Are Quartz Countertops Worth The Money?

When shopping around for new kitchen countertops in Phoenix, you’ll find that granite, laminate and quartz are among the most popular options. You’ll also find that quartz tends to be the most expensive of the three, usually by a significant margin. But why is it that quartz comes at a higher price point, and is it worth the money? Here is everything you need to know about quartz countertops, including whether or not it is really worth the investment.

What Is Quartz?

While many assume that quartz is a natural material, it is actually an engineered stone. It is made by mixing natural rock and mineral particles together with resin, polymers and pigments to create a slab. The sparkle that you often find in quartz countertops is usually produced by adding tiny pieces of glass or metal along with the rock particles. So while much of the slab is made up of natural materials, the end product is very much man-made.

Durability

One of the main draws of quartz as a household material is that it is almost indestructible. In fact, when it was first made back in the 1960s, it was created with the very goal to create a material more durable than stone.

As it is engineered rather than taken from the earth, it is non-porous, meaning that it’s extremely difficult for anything to make its way into the surface. As a result, it’s highly stain-resistant and also makes for a hygienic material for food preparation.

While it’s not impossible to crack or chip quartz countertops, it is significantly more difficult than with other countertop materials. This makes it an excellent option for families, people who do a lot of entertaining or people who simply spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Installation

With a bit of know-how, it’s perfectly possible to install a quartz countertop yourself. However, as it is such a heavy material, it will likely need more than one person to lift it and may also require some specialist tools. If you need to cut the slabs, it’s highly recommended to get a professional in for the job.

Equally, if you are not experienced or confident in your DIY abilities, you should definitely consider hiring a contractor for the installation process. Yes, it will increase the upfront costs. But by outsourcing the job you will have that extra peace of mind that no damage will be done, avoiding any more costly repairs down the line. Of course, installation costs will vary depending on the size of your kitchen, your choice of edge treatment and if any leveling needs to be done prior to adding the counters.

Maintenance

Despite its luxurious appearance, quartz countertops are remarkable low maintenance. Unlike natural stones like marble and granite, quartz does not require sealing or waxing to keep stains and mildew at bay. To keep quartz looking its best, all you need to do is give it a frequent wipe down with a non-abrasive countertop cleaner (a simple solution of mild soap and warm water works best).

Along with some common sense care like avoiding putting hot pans on its surface, quartz needs very little looking after, cutting down on the costs of specialist products and time spent scrubbing away to keep your kitchen clean.

Look

Its sparkling aesthetic is one of the reasons why quartz makes for such a popular countertop material. Even though it is man made, you’ll find that there are quartz countertops out there that mimic the striations and veining of rocks like granite and marble, giving you the same elegant look without any of the extra maintenance that natural materials require. If you prefer a more sleek, contemporary look, there are also plenty of quartz options in one uniform shade.

It is available in a wide range of colors, meaning that there’s a quartz countertop out there to suit every style from modern Scandinavian to a traditional farmhouse look. Pairing well with a wide range of different materials from solid wood to stainless steel, quartz countertops can be a really versatile design choice for any kitchen.

Conclusion

While quartz countertops may come at a higher price point than granite, solid surface or laminate, its versatility, aesthetic and unbeatable durability means that it is worth splashing the cash for. A quartz countertop not only has the potential to last you a lifetime but is also incredibly low maintenance and easy to clean, saving you plenty of time and money in the long-run. Striking the perfect balance between function and style, a quartz countertop is a strong contender for your home kitchen makeover. If you are looking for countertops or kitchen cabinets in Arizona, please give Madera a call at (480) 664-0343 we would be happy to help you out!