The Pros & Cons Of Quartz
And Why We Are Big Fans Of Quartz
Renowned for durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance requirements, quartz countertops has become a staple in kitchens and bathrooms in both residential and commercial spaces. However, like any other material, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. We are going to dive into the world of quartz countertops to explore both the positives and the drawbacks.
What Are Quartz Countertops?
Quartz countertops are a man-made product. They are created by combining natural quartz and minerals with chemical resins and pigments. All Quartz Countertops Are Made Using Bretonstone Technology. Bretonstone Technology is a patented process created by the Breton company in northeast Italy. The process consists of blending pulverized natural stone aggregate with a mix of polymers, removing the air, and then heating and shaping the material into slabs that have the hardness and appearance of natural stone. The manufacturing process allows unparalleled creative options which both homeowners and designers can appreciate. Made of 93% natural stone, they’re an excellent example of human ingenuity and nature combined.
Photos Courtesy Of Cambria
PROS
Color and Design Options: Quartz countertops have nearly unlimited colors available. The design options can be anything from simple patterns, too complex, almost exact imitations of marble. Technology is so advanced that side by side it is often hard to tell a pure natural stone apart from quartz.
Low Maintenance: The non-porous surface requires no sealing or special care. This means that air, water, or other fluids are NOT able to flow through it. Marble which is porous, requires constant maintenance to avoid stains and etching. This is why many homeowners are leaning away from marble and towards quartz. Taking care of and cleaning quartz countertops is simple.
Durability: Quartz countertops are extremely durable and can withstand daily use with ease for life. As a hard material, it resists chips, scratches, stains, and cut marks.
CONS
Price: The luxury of having quartz countertops and all of it’s perks comes at a significant price tag. It’s best to set up a consultation and tour a stone manufacturing company to get a quote before your remodel so you can adequately adjust the budget if you want quartz.
Vulnerable to heat damage: While quartz is considered highly durable and low maintenance that doesn’t mean that it’s 100% indestructible. The resins and fillers that provide quartz’s durability can be severely damaged from hot pans and extreme heat. It is always recommended to use protection like pot holders when cooking/baking.
Manufactured product: This is a man made product and not a 100% pure, natural stone. While quartz is made with 93% natural elements, it is still a manufactured product.
Installation: Precision cuts, product weight and seaming methods, command the need for professional installation. Other than very small prefabricated tops, DIY installation is not recommended. To create the nearly invisible seams requires extensive training, and the expensive tools needed to cut/install the material. This is also the case for granite, marble and other natural stones so don’t think that this only applies to quartz. Leave stone and quartz installation to the professionals.
Why We Highly Recommend Quartz To Our Clients
When we built our home in 2017 I was dead set on marble, it was something that I had always wanted. Marble in my eyes is one of the most gorgeous stones on the planet, I will always admire the beauty that this God created stone holds. I was told that I would need to be diligent when it came to the care of my marble, and I told myself that this would be an easy task…boy was I wrong! Not long after we had moved into the house my large, beautiful island received it’s first chip. I was simply unloading the dishwasher and hit the side of the countertop with a pan. I was not only devastated and mad at myself, but also shocked at how easy it was to damage the marble. Over the 7 years we have now lived in this house I have learned some very important things when it comes to marble countertops. They are the following…
Kids and marble do not mix. We have 4 boys who are not gentle creatures, and marble requires a very soft touch.
We love citrus food/cocktails. You must NOT, I repeat, YOU MUST NOT let the acid from citrus sit on your marble for a long period of time (overnight). It will etch the surface and require repair as well as a good bit of elbow grease. YES, my marble is sealed and YES we do a regular sealant on it. The acid in citrus is just that strong!
You will cry when your marble chips for the first time - accept it.
Olive oil and porous surfaces do not mix. Olive oil that is left on a porous surface seeps in and spreads, creating a bruise like stain.
Red wine and spaghetti sauce are marble’s worst nightmare. The stains are not for the faint of heart.
We have marble in our bathroom countertops as well and it has held up significantly better than the kitchen. For this reason I will recommend marble in bathrooms to my clients.
If you still desire marble, even after reading the above paragraph, or currently have marble…..here is what you need to keep on hand! Remember that it is important to seal your marble regularly and treat it with gentle care.
This product works wonders on etching! It just requires some elbow grease. It has been the only thing I have found that repairs the etching.
