bathrooms. It’s non-porous, which means it won’t absorb moisture from nearby sinks and showers. It can be easier to match quartz to your bathroom design than other natural stones. Since granite countertops are somewhat limited when it comes to style, you can opt for quartz instead to get a natural-looking countertop that still perfectly matches your space.
There are two main drawbacks to quartz countertops. First, you should keep in mind that quartz is NOT heatproof like some other natural stone countertops. In your kitchen, you should always be sure to use a hot pad. If you don’t, you may harm the resin inside the countertop and leave a dark scald mark on the surface. In bathrooms, make sure to never set a hot curling iron or other hair tools directly on your countertop.
Also, note that high-quality quartz countertops can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, be careful to choose a variety that won’t break the bank. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options on the market as well, so you won’t struggle to find quartz that fits into your budget and your design needs.
Curious to see what a quartz countertop might look like in your space? You’re not alone! A majority of new kitchens feature this durable, beautiful natural material.
Schedule a design appointment in our Cold Lake showroom (just a short drive from Edmonton) to look at material swatches, talk about measurements and pricing, and see a 3D rendering of your new space. We’re looking forward to helping you choose the right countertop for your kitchen!