As the central gathering place in most homes, the kitchen should look and feel inviting while being practical and durable. This is especially important if you have children helping with cooking and food preparation. Although quartz countertops are a popular choice for kitchens due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider alternative options before contacting a contractor.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Quartz Countertops in your kitchen?

Benefits of Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Long-lasting: Quartz countertops are made from a combination of stones and stone-like materials that are bound together with resins. The resulting slabs are solid, durable, and nonporous, which means they won’t crack or chip easily, even with frequent use.

Stain-resistant: Quartz is highly resistant to staining due to its nonporous surface. However, it can still be stained by certain substances like coffee, tea, tomato sauce, and red wine if not cleaned up immediately. It’s important to use gentle cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals. Additionally, quartz requires little maintenance and doesn’t need to be sealed.

Customizable: With the latest advances in engineered quartz, homeowners can choose from a wide range of patterns that can be custom-made or mimic the look of granite or marble.

Drawbacks of Quartz Countertops

Expensive: Quartz is more expensive than other materials such as marble and limestone. The average cost of quartz kitchen countertops is between $40 to $100 per square foot installed.

Heat damage: While quartz is heat-resistant, the binders used in about 10% of a quartz countertop slab are not. Therefore, placing hot cookware directly on a quartz counter can cause unsightly stains.

Professional installation required: Installing quartz countertops is not a DIY task as the material is quite heavy and requires professional attention to ensure that the kitchen can support the counters.

When purchasing a quartz countertop, consider these quality markers:

Cohesive coloring: Ensure that the separate slabs you compare are of the same color as the one you plan to buy.

Coloring through the surface: Check that the veins and colorations visible on the surface of the quartz continue throughout the slab.

Consistent aggregates: The pebbles or aggregates found along the edges of the countertop should be consistent in size and appearance throughout the countertop.

Before choosing kitchen countertops, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and the overall look of your space.

There are several alternatives to quartz kitchen countertops, including:

Marble: Comparable in price to quartz, marble has a unique and elegant look that may be worth the investment. However, its porous surface makes it susceptible to stains, especially from acidic liquids like tomato sauce or lemon juice. Quartz can also stain, but it is not porous like marble.

Slate: Equally durable as quartz, slate has more uniform designs and aggregates. It is more expensive than quartz on average and requires regular sealing to maintain its quality.

Granite: Unlike the man-made designs of quartz, granite countertops are naturally made. Although prices may be similar, granite requires more maintenance due to the need for regular resealing.

The cost of quartz countertops depends on various factors such as the brand, design, thickness, size of the project, and installation cost. On average, quartz countertops can cost anywhere between $40 to $100 per square foot, including installation. For instance, in an average kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop space, the budget for quartz counters will range between $1,750 and $3,000, with an average price of $2,300. Comparatively, other popular countertop options like granite cost between $2,500 and $5,000 for 30 square feet installed, while marble may cost between $2,000 and $7,000.

When hiring a contractor to install quartz countertops, it’s important to ask the following questions:

• Is your team experienced with installing quartz countertops?
• Will replacing my kitchen countertops require a permit?
• How much do you charge for countertop installation, including removing my old countertops?
• Will you move my appliances and fixtures during installation, or am I responsible for that?
• Do you have insurance that covers any damage to my home or countertops during installation?
• Do you offer a warranty if something happens to the counters after installation?

Considering the answers to these questions, along with the information provided above, can help you determine whether quartz countertops are the best option for your kitchen.

If you’re ready and you want to discuss your next kitchen project, give us a call at 301-904-8906. Riverside Renovations, your SOMD contractor!