Durability

Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available today. It’s resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and cracks. When shopping for quartz slabs, look for brands that have a high percentage of quartz crystals (usually 90% or more). The higher the percentage, the harder and more impervious to damage the countertop will be.

Appearance

One of the things that makes quartz so popular is the variety of colors, patterns, and finishes available. Quartz can realistically mimic natural stone as well as come in bold, vibrant hues. When selecting a color, keep in mind lighter quartz will show scratches and stains more easily. Also look at the pattern. Non-porous, uniform patterns tend to be more durable.

Thickness

Standard quartz slabs are 3/4″ thick. While fine for kitchen countertops, opt for 1 1/4″ thickness for heavy-use areas like floors and fireplace hearths. Thicker quartz is also less prone to cracking if the underlying surface flexes at all.

Fabrication

How the quartz is cut, polished, and installed impacts its durability and seamlessness. Look for a fabricator that cuts the slabs with water to avoid chipping and uses vacuum pads, not adhesive, to lift slabs. They should seam edges perfectly and remove excess resin for smooth polish.

Brand Reputation

Established brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone have excellent warranties, wide color selections, and reputation for quality. Reading reviews of specific quartz lines can prevent picking one prone to issues like blotchy finishing or flaking.

Price

Higher priced quartz tends to have more quartz content, better warranties, more premium aesthetics, and name brand reputation. Expect to pay $50-100 per square foot installed. Sales can help cut costs significantly.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Quartz Countertops

Intended Use

Is this a kitchen prep surface that will endure daily use? Used occasionally like a bathroom vanity? Or heavy use like a reception desk? Quartz density, thickness, and quality should correspond to use.

Color and Pattern

Lighter quartz shows more dirt and scratches. Busy patterns hide flaws better. Natural stone-like patterns versus solid colors or agglomerated look depends on style preference.

Coordinating with Other Design Elements

Quartz should coordinate with cabinetry, flooring, tile, and paint choices. Bring fabric swatches to view quartz slabs in person and see how coloring aligns with overall vision.

Radon Gas Issues

Some granites emit radon gas, but quartz does not. For homeowners concerned about radon, quartz eliminates this worry. Always test home for radon either way.

Eco-Friendly Factors

Certain quartz brands use recycled materials and environmentally responsible processes. This includes using recycled glass, minimzing water waste, and energy-efficient fabrication.

Price

Budget dictates what quality quartz can be afforded. Searching sales and discounts will help stretch dollars. Carefully review warranties and buy upgraded thicknesses as budget allows.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

Pros

• Extremely durable and scratch resistant surface
• Easy to clean and maintain; no need to seal or polish
• Resists stains, mold, mildew, and bacteria growth
• Won’t scorch from hot pans unlike solid surface
• Highly heat resistant
• Available in wide range of colors and patterns
• Non-porous so doesn’t need frequent disinfecting
• Some lines offer antibacterial properties
• Won’t emit dangerous radon gas
• Long warranties of 10 years or more
• Can mimic look of natural stone for less cost
• Greater flexiblity for seamless custom designs

Cons

• Higher cost than laminate; more affordable than stone
• Can have visible seams especially lighter colors
• Needs reinforcement for overhangs due to brittle nature
• Won’t have unique veining of natural stone countertops
• Limited number of suppliers compared to other materials
• Can chip if subject to impact blows
• Replacement not as simple as solid surface material

FAQs about Quartz Countertops

Is quartz healthier than granite?

Yes, quartz has a non-porous surface resistant to bacteria growth and won’t emit radon gas like some granite. It provides an extremely hygienic and safe countertop surface.

How often do quartz countertops need to be sealed?

Quartz never needs sealing, unlike granite and marble which require sealing every 1-2 years.

Are quartz countertops indestructible?

While extremely durable, quartz can be damaged by significant impact blows. Cracks and chips are also possible if the substrate beneath is uneven or unsupportive. It’s not indestructible but its durability is exceptional.

Do quartz countertops stain?

Quartz resists stains impressively, but won’t repel all stains, especially oil-based ones after prolonged contact. Quartz is stain resistant, but not stain proof. Prompt cleanup of spills prevents most staining.

Is quartz cheaper than granite?

In most cases, installed quartz runs $5-15 less per square foot than granite but exact pricing overlaps. Durability and lower maintenance make quartz the better value overall. Sales and specials on quartz help lower costs further.

How long do quartz countertops last?

With proper care and maintenance, quartz countertops should last 25-30 years before needing replacement, even longer than natural stone.

Conclusion

When selected carefully and fabricated properly, quartz makes an exceptional countertop material that offers beauty, durability, and easy maintenance. Choosing the best quartz comes down to color, pattern, thickness, warranty coverage, and overall quality from a reputable brand that fits the project budget and design. With the right quartz choice, homeowners can enjoy stylish, impervious countertops for decades to come.