Ikea offers a wide variety of countertop options, including granite, marble, laminate, and quartz. Ikea’s quartz countertops, sold under the names Sektion and Maximera, have grown in popularity in recent years. But are Ikea quartz countertops a good option for your kitchen or bathroom remodel? Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of Ikea quartz countertops to help you decide if they are the right choice for your home.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into the specifics of Ikea quartz countertops, it’s helpful to understand what quartz countertops are. Quartz countertops are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz makes up about 90% of the material while the resins and pigments make up the remaining 10%.
The resins bind the quartz crystals together to form a durable, non-porous slab. The pigments introduce color and pattern. When the slabs are fabricated into countertops, the edges are built up with the same materials to create a finished appearance.
Pros of Ikea Quartz Countertops
Durability
Quartz is an extremely hard material, rating 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. For comparison, granite rates between 6 and 7 while marble rates below a 4. This makes quartz very resilient to scratches, chips, and cracks. Even the busiest kitchens can benefit from quartz’s durability.
Ikea quartz countertops are made from premium quartz for maximum durability. The countertops can withstand years of daily use while still looking like new. The non-porous surface also resists staining from spills.
Low Maintenance
The durability and non-porous nature of quartz countertops also make them very low maintenance. They do not require regular sealing like natural stone. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all that is needed to keep Ikea quartz countertops looking pristine.
You do not have to worry about using trivets or cutting boards either. Hot pans and sharp knives will not damage quartz surfaces. This makes Ikea quartz a great option for busy kitchens where you want a fuss-free countertop.
Appearance
Quartz offers diverse visual options ranging from solid colors to stonescapes that mimic granite and marble. Ikea carries a selection of both solid and patterned quartz countertops to suit a variety of design tastes.
The pigments used to create quartz allow very consistent coloring throughout the slabs. Natural stones like granite and marble can have more variation which some homeowners find distracting. The uniformity of quartz creates a clean, streamlined appearance.
Edge profiles and backsplashes can also be matched to the quartz pattern and color. This creates a seamless look that is not always possible with natural stone counters.
Affordability
Quartz countertops fall around the middle of the price spectrum for countertop materials. They are more affordable than natural stones like granite and marble. At the same time, quartz offers better performance than inexpensive options like laminate.
Ikea quartz counters are very competitively priced compared to quartz from other big box stores. Their product line also includes some lower priced options that put quartz within reach for more budgets.
Availability
One of the conveniences of shopping at Ikea is immediate availability. Their stores stock all of the quartz countertop slabs and edges needed for installation. You can purchase your materials right away instead of waiting weeks for special orders that are common with other big box retailers.
Ikea also offers installation services using its own team of professionals. This means you can get your new quartz countertop purchased and installed in just a few days instead of weeks.
Cons of Ikea Quartz Countertops
While Ikea quartz has many positives, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
Limited Styles
One of the tradeoffs for lower prices at Ikea is less selection. Ikea offers just 8 solid color options and 5 stone-look patterns in their quartz counters. While the available options cover classic, neutral shades, trendier styles and unique patterns are not available.
Those wanting a wide catalog of colors and designs may be disappointed with Ikea’s more limited quartz line. However, the provided options likely work well for many home styles.
Quality Concerns
There have been some complaints regarding quality control with Ikea quartz counters. Issues like cracking seams or delamination of edges have been reported, often after just a few years. These problems require expensive repairs or replacement.
It seems the problems are not necessarily widespread but do happen more than expected for a premium material like quartz. The lower pricing from Ikea may come from cutting corners in manufacturing or quality control.
DIY Installation Difficult
While Ikea does offer professional installation, their warranty incentives saving money by installing yourself. Attempting a DIY quartz install comes with some headaches not found with other countertop materials.
The slabs of quartz are very heavy, often requiring two people just to carry them. Precise cuts must be made to achieve tight seams. And quality waterproof wood glue is essential to attach the countertop to the cabinet base. If any of these steps are flawed, you may end up with cracks or separation down the road.
For most homeowners, professional installation is worth the added cost to ensure proper handling and fabrication. But Ikea’s warranty specifies that customers only receive full coverage if they install the counters themselves.
Ikea vs. Other Quartz Brands
Ikea quartz counters offer significant savings compared to quartz from premium brands like Caesarstone and Cambria. But are the more affordable Ikea quartz countertops still a good value? Here is how Ikea quartz stacks up to the top quartz manufacturers:
Price
- Ikea quartz counters cost $50-$100 per square foot installed
- Caesarstone starts around $60 per square foot up to $120 for premium collections
- Cambria quartz ranges from $80-$140 per square foot installed
Ikea offers prices comparable to entry level options from Caesarstone. More unique styles from Caesarstone and Cambria come at a steeper price. Those wanting to maximize savings will get the best deal from Ikea.
Selection
- Ikea has just 13 quartz pattern options
- Caesarstone offers well over 100 unique quartz designs
- Cambria boasts over 140 quartz colors and styles
If choosing from a vast collection is important, Ikea will come up short. Caesarstone and Cambria provide far more variety in aesthetic options.
Quality
- Ikea quartz is imported and fabricated by various manufacturers
- Caesarstone and Cambria each have their own manufacturing facilities to control quality
By operating their own quartz plants, Caesarstone and Cambria are generally able to achieve more consistent results than a store relying on various suppliers like Ikea. Their direct control over manufacturing allows for better oversight of quality.
Warranties
- Ikea provides a 25 year limited warranty
- Caesarstone offers a lifetime limited warranty
- Cambria provides a 10 year warranty with extensions available
Ikea matches up well in warranty coverage against the highest end quartz brands. All provide at least a decade of protection against defects.
Are Ikea Quartz Countertops Good for Your Next Remodel?
Ikea quartz countertops offer quality quartz at lower price points than premium quartz manufacturers. The variety of solid colors and stone look patterns available can suit many home design aesthetics.
The low maintenance durability of quartz makes Ikea’s Sektion and Maximera great options for kitchens and bathrooms that get frequent use. And the immediate in-store availability provides a remodeling convenience not found with special order materials.
However, the style selection at Ikea is limited compared to leading quartz brands. And DIY installation is difficult, even though Ikea’s warranty provides better coverage for customer-installed countertops. Quality concerns have also been raised over Ikea quartz fabrication and construction standards.
For homeowners on tight budgets wanting an affordable kitchen or bath upgrade, Ikea quartz counters are worth considering. Their durability and low maintenance will perform well in busy family homes. Just be prepared for a more limited choice of colors and patterns.
Those with more flexibility in their remodel budget may wish to look at quartz options from premium manufacturers like Caesarstone and Cambria. The higher prices come with benefits like broader design choices, better quality oversight, and easier professional installation.
As with any home improvement project, your specific needs should drive the decision. Take the time to fully understand the pros, cons, and differences between Ikea quartz and other brands. Visit showrooms to view various quartz countertops in person to best evaluate products for your space. This will ensure you select the right quartz countertops from Ikea or another retailer that you will enjoy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ikea Quartz Countertops
- How much do Ikea quartz countertops cost?
Ikea quartz countertops range from $50-$100 per square foot installed. This makes them very competitively priced against other big box stores for quartz.
- What colors does Ikea have for quartz?
Ikea currently offers 8 solid neutral colors and 5 stone look patterns in their Maximera and Sektion quartz lines. The available shades include variations of white, gray, and black.
- Is Ikea or Home Depot quartz better?
Ikea and Home Depot both offer more affordable quartz compared to premium brands. Quality has been rated similarly between the two retailers, with occasional issues reported in fabrication and installation. Home Depot does offer more color and finish options in their quartz selection.
- What quartz collections does Ikea sell?
Ikea sells their quartz countertops under the product lines Maximera and Sektion. Maximera offers solid neutral colors while Sektion has stone-inspired patterns.
- Is Ikea quartz the same as Caesarstone?
No, Ikea quartz is manufactured by other suppliers, not the premium brand Caesarstone. Caesarstone invests heavily in research and development and owns its own manufacturing process from start to finish. Ikea imports pre-fabricated slabs from various quartz manufacturers.
Conclusion
Ikea’s affordable Maximera and Sektion quartz lines offer an approachable mid-range price point compared to luxury quartz brands. Made from premium quartz, Ikea’s durable, low-maintenance countertops work well for busy kitchens and baths on a budget. The variety of colors and patterns cover classic, neutral styles, though trendier options are limited. Quality control has proven inconsistent at times, so comprehensive installation warranties are crucial. For those needing to maximize value over designer looks, Ikea quartz counters are a reasonably priced, quality option worth considering. Just weigh the savings against more limited colors, inconsistent fabrication, and installation challenges before deciding if Ikea quartz can deliver the right look and performance for your next remodeling project.