Pros and Cons of White Quartz Countertops

A bright white kitchen looks airy and inviting, especially in a small space. White quartz countertops can complement your kitchen’s aesthetic, but are they worth the price? Explore the pros and cons of white quartz countertops to decide if they’re right for you.

What Is White Quartz?

Quartz is an engineered stone countertop made by combining ground quartz minerals with resins, polymers, and pigments and pressing the mixture into slabs. The manufacturer uses white pigments with gray veining to make white quartz, resulting in a similar appearance to white marble.

Pros of White Quartz Countertops

Let’s explore the most significant advantages of installing white quartz countertops in your kitchen.

1. Durability

Quartz is highly durable and scores a seven out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale (for comparison, diamond scores a 10). This durability makes it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops, which must stand up to daily chopping, cooking, and cleaning. White quartz countertops are water-resistant and difficult to damage.

2. Stain Resistance

Because quartz is an engineered material, it’s naturally nonporous and resistant to staining. Even spilling a dark-colored liquid like coffee or red wine won’t leave a stain; simply wipe it up, and you’ll forget it ever happened. 

3. Low Maintenance 

Unlike solid stone countertops, quartz will never need to be sealed. It’s also easy to clean with a microfiber cloth; no scrubbing required. You won’t need to worry about bacteria or mold growth—simply disinfect the countertop after use to eliminate germs from raw meat or other foods.

4. Attractiveness

White quartz countertops are bright, clean, and attractive in any kitchen. They can be plain white or include gray veins to resemble marble. Whether you want an all-white kitchen or prefer pairing white countertops with a vivid wall or backsplash color, white quartz is an excellent pick. 

Cons of White Quartz Countertops

Although white quartz countertops have many benefits, they also have several drawbacks to bear in mind.

1. Expensive

Quartz countertops are low-maintenance and durable, but they’re also more expensive than many other countertop types. Quartz countertops cost $1,500 to $8,000, with an average price of $4,500. In contrast, laminate countertops cost an average of $1,250, and granite countertops cost an average of $3,250.

2. Vulnerable to Heat

Quartz countertops don’t handle heat well. You must use hot pads and trivets under hot pans to protect them from damage. If you set a hot pan down, it can cause permanent discoloration—and since the countertop is white, the mark will be noticeable.

3. Not Suitable for Outdoor Use

If you’re installing an outdoor kitchen or bar area, quartz won’t work. When exposed to UV light, quartz countertops can turn an unattractive shade of yellow. And with white quartz, that discoloration will be highly evident. Materials like natural stone and tile are better suited for outdoor use.

4. Difficult to Install

Quartz is a heavy countertop material that is unsuitable for DIY installation. Trying to save money by tackling this project yourself can result in damage to the surface that costs more to repair than you saved on labor. A local quartz countertop installation company will ensure that your white quartz countertops are installed correctly and safely the first time.

Alternatives to White Quartz Countertops

White quartz isn’t the only neutral countertop option out there. If you like the look of white quartz but aren’t sure it’s the right material for your space, consider these alternatives:

• Laminate

• Granite

• Solid surface (also known as Corian®)

• Porcelain

• Concrete

• Sintered stone

• Marble

• Quartzite

• Recycled glass

• Resin

Remember that the cost of installing countertops varies greatly depending on the material you choose. For example, while quartz countertops average $4,500, Corian countertops cost $3,950, and laminate countertops average $1,245.

Are White Quartz Countertops Right for You?

White quartz countertops are a timeless choice for anyone who wants a low-maintenance countertop material that will stay bright and clean without needing regular sealing. Any white or light-colored countertop can complement a kitchen’s color scheme, but quartz is a solid choice because of its durability and stain resistance.