Views: 3 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2016-05-20 Origin: Site
Quartz takes any kitchen Countertops or bathroom countertops to the next level of attractive elegance. One of the toughest countertop materials available, quartz will deliver decades of durable service while maintaining its beauty.
One of the most appealing features of quartz kitchen and bathroom countertops is that they are available in many colors from bright to black with a spectrum in between of creams, browns and grays. This is because they can be enhanced with colorant to produce nearly any hue you can imagine while offering the look and feel of natural stone.
In this countertop guide, you’ll find information including pros and cons of quartz countertops that will help you decide if they’re the best choice for your home. It will also be helpful to see our countertop guides for granite, marble and other materials in order to compare them head to head.
What You Should Know About Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops differ from granite and marble countertops in one significant way: quartz is an engineered product while the other two are solid stone. The composition of quartz countertops is about 93 percent quartz, a natural material found in abundance in the earth’s crust, and 7 percent binder and color.
The quartz is ground into small particles and then mixed with a polyester resin binder to hold it together and with pigment to give it richer color. Small particles of glass or reflective metallic flakes are added to some designs to achieve a unique look. The result is an attractive, extremely strong slab that is similar in appearance to marble.
In addition to lustrously polished finishes, quartz counter tops are available that duplicate the matte finish of limestone, the textured finish of granite or the gloss of highly polished stone. As an engineered product, they can be produced in far more options than natural stone countertops. When you go shopping for quartz countertops, you’ll find options to fit any design and the color scheme you’re planning.
Quartz Countertops Pros and Cons
There is plenty to like about these durable and attractive countertops, and a couple of reasons to be cautious about them. Here’s a look at the strengths and weaknesses of quartz countertops.
Quartz Countertop Advantages:
Quartz Countertop Disadvantages:
In summary, you have to pay a bit more for quartz than you would for tile, wood, laminate or some solid surface designs. Plus, you’ll need to keep a hot pad or trivet nearby for pots and pans right off the burner or out of the oven. Use blinds on windows near the countertops to protect them from sunlight.
In exchange, quartz countertops deliver outstanding durability and easy maintenance combined with superior beauty consistent with high-end kitchen and bath design. For consumers who want a premium product for their home, the strengths of quartz countertops outweigh the weaknesses.
As we’ve noted, quartz countertops cost more than many other types you might be considering for your home. However, they might also be the last counters you’ll ever need to install because of their durability and timeless good looks. Here are the factors that affect quartz countertop prices:
As you can see, there are several variables that, taken in combination, will determine the cost of quartz countertops for your home. The best way to find the lowest prices for quality installation is to get several countertops estimates from experienced professionals with a track record of excellence.
Here’s an overview of the material and labor costs with ranges based on the cost factors mentioned above.
These estimates leave you with a total quartz countertops price of approximately:
$47/square foot to $100/square foot
Quartz Countertops Cleaning, Care and Repair
Quartz kitchen and bathroom counters are among the easiest of any type to clean. Since they are crafted using polyester binder, the surface is non-porous. This means that spills can’t seep into the material and that surface dirt can be wiped away with a damp cloth or cloth andmild cleaner. The non-porous surface doesn’t harbor bacteria, so you’ll have peace of mind that it can be cleaned without scrubbing or the use of harsh chemical cleaners.
Follow these quartz countertop cleaning and care tips to keep yours looking like they were just installed:
Your countertops will come with manufacturer’s instructions for their care and cleaning. Be sure to follow them closely for best results. Quartz, as we’ve said, is very durable. As long you follow these quartz countertop care tips, your countertops will remain in great condition.
It is rare for quartz surfaces to chip since quartz is next in hardness to diamond. However, if yours do chip or scratch, there are easy-to-use quartz chip repair kits and coloring that provide the tools to make a repair that is nearly invisible.
Quartz Countertops DIY Installation
Hiring a professional to install your quartz countertops is always a good idea. Improperly installed counters can come loose or be subject to stresses that will make them crack.
The more complex the shape of the countertops and the more seams involved, the more important it is for the installer to have god experience with this material. On simple, one-piece countertops, DIY installation might be possible, but you should have good experience and the right tools to tackle the work.
Keep in mind that with DIY installation, the potential savings and satisfaction must be weighed against the risk of damaging the material and having to cover the cost of repair or replacement. Since the majority of the cost is in the material versus the labor, it might make sense to get several quartz countertop installation estimates to consider.
Are Quartz Countertops Right for Your Home?
Consider these questions as you evaluate quartz alongside the other materials you’re considering.