Regardless of whether you are designing a new kitchen, or remodeling the existing one, the right choice of countertop & worktop material does matter. There are a wide range of options, right from natural stones like granite and marble, to quartz. In recent years, quartz has gained popularity for varied reasons. In Montreal, you can check some really amazing options at Granite au Sommet quartz countertop. How does quartz fare as a countertop material? Below is a quick overview of the good and bad.
Knowing quartz countertops
So, are quartz countertops natural or manmade? This is often a common question that people ask. Well, while quartz is a naturally occurring mineral, quartz countertops are not made by humans. Quartz countertops usually contain 90-95% natural quartz with rest being polymers and resins. However, this doesn’t compromise with the performance of quartz for durability.
The good
- Quartz countertops are meant to last and are as strong as granite countertops. You don’t have to think of replacement at least in a couple of decades.
- There is also the factor of maintenance. Unlike marble and granite counters, which must be sealed, quartz countertops don’t need that, so you don’t have to spend additionally.
- Quartz countertops are engineered, so the look is very consistent and uniform, which is not something you can expect from natural stones that are cut into slabs, like granite or marble.
- Quartz also works wonders for other parts of the house apart of the kitchen. Quartz counters and slabs in the bathroom look great, making it a versatile material.
- Not to forget, quartz counters are also stain-resistant, which makes this an ideal choice for the kitchen, where spills are very common.
- Warranty is always assured on most quartz countertops by manufacturers and suppliers, because the material is meant to last.
The bad
If you are on a tight budget, quartz may not be the most economical option for your kitchen. Although not always common, but quartz countertops can lose some of the sheen and appeal when exposed to extreme high heat. Also, like granite, you cannot expect to install quartz countertops on your own, so the installation costs are always in place.
Check online now to find more on quartz suppliers near you and review some of their samples. If you don’t mind the price, quartz is certainly a better choice than other common countertop materials and is comparable to granite in durability.