What Are Quartz Countertops?

If you are installing new countertops, you may be wondering, “What is a quartz countertop?” Well, wonder no longer! We are here to explain this marvelous material. Quartz countertops are made from finely crushed natural quartz stone, combined with resins and pigments to bind and add color. They are incredibly durable and, because they are nonporous, do not need to be sealed for stain and water resistance. Quartz in its original form comes in many different colors, and when manufacturers mix those natural colors with different pigments, the resulting quartz countertops come in an even wider variety of colors and patterns.  

Benefits of Quartz Countertops

• Highly durable

• Stain resistant

• Water resistant 

• Beautiful

• Low maintenance

What Is Quartz?

Quartz is an igneous rock, meaning it consists of hardened molten material. Scientifically, quartz is known by its chemical formula SiO2 and is a member of the silica family. Quartz is one of many crystalline forms of silica and the second most abundant mineral in the world after feldspar. Its formation process makes this natural stone one of the strongest and most durable materials available. In nature, quartz withstands weathering; in your kitchen, it holds up to small appliances and piles of dishes with ease.

But what is quartz used for? Besides countertops, quartz is also used for jewelry, and its crystals are used to make oscillators for watches, computers, cell phones, and GPS equipment. For home use, especially countertops, engineered quartz is a newer, popular option with similar strength to its natural counterpart. Humanmade quartz slabs typically include a small percentage of natural quartz.

Pros and Cons of Quartz

Quartz has many benefits as a material for home use, but there are some downsides as well. Is quartz better than granite or marble? It depends on your needs and lifestyle.

Benefits of Quartz

One significant benefit is that there are many types of quartz countertops. Whether you want to achieve a rustic look or something more modern, there is a style of quartz to suit your needs. Naturally, quartz comes in many colors, including pinks, browns, yellows, blues, and greens. Engineered quartz countertops can be made into just about any color, although neutral tones like white, brown, gray, or black are the most popular.

To make quartz countertops, manufacturers combine crushed quartz and other stones like marble or granite with a resin or cement binder for strength. These types of countertops only contain a percentage of quartz; the added resin or binder makes quartz counters stronger and less likely to chip over time. 

Quartz is good for countertops because its nonporous surface is more resistant to staining than other, more porous materials like marble or granite. This matters when you are rinsing raspberries and chopping tomatoes.

• Highly durable and low maintenance

• Stain resistant and water resistant

• May increase the home’s value

• Beautiful, high-end look

• Can mimic materials like marble and granite 

Drawbacks of Quartz

The main issue with quartz is that it is more expensive than many other countertop materials, so it is not ideal for people who want kitchen countertop ideas on a budget. Costs are typically similar to that of marble. Quotes to install these countertops could range anywhere from $60 to $200 per square foot.

Engineered quartz countertops are not as resistant to heat as other countertop materials like concrete or crushed glass. Still, they are not likely to scorch in typical temperatures generated in kitchens or bathrooms. Just be sure to use trivets before placing hot pots on engineered quartz.

• Expensive

• May scorch or burn with high heat

• Difficult to install

• Should only be used indoors

How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost? 

The cost of quartz per square foot can start around $60 and go up to $200. This price is similar to other popular, durable countertop options like marble, granite, or slate. You should talk with a local quartz countertop installer to get an estimate before you commit to quartz.

Solid surface countertops are a lower-cost option with a similarly modern appearance to quartz. Solid surface is a material made of mineral dust combined with plastic resins. It is more likely to scorch from a hot pan or hair styling tool than quartz.

Quartz vs. Granite

Quartz and granite are two of the most popular countertop options. Like quartz, granite is a durable natural stone, albeit not as strong as quartz. Quartz counters are a mix of natural quartz and sometimes silica, resins, or other materials; granite counters are typically 100% natural. If you are doing a DIY installation, knowing how to cut quartz is just as important as knowing how to cut granite because both are incredibly strong and will require a few special tools to do the job right.

Granite also comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Because it is natural, each slab is unique. Engineered quartz offers virtually endless options for customization. Granite is another premium countertop material, ranging from $80 to $180 per square foot depending on the granite countertop installers near you.

As far as maintenance goes, granite needs to be resealed about once a year. Granite is more porous and vulnerable to staining than quartz. Be mindful of the cleaners you use on granite, since this material can stain from some acids and oils. Comparatively, quartz does not need resealing.

Are Quartz Countertops Easy to Clean?

Quartz countertops are very easy to clean. Because they are nonporous, they do not soak up stains or water, meaning that if you spill something on the countertop, a quick wipe with a paper towel or damp cloth is all it should take to clean it up. If you need some disinfecting power, an all-purpose cleaner or dish soap should work just fine.

Choosing Quartz for Your Next Project

Quartz is an excellent option for homeowners who want a customizable look, a premium kitchen countertop, and a durable, low-maintenance material. While it can be costly to install stone countertops, quartz lasts a long time, making it worth the investment.

Whether you are looking for white quartz countertops, wanting to mimic the look of granite or marble, or craving a trendy dark look with black, quartz offers a range of options that will look beautiful even after years of use. And the best part is, regular cleaning and avoiding setting hot pans on the surface is all it really takes to keep them looking great!