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Is Quartz the Right Countertop for Your New Home?

July 3, 2019

A visit to the Grant Design Studio can be a little overwhelming but doing a little research before your appointment to make your selections can make it a little easier.  Let’s take a look at quartz countertops to see if this is a good option for your new home.  

First of all, what is quartz?  Quartz is an engineered stone.  Unlike granite or marble, quartz is manufactured, which actually gives it many advantages. While quartz is just as durable as granite or marble, it is less prone to chipping and cracking.  And, it comes in an array of beautiful colors.

1 – The Appearance of Quartz

There have been manufactured countertops in the past such as the linoleum countertops of the 1970’s and 1980’s.  Fortunately, quartz is about as far away from linoleum as you can get. There are hundreds of color options when choosing quartz countertops, and there are a number of different colors, patterns and textures available. This allows a homeowner to choose a countertop to compliment other selections in their kitchen.

2 – The Strength of Quartz

Contrary to popular belief, quartz countertops are not slabs of natural quartz stone. However, they are made up of about 90 percent natural quartz, which has been ground and mixed with colorings and binders. This mixture brings many benefits to the homeowner including a strength that is stronger than most any other countertop option on the market. Quartz is comparable to natural stone, such as granite, when it comes to strength, but it does not feel as hard to the touch.

3 – The Cost of Quartz

Most homeowners have a budget to keep in mind when it comes to their countertops, and in addition to the cost, value is also a concern. Quartz is reasonably priced, and it adds a lot of value to the home.  Our Grant Design Studio consultants are experts at matching your wish list to your pocketbook!  

4 – The Durability of Quartz

Quartz is a non-porous material, which makes it extremely durable. Other materials, such as natural stone, contains pores, which means it may absorb liquids. In addition to this, the quartz material can hold up to the rigors of a top chef as well as your children’s homework spot.

5 – The Anti-Bacterial Qualities of Quartz

Do you have a big family that's always coming and going? Today, the kitchen is for more than food preparation. It is a place where people gather after work and school. Your kitchen is where your family takes on bake sale projects, homework and hangs out together. It experiences more traffic than ever.

With more activity and traffic comes more mess. One of the best features of quartz is its antimicrobial properties. An antimicrobial surface helps to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. It can also help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.   A quartz counter would be perfect for home cooks and families with small children.

6 – The Low Maintenance of Quartz

For most homeowners, it is very important that the countertop option they choose be low maintenance and user-friendly. Quartz easily fits the bill. It is very easy to clean with mild soap and water, or you can purchase an over-the-counter cleanser that is specifically made for quartz. There is generally no other necessary maintenance.

7 – The Colorfastness of Quartz

Another reason people love quartz countertops is that the color does not fade over time. In addition, since it is a manmade material, a quartz countertop will have a design and color that is the same throughout. The pattern will not vary from piece to piece like in granite.  Thanks to the manufacturing process, quartz is scratch resistant. 

8 – The Virtually Maintenance Free Features of Quartz

Since quartz is such an overall good material and perfectly designed for the kitchen, those who choose this material will never have to worry about long-term maintenance. For instance, some countertop materials may need sealed occasionally, but quartz is not one of them. All a homeowner needs to do is wipe away messes as they occur.  Plus, quartz is both heat and stain resistant.

These are only a few of the many reasons that our buyers love to upgrade to quartz when choosing countertops for their new Grant home.  As you can see, there are a number of different benefits to choosing a quartz countertop, but as with any purchase, research is recommended. One of the best things a homeowner can do before choosing a quartz countertop is to discuss options and pricing with our Design Studio Consultants.   To see additional pictures of our Design Studio, click here.