When it comes to the pros and cons of quartz countertops, research is key.
By considering the strengths and weaknesses of the quartz counter, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision before committing to purchase.
Luckily, the benefits of quartz countertops heavily outweigh the disadvantages.
That being said, it is still useful to know the drawbacks so that you don’t get any nasty surprises further down the line.
Should you go for a granite worktop instead of quartz? Is quartz a good material for commercial surfaces?
We’ll address all of your burning questions in this handy article on the pros and cons of quartz countertops! Read on to find out more…
Quartz Benefits
There are so many ways that you can benefit from using quartz worktops for your kitchen, bathroom countertops or commercial project. These benefits are what make quartz such a highly sought-after stone countertop material.
In one of our recent articles, we talked all about how quartz worktops are made. So, if you want to know how we source and repurpose the quartz, be sure to check that out too!
1. Quartz is Incredibly Durable
We couldn’t compile a list of quartz benefits without talking about quartz’s durability.
Quartz’s durability is one of the primary reasons that people opt to use quartz for their countertops.
Before the resin and pigment have even been added, quartz in its purest form has a hardness and scratch resistance rating of 7 out of 10. When you compare this with the Mohs rating for marble (3/10) and granite (6/10), you can see why it is such a sought-after material for countertops.
Durable materials are a must-have for high-traffic areas due to the increased potential for wear and tear. With quartz, you can be safe in the knowledge that your countertop will hold up over time even with repeated use.
2. Quartz Countertops are Customisable
When people think about the pros and cons of quartz countertops, there are many misconceptions, and appearance is a big one.
People often assume that quartz worktops are only available in lighter colours due to the fact that pure quartz is a transparent crystalline mineral.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth…
You might be surprised to find out that quartz countertops come in a huge variety of colours and styles. By customising the pigment and controlling the coarseness of the stone blend, you can create practically any colour or pattern that you desire.
What’s more, you can even have your quartz specifically manufactured to replicate the appearance of other stones. So, if you’ve always loved the look of marble worktops, but want something that is less maintenance, quartz is the perfect alternative.
3. Quartz Counters are Stain Resistant
Scratch AND stain-resistant?
No – we’re not making this up!
Not only is quartz fantastic at resisting chips and scratches, but it is also excellent at resisting pesky splotches and stains.
Due to the low porosity of quartz, it is very difficult for liquids to penetrate into the stone, thus eliminating the risk of set-in stains. This gives quartz a significant advantage when compared with similar stone types.
In fact, research conducted by Consumer Reports found that quartz was significantly better at resisting stains from food colouring and beetroot juice than granite. Considering that the worktops were exposed to these liquids for 20 hours, that’s a pretty impressive win for quartz.
4. Quartz is Easy to Clean
Another major benefit that comes from quartz’s low porosity, is its easiness to clean.
If you do spill something on your quartz countertop, all you need to do is wipe it down with a cloth and some soapy water.
Because quartz naturally contains antimicrobial elements you don’t need to use antibacterial soap every time you use the surface. Antibacterial soap is more of a priority if your surface has been in contact with raw meats or dairy.
So, for a quick wipe down there is no harm in using washing-up liquid or a mild cleaning detergent.
Can you use bleach on quartz worktops?
With quartz, it’s best to resist reaching for harsh chemical cleaners. This is because products such as bleach and ammonia can damage the surface of the countertop.
5. Quartz is a Versatile Material
One of the best things about quartz is the fact that is a multipurpose material.
As well as being an excellent choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops, quartz can also be used to make a broad range of other stone furnishings.
From fireplace surrounds to bars, tabletops and splashbacks – the list is endless!
6. Quartz Counters are Heat Resistant
This moves us on nicely to our next point…heat resistance.
While quartz is not completely heatproof, it still does a wonderful job of withstanding high temperatures. This is why it is a perfect choice for fireplace surrounds and countertops as it can resist exposure to heat up to 150 degrees.
Exposure to temperatures above this will result in damage so never subject your quartz counters to hot pans or direct flames.
7. Quartz Countertops do not Require Sealing
When comparing quartz countertops to marble and granite, another useful advantage is that they do not need sealing. This is because of the resin element added during the manufacturing process.
Over time, the sealant used for other stone worktops can break down which means that they require resealing regularly.
Without a sealant, you won’t need to worry about this and will be saving yourself money in the long run!
8. Quartz Worktops are great for Commercial Businesses
As we mentioned previously, quartz’s versatility makes it a fantastic choice of material for stone furnishings.
And this is just as true for businesses as it is for homes!
A quartz reception desk or counter is sure to make a lasting impression on your guests. Not only does quartz stand the test of time, but it also oozes luxury, elegance and sophistication.
When you enter a building with a quartz counter, you immediately assume that the company ‘means business’.
Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops
By now, you’ll see that there are a huge number of benefits to using quartz. However, it’s still necessary to take quartz limitations into account. Here’s what you need to know…
9. Quartz can be Tricky to Install
Installing a quartz counter requires expert precision and quality craftsmanship. So, don’t be fooled into thinking that installation is an easy DIY job.
Quartz countertop installation is a specialist skill.
Quartz is a heavy-duty material that has to be installed on a completely secure foundation that is structurally sound. Without this, your countertop will collapse and could cause significant damage.
In addition, an expert fitter will be able to install your worktop in such a way that the seams are barely visible. If you try to do it yourself or pay the bare minimum for your installation, you’ll end up with unsightly seams and mismatched veining.
10. Quartz Worktops can Cost More
When it comes to the cost of quartz countertops, there is no denying that you do pay a bit more for a premium product.
On average, quartz counters cost more than granite. However, the increased durability, stain resistance, ease of maintenance AND customizability make quartz a worthwhile investment.
Depending on the thickness and the size of the quartz slabs you need, quartz countertops can also be slightly cheaper than marble whilst offering a similar aesthetic effect.
11. Quartz can Fade When Exposed to Direct Sunlight
Last on our list of quartz cons is fading.
When exposed to too much direct sunlight quartz can start to fade and discolour. This is because the sun’s UV rays have a bleaching effect.
What’s important to note here is that this bleaching effect isn’t unique to quartz and can also happen to marble and granite. So, technically, this isn’t a specific disadvantage of quartz but it’s something to be aware of!
If you’re concerned about the prospect of quartz fading, be sure to use blinds in areas where your worktops are exposed to the sun.
Alternatively, you could invest in some UV-resistant window film. UV film comes in easy-to-apply roles and is widely available online.
Quartz Countertops from Marble Supreme
Now that you have read through the pros and cons of quartz countertops, we hope that we’ve made your decision a little easier.
Although quartz can be costlier than other materials and requires an expert to install, it still offers countless benefits for both homes and businesses.
If you would like us to help you find the perfect quartz countertop for your next project, get in touch today.
At Marble Supreme, our helpful team can provide you with a free consultation and extensive advice relating to quartz worktops. Check out our gallery to see some of our latest projects.