Quartz countertops are very popular right now, learn the 7 reasons we chose to install quartz during our kitchen remodel instead of granite or other materials.
What are quartz countertops made of?
Quartz is a manmade engineered stone. Because it is manufactured it can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
What are the benefits of quartz countertops?
Uniform patterns
If you choose a pattern like marble for your quartz you have the advantage of knowing the pattern will not have marked variations in the colors and patterns. Natural materials like granite and marble have veining and color variations that can sometimes make slabs not aesthetically pleasing. The uniform pattern also helps to hide seams in the counters.
Wide variety of styles
Quartz can be solid colored like our white countertops or resemble marble or granite. There is a style and aesthetic for everyone, from farmhouse to modern.
Easy to maintain
Quartz is virtually impossible to scratch, rarely chip, resistant to stains and heat, and doesn’t require sealing. Cleaning is easy, simply use a Magic Eraser and/or natural stone cleaner.
Non-toxic, antimicrobial and non-porous
The are non-toxic, antimicrobial and nonporous. The nonporous feature makes them stain resistant (not stain proof!) making them perfect for busy family kitchens like ours.
Affordable price point
While you can most definitely find less expensive materials for your countertops, when it comes to a high-end look quartz is among the more affordable options. Like granite the price can vary widely from $35 - $200 per square foot but the vast majority of styles are in the $65-$75 range.
It is comparable to granite without the pattern variation and porosity and significantly less expensive and lower maintenance than marble.
Return on investment
Our old countertops were Corian which was not a common feature in our neighborhood where most homes have granite. The investment in improving our counters will definitely pay off down the road when we sell. our home as buyers will expect a higher end material in the kitchen.
Environmentally friendly
Choosing quartz is better for the environment than some other materials.
...quartz is a common element easily mined throughout the United States. Now mining is not environmentally-friendly but quartz countertops are made using quartz that is already being mined. No quartz is mined just to make quartz countertops.
In addition, most of the top quartz countertop brands like Caesarstone and Cambria are manufactured in North America.
By buying countertops mined and manufactured in North America, you are cutting down significantly on transportation distance and cost, which helps cut your household’s carbon footprint.
Most granite comes from China or Brazil so the environmental cost of transporting is much higher.
Countertops made of quartz have few carbon emissions during construction, making them a “greener” choice for you and your family.
Quartz countertops are made by binding crushed quartz with resins and pigments. Some VOC’s are used during this process and all brands use basically the same method.
However, they tend to have little-to-no impact on indoor air quality, which should help you keep your peace of mind where health matters are concerned.
CountertopSpecialty.com
It can be overwhelming to make all the decisions that come with a kitchen renovation, but hopefully this will help you determine if quartz is right for you and your kitchen!
Afton Jackson says
Thank you so much for discussing why quartz countertops are perfect for busy kitchens. Staying inside all day has gotten us to develop a home-cooking hobby, but we soon realized that our current kitchen can't handle all that activity. I'll renovate my kitchen by using quartz countertops from a local remodeling contractor so we can enjoy cooking a lot more.