Quartz is a fantastic and affordable alternative to marble and it’s used in décor more and more often, especially if we speak about countertops.
Quartz countertops are engineered stone products, which can be used in virtually any indoor surface location. Quartz counters are made of 95% natural quartz granules and 5% resins and colorants. The natural properties of quartz crystals and the engineering process give quartz countertops many valuable benefits and characteristics. Let’s have a look at some pros and cons of installing such countertops.
Durability
Quartz countertops are rather durable, even much more than granite ones. They are less vulnerable to chipping and cracking from falling objects. It is important to point out however quartz is not scratch proof, it is scratch resistant. Quartz has the ability to resist short exposure to heat without damage to the surface. Prolonged heat exposure can cause cracking to occur due to the rapid temperature change. To avoid this it is recommended you always use a hot pad or trivet under a crock pot or griddle.
Peaceful white kitchen with white quartz countertops and a marble-inspired backsplash.
adorable waterfall quartz countertop for a kitchen island looks refined.
A super white countertop works well for a contemporary vibe (Ann Lowengart Interiors).
A statement kitchen island in dark wood with a white quartz counter can transform any kitchen.
Traditional meets industrial kitchen with white quartz counters and a grey island.
Quartz surface could look like real marble but it is cheaper.
Traditional cabinetry with beige subway tiles and matching quartz counters.
All-white kitchen decor with a silver backsplash and white quartz counters for a serene look.
Non-Porous
Quartz countertops are a non-porous surface. This means quartz will not absorb water or other fluids, and that makes its maintenance free when compared to others countertop materials. Being non-porous is the biggest advantage of quartz counters when compared to other natural stone counter materials. Sealing is not needed for quartz countertops because it is non-porous. It also makes quartz resistant to bacteria, which happens only when food or liquid penetrates the surface, and it won’t happen with quartz.
White rustic kitchen with subway tiles and white quartz counters.
Stylish off white kitchen with grey quartz countertops to create a contrast.
White cabinets look great with such stone-inspired grey countertops.
Mmodern farmhouse kitchen in white with a white quartz counter on the kitchen island.
Marble-printed quartz has a chic look and will make your kitchen stunning.
Grey quartz contertop would work in loft-style interiors because it looks like concrete.
White cabinets with marble herringbone backsplash and sage green quartz countertops.
Minimalist white kitchen with chic quartz counters looking like marble.
White cabinets and grey quartz counters and a backsplash for a stylish statement.
Rustic kitchen with reclaimed wood in decor and beautiful white quartz counters.
Gorgeous Look
Quartz countertops are naturally beautiful. The appearance of quartz surfaces largely depends on the size of the quartz granules used. Finer granules will result in a more consistent appearance. You can find quartz countertops in a wide range of colors and patterns: from neutral earth tones to bold bright colors and everything in between, it will be easy to find a matching surface for your kitchen.
Gray kitchen island topped with white quartz fitted with a stainless steel dual sink.
Vintage dark grey cabinets with white quartz countertops and brass details.
All-white kitchen with tiles and quartz counters.
Light-colored kitchen cabinets with a earth-tone backsplash and a grey quartz counter.
White cabinets, small blue tiles all over and white quartz countertops.
Engineered quartz countertops in beige and gray tones looks well in taupe interiors (Sustainable Kitchens).
Traditional white kitchen with grey hexagon tiles and and off-white quartz counters.
White quartz countertops, cabinets and some green plants for a eco-friendly home.
Modern white kitchen cabinets and a black kitchen island with chic white quartz countertops.
Discoloring
This is perhaps the only disadvantage of quartz countertops: they can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight. If you have a part of your counter that receives some of the UV rays from the sun while another part doesn’t, over time you may see a color difference.
Now you see that installing quartz countertops is a great idea, there are lots of advantages and only one small disadvantage, so it’s high time to go shopping and choose some for your own kitchen!
White cabinets accented with oil rubbed bronze pulls and a charcoal gray quartz countertop.
This countertop material consists of 93% natural quartz crystals mixed with advanced polymers for durability (Arizona Tile).
White cabinets, subway tiles with a Carrara marble print, white quartz countertops.
Farmhouse white kitchen with white subway tiles and counters.
Quartz could be used as for benchtops as for backsplashes (WK Quantum Quartz).
Steel blue cabinetry, white quartz countertops, a white chevron backsplash.
Blue grey cabinets, quartz countertops, a dash of open shelving, subway tiles.
Red birch cabinets with grey quartz countertops.