Pros and Cons of White Quartz Countertops: Are They Right for You?

White quartz countertops—there’s no doubt that if you’re planning a bathroom or kitchen remodel, you’ve seen these all over Pinterest. You might have even confused quartz for marble because they look so similar. Quartz’s ability to elevate a space without the price tag of natural stone is partially why it is such a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom renovations.

But is it the right choice for you? White quartz, in particular, sounds like it could be tricky in kitchens, the home of red sauces, wine, and coffee. Before you drop $4,500—the average cost to install quartz countertops—here’s what to know about the pros and cons of white quartz countertops for your home.

What Is Quartz Made of?

Quartz countertops are a manufactured product combining ground quartz (a hard natural mineral) with synthetic materials. Most quartz slabs contain 90% to 94% of ground quartz and 6% to 10% of resins, polymers, and pigments. The natural and synthetic materials blend to create an engineered stone pressed into sheets.

The added pigment creates various colors and patterns, so it’s easy to get quartz countertops that match your kitchen design. White quartz is especially popular and comes in multiple styles, from pure white to off-white, with gray veining designed to look like white marble.

Benefits of White Quartz Countertops

White quartz bathroom and kitchen countertops have a lot of benefits over natural stone countertops, such as granite and marble, including:

Low Maintenance

It’s easy to think that because white quartz is so beautiful that it would take a lot to maintain, but in reality, quartz is a low maintenance material. To keep it looking great, you must wipe it down regularly with an all-purpose cleaner, a wet cloth, or some dish soap.

Durable

Engineered stone is incredibly durable. The mixture of natural materials and resins creates a hard, nonporous surface that will resist scratches, stains, and cracks.

Stain Resistant

The thought of bringing anything white into a home can strike fear in many homeowners, especially if they have kids or pets. But when it comes to white quartz, rest assured, it can stand up to nearly anything you can throw—or drop or drip or spill—on it. Because it’s nonporous, it won’t soak up the spills that could stain other materials.

Visually Stunning

White quartz sounds simple, but it’s available with a wide range of veining patterns that make a stunning statement in the kitchen. 

Clean and Elegant

White is a classic color that exudes elegance. It has a clean look that can brighten up nearly any space. White quartz countertops bring a sense of sophistication into a kitchen, and because they’re stain-resistant, will enhance a clean, fresh look.

Versatile 

Because white goes with everything, white quartz countertops allow you to change up your kitchen decor to your heart’s content. They bring brightness to a dark kitchen and enhance the feel of lighter kitchens. They also lend themselves well to modern and contemporary designs.

Cons of Choosing White Quartz Countertops 

Even with all of their pros, there are a few cons to be aware of before setting your hopes and dreams on white quartz countertops. 

High Cost

Quartz is one of the higher-cost kitchen countertop materials, falling in line with soapstone or Corian countertop costs. While it may be possible to find quartz countertops that cost as little as $15 per square foot, be wary of the quality of the material. Cost per square foot can go as high as $70, which can be a big investment depending on the size of the kitchen, so they’re not the best choice if you’re going for kitchen countertop ideas on a budget.

Low Heat Resistance

Unfortunately, quartz has a lower heat resistance than other materials like granite or Corian. So, while setting a cup of coffee or a bowl of oatmeal on the countertop won’t do any damage, if you accidentally put down a pan right off the stove, you may have some heat damage to deal with.

Indoor Use Only

If you’re looking for a countertop for your outdoor kitchen, white quartz isn’t it. The resins that bind the quartz together are vulnerable to UV light damage; the last thing you want is unsightly yellowing on the beautiful white countertop.

Not an Easy Installation

Quartz countertops come in large, weighty slabs, so installation doesn’t happen easily. If the slabs aren’t lined up correctly, the seams can be visible, compromising the overall look. This is why using a local quartz countertop installation professional is important but will also add to the overall countertop cost.

How to Maintain White Quartz Countertops 

White quartz is nonporous, so unlike other materials like granite and marble that need to be sealed, quartz naturally resists stains and water damage. This makes maintaining your white quartz countertops very easy—simply wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth, dish soap, or an all-purpose cleaner. If you spill something that leaves any discoloration behind, you can make a paste of baking soda and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove it. Test these methods in an inconspicuous place before doing anything in plain sight.

How Much Does White Quartz Cost vs. Other Types of Countertops?

White quartz may be inexpensive compared to marble countertops, but it’s not the cheapest option. Here’s how it compares to other countertops: 

Note: Quality plays a significant role in countertop costs, so while you can find types of quartz countertops for $15 per square foot, you likely will be spending much more.

White Quartz Countertop Ideas

White quartz countertops can be paired with different design elements to create the ideal aesthetic in your kitchen, whether you choose white quartz with soft gray veins or bold streaks or decide to keep it simple with all white.

1. Warm White with Soft Gray Veins

Photo: LUGOSTOCK / Adobe Stock

For a similar look, try MSI Carrara Grigio Quartz countertops.

2. Soft White with Light Gray Veins

Photo: Javani LLC / Adobe Stock

For a similar look, try Cambria Smithfield quartz countertops.

3. Dark White with Gray and Taupe Marble Effect

Photo: Sommersby / Adobe Stock

For a similar look, try Cambria Skara Brae quartz countertops.

4. Off-White with Prominent Gray Veins

Photo: AdrieDee / Adobe Stock

For a similar look, try Silestone Eternal Classic Calcutta quartz countertops.  

5. Pure White

Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock

For a similar look, try Caesarstone Vivid White quartz countertops.