Low maintenance, high durability and a much sought-after counter, Quartz Countertops are an attractive alternative to other stone materials. Sleek, shiny and mimicking natural stone, quartz is one surface that can be a ready alternative to different kind of countertops. Constructed from one of the hardest materials found on earth, quartz is durable, low maintenance, and has a large variety of color choices.
What separates it from natural stone, is that this countertop is engineered in a factory-made from ground quartz. Combining 90% quartz, binding agents such as polyester resins and pigments, these counters are scratch and stain resistant, non-porous and have a shelf life of several years. As good as it sounds, there are a few pros and cons of this material.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Engineered / Quartz Countertop Pros
Quartz is hard, sturdy and extremely durable. It combines the qualities of stone and the sheen of laminates and looks like natural stone
The material is made of engineered materials, a mix of quartz powder and polymer binding agent. This makes it super hard and mimics’ stone.
Quartz countertop is scratch and stain-resistant and non-porous, therefore not needing to be sealed regularly like granite countertops. It also cannot attract mold, mildew and bacteria
Quartz countertops from branded companies have better quality and finish. The resins make it more flexible and design friendly.
There are plenty of colors available, and these countertops can even be found in electric blue and fire engine red
The material can also be made to look like marble with veins and sparkles.
Unlike marble which has a dull finish or granite a sheen, quartz countertops have a finish that can either be matte, textured slate, or gloss.
Engineered / Quartz Countertops Cons
Quartz counters are heavy and can crack easily. Once this happens, it loses its look
If not purchased from the right people, they can be of inferior quality and can break easily
Quartz counters are pricey just like granite.
The countertops cannot take much heat beyond a point. Their surface cracks when high heat utensils (< 400 degrees F) are placed on them.
Quartz countertops cannot weather the outdoors. With too much sun, color fades with time or causes the counter to be warping.
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