As a designer, whether you are thinking about remodeling a kitchen or building a new one from the scratch, choosing the quartz countertops is the first thing that comes to mind. Also, inside a kitchen, the countertops are the first element that draws the eye. Thus, you have to be careful while choosing the kitchen countertops.
Speaking about the kitchen countertops, we did mention quartz countertops. The question that comes up here is, why did we mention quartz countertops for kitchen and why not any other material. There are a lot of other materials for kitchen countertops. For instance, marble, granite, concrete, and more. However, the primary reason for choosing quartz countertops for kitchen is their durability.
Apart from that, there are also a lot of benefits of choosing quartz countertops for kitchen. In this blog today, we shall share a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of choosing quartz countertops for kitchen. But before we get into the pros and cons, let us share some brief information on how the quartz is manufactured.
How is quartz manufactured?
A lot of us believe that quartz is a man-made or engineered product. Not it is not. Quartz is a natural mineral that is composed of silicon and oxygen. Also, it is the most abundant mineral on earth. However, when it comes to the quartz countertops for kitchen, it is engineered using quartz as the main component along with polymers, resin, and pigment. These are synthetic materials that enhance the durability of the countertops. Natural quartz makes up 90% of the final product while the other materials make up 10%.
What are the pros of quartz countertops for kitchen?
Quartz countertops have a lot of advantages and they are as follows:
1. Durability
One of the primary reasons why people buy quartz countertops for kitchens is they are highly durable. If you are looking for an element that won’t crack, get chipped, or scratched easily, then quartz is your option. On the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness quartz is rated 7 out of 10, while marble is rated between 3 and 5. Yes, it is true that just because it is durable, doesn’t mean it is indestructible. There could be scratches. However, due to the hard composition, the chances of any major damage or discoloration is minimal.
2. Appearance
Appearance is another important benefit of quartz countertops for kitchen. You will find a lot of variety in the quartz countertops. The best part is, all sorts of designs for the quartz countertops are elegant, sleek, and modern designs. Thus, a quartz countertop manufacturer can create nearly any design and color. Therefore, quartz is suitable for different sorts of interiors.
Unlike natural stones like granite or marble, you are not restricted to the designs that Mother Nature offers. Quartz countertops for kitchens will go with all sorts of cabinet materials, color, backsplash, and flooring. Along with the traditional stone-like designs, the solid-colored countertops are also popular, especially for modern homes.
3. Non-Porous
Being non-porous is another critical benefit of quartz countertops. Unlike the natural stones with numerous pores, the quartz stones are non-porous. Thus, the quartz countertops for kitchen are non-porous as well. Porous materials allow different elements like liquids, dust, and dirt particles to get into the surface. Thus, it can lead to stains, change of colors, and damage to the surface.
The worst part is, germs and bacteria can make their way into the pores. This can make it difficult to clean. This is why those who prefer natural stone or granite, have to keep their countertops sealed. On the other hand, with quartz, you won’t have to worry about such things. Since quartz is non-porous, you won’t have to think about sealing it. There is no chance of any liquid, dirt, or dust particles penetrating the surface.
4. Stain-Resistant
As we mentioned above, quartz is a non-porous stone. Thus, quartz is highly resistant to stain. Stains in kitchen countertops happen when liquid or other dust particles penetrate the pore of the stone. Elements like granite and marble are highly susceptible to staining because of the porous nature.
If you look closely at the older kitchens with stone counters, you will find a lot of white spots, fading, and discoloration. This will happen more if the owner doesn’t seal the surface and change the seal every few years. On the other hand, quartz is non-porous, thus there is no way for the liquids to get in and cause permanent stains.
This is a major selling point, especially for families with kids. The important thing is, quartz is more resistant to stains compared to marble and granite.
5. Easy to Maintain
One of the primary reasons why so many people prefer quartz countertops for kitchens is because they are easy to maintain. Forget about sealing the countertops, you can use any cleaning agent to clean the countertops. Also, you can just use soap and water to wipe the surface. However, with other materials, you have to check every substance that comes in contact with the surface. With quartz, there is not much to worry about.
6. Versatility
Versatility is another important factor for quartz. You will be able to use the quartz stones, not only in the kitchens but also in bathrooms, fireplaces, bars, and other places in your room as well. You will find different designs for different sections of your interiors. This is a highly versatile element because of the durability and variety of colors.
What are the cons of using quartz countertops for kitchen?
Quartz, as a stone, comes with a few cons as well. They are as follows:
Vulnerable to direct heat
The quartz stones are heat resistant, but the other elements like polymers and resins are not. Thus, the quartz countertops for kitchen are vulnerable to direct heat. Therefore, you cannot place the countertops in locations that are exposed to direct heat or sunlight. For the same reason, quartz countertops should not be used outside. It will melt the resins and lead to permanent discoloration and damage. The exact temperature will vary depending on the quality and the manufacturer. However, to be safe, it is better to put a trivet between the hot cookware and quartz countertops.
Installation is diffcult
This is true. Installing the quartz countertop is not just like an afternoon DIY project. It needs professional skills for measuring the level and secure the slaps for the cabinets or island. Also, quartz countertops are heavy. Thus it is much more challenging to install. The installers have to make sure that the foundation is strong enough to handle the huge mass of quartz.
For indoor use only
Since quartz is highly susceptible to sunlight, the use of quartz countertops is limited to indoor use only. Thus, if you are building an outdoor kitchen you have to think of other materials. Even the direct UV light through a window will fade the colors.
Sometimes it can be pricey
If you are on a tight budget, then it is better to consider other materials apart from quartz. All the great features of quartz come at a price. The number of slabs and finishes will also impact the cost.
Bottom Line
Now, the question that comes up is, are quartz countertops for kitchen worth it? Definitely, they are! Quartz is ultra-durable, stain-resistant, non-porous, low maintenance, and comes in almost all modern & elegant designs. Thus, clearly, the pros outweigh the cons. There is a lot to like about quartz countertops for kitchen than to dislike. If you are looking for kitchen countertop designs, Impact Quartz can present you with the best collection of quartz countertops for kitchen and bathroom.
