Game-Changing Benefits of Quartz Countertops

When updating a kitchen or bathroom, changing out a faucet or getting a new sink are easy fixes, but what about countertops? Countertops are a hot topic on social media, with many conversations drifting toward the same surface: quartz. Questions about quartz countertops are frequently the same: Why are they so special? Are they hard to keep clean? What are the benefits of quartz countertops and are they better than other surfaces? We’ve explored the latest in countertop trends and considered a variety of countertop pros and cons. Let’s take a moment to focus in on quartz and why everyone is talking about this kitchen and bathroom surface option.

What is quartz?

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on earth. If you’ve ever held a rock, you’ve held quartz. Quartz countertops were first created in Italy in the early 1960s. The composition of powdered stone and binder classifies this kind of quartz as an engineered stone and one of the hardest surfaces in existence, which makes it ideal for a countertop. According to the Mohs scale of hardness, quartz, like diamonds, is harder than steel.

What colors do quartz countertops come in?

Pick any color in the rainbow and there’s a quartz countertop to match. Since added color is a component of the recipe, these man-made surfaces can be fabricated in a diverse array of shades, from solid primary colors to incredible replicas of natural stone (including veining!). These countertops can even be customized for texture to mimic real stone.

How do quartz countertops compare to granite, marble or soapstone?

Quartz countertops are very low maintenance. They’re resistant to scratches and nonporous, making them impervious to mold, mildew and stains — they’ll never need to be sealed like granite or oiled like soapstone. When it comes to cleaning quartz countertops, a sponge and soapy water should do the trick, unlike granite and soapstone, which fare far better when maintained with special cleaners. Despite its list of accolades, quartz isn’t as heat-resistant as granite or soapstone, and UV rays can alter the coloration — think twice before putting the quartz in a sun-drenched room.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

When weighing your options for countertop materials, quartz countertops are great if you want a customized look because there are so many options for color and surfaces. However, they can be an investment. Unlike concrete, composite or wood, they tend to be on the higher end for price. But, unlike those options, they are tougher and harder to dent or chip. Even though the upfront cost is higher, quartz countertops never need resealing like their other stone counterparts. 

Picking the right countertop comes down to personal taste, the needs of the space and your lifestyle.