What are the benefits of a manufactured counter? Are quartz countertops right for you?
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, you’ve got a lot of decisions on your plate. Each one will affect the quality, functionality, and feeling of your new kitchen.
Of all those decisions, though, the one that can have the longest-lasting impact is your choice of countertops.
While your appliances are important, even the nicest stove or oven won’t be used multiple times a day, every day. Plus, your countertop is often one of the most visual parts of your kitchen. For those reasons, choosing the material for your countertop is a choice to be seriously considered.
Of the wide variety of countertop materials available at Johnson Lumber, we receive a lot of inquiries about quartz. It’s a popular choice and gives kitchens a clean, modern feel. Still, you may be wondering if it’s the right material for your home.
To help you understand if quartz countertops are a good choice for your new kitchen, we’ve gathered up some details for you below.
Why Quartz Countertops Are A Popular Choice
The first quality that catches people’s eye with quartz is, well, how eye-catching it is! It’s very aesthetically pleasing, even as a manufactured product.
Quartz comes in an impressive range of patterns and colors. Certain versions of it can even be made to look like marble, granite, or concrete. It can also be made in colors that are simply not achievable with other materials. Looking for a strikingly different color, like, say, a bright blue? Then quartz could be right for you.
Made from approximately 90% quartz, quartz countertops are also durable. They compare favorably to granite and concrete countertops. Similarly, they are not as likely to be scratched or dented, which is ideal for a brand-new kitchen countertop.
Quartz countertops are also non-porous. Though it might not seem like it, granite countertops are actually porous, meaning that if they are not properly sealed, liquid can penetrate, causing stains and even damage. Plus, it’s only natural that a kitchen would have some spills. With that, you could run the risk of that red wine, apple juice, or other liquids becoming difficult to remove.
What Are The Disadvantages To Quartz Countertops?
No, quartz is not some flawless super material. There are a few reasons that you might think twice about using it for your next kitchen remodel.
For one, quartz tends to be pricier. If you’re trying to keep your remodel budget on the lower end, this might not be the best material.
While quartz countertops have a striking look, it might not be the right look for you. If you’re searching for a rustic-style kitchen, try granite or concrete countertops instead.
With certain colors of quartz countertops, hiding the seams where the slabs meet can be tricker. This is more pronounced with light-color quartz countertops, and less so with darker color.
Another point of debate around quartz countertops is how heat resistant they are. The truth is there isn’t just one answer. That temperature threshold depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the quartz. It’s clear that they are less resistant than granite, and it would be wise to always put down a pad between your hot pans and the countertop.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that this is more of an indoor material. Because direct sunlight exposure can discolor quartz over time, this won’t be the ideal material for an outdoor kitchen.
So, Should You Go For The Quartz Countertops?
There’s no denying quartz has plenty of great qualities. The few downsides – the price, heat resistance, and potential visual style choices – are worth considering, but they may pale in comparison with the perks.
Should you want to find out more about how to use this durable material in your new kitchen, we encourage you to come by Johnson Lumber. You can see if any of our quartz countertops fit in with your style, and browse others as well.
Have other questions about the right materials to use for your upcoming kitchen remodel? Get in touch with the expert Johnson Lumber team today!
