Quartz countertops do not qualify as natural stone, contrary to what many people think. They are a man-made material, made up of about 95 percent quartz and 5 percent polymers and resins. These additives seal quartz’s natural pores and make it a nonporous material that doesn’t ever need to be resealed in the way that natural stone countertops do.

Quartz or Granite, What’s Better?

Knowing what we know about quartz countertops—the fact that they essentially come with their own sealant and are resistant to stains and scratches—it’s hard to find ways in which they fall short. For people who aren’t crazy about routine maintenance for their countertop, choosing quartz over granite might be the best option.

In the end, it’s up to the homeowners, as both countertops are great choices and come with their own unique assets. But undoubtedly, quartz requires less upkeep.

The Cost of Quartz

There’s no “one size fits all” for quartz countertops, but in general they cost about the same as natural stone does. If you’re interested in learning about the quartz prices we offer at Stone Concepts, Inc., get in touch with us, and we can talk it through with you.

How Quartz Is Made

First, natural quartz is mined, and then it gets ground into a dust or an aggregate, which then gets fused with resin binders under intense pressure. This forms a solid slab, and then pigments are added to give each quartz slab its unique color.

Should I Go with DIY Installation or Professional?

Quartz slabs are by no means lightweight. They may be more flexible than a slab of natural stone because of the added resins, but they can still crack if they’re not handled properly. To make sure that you get the best installation possible, we recommend working with professional, certified installers like us at Stone Concepts, Inc.

The Longevity of Quartz

Quartz countertops will last for generations if they’re taken care of properly. It’s very likely that you will never need to replace them. And proper care doesn’t involve too much thought—just daily cleaning, the use of hot pads and trivets, and the avoidance of scouring pads and harsh chemicals.

Pros and Cons of Quartz

Much like any other material, there are pros and cons to weigh when considering quartz for your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

The Pros:

It’s a low-maintenance material.

As we previously stated, quartz does not need to be sealed. All you need to clean it with is soap and water, and surface stains can be easily removed with a scrub.

It’s antimicrobial.

Because quartz is inherently nonporous, bacteria, mold, and mildew, which cause stains and odors, can’t seep through its surface.

It’s easy to design with.

The added resins make quartz more flexible than natural stone, which allows fabricators to bend it to accommodate sinks and the sides of an island. The seams of a quartz countertop are also almost invisible, which is a huge plus to many people.

The Cons:

It can be expensive.

Compared to inexpensive options like wood, laminate, and concrete, quartz may seem pricey. But unlike those materials, quartz will last for generations and can increase the resale value of your home. It’s an investment that pays you back.

It doesn’t do well with extreme heat.

Quartz countertops are heat resistant—but only up to a certain point. It doesn’t bode well to leave a hot pan on the countertop for a long time or switch temperatures quickly. To stay on the safe side, use a hot pad at all times.

It shouldn’t be used outdoors.

If the sun beats down on a quartz countertop day in and day out, it can cause the beautiful colors to fade. It can also make the material warp and split after some time. Because of this, quartz should only be used indoors.

Your Quartz Countertops

At Stone Concepts, Inc., we are big fans of quartz countertops and all that they can bring to a home. We consider ourselves experts in this material, and we want to share with you all of the knowledge that we have. Contact us in order to schedule a consultation and learn more about quartz and all it can add to a remodel.