10 Proven Benefits and Hidden Drawbacks of Quartz Countertops
Are you considering a quartz countertop for your home? You’re not alone. Here’s why sixty percent of our Clients choose quartz for their kitchens:
What is an Engineered Quartz?
Imagine a material that combines nature and innovation—engineered quartz is just that.
It consists of ninety-three percent stone aggregates and seven percent binding resin (the percentage can vary among manufacturers), creating a material that’s as tough as beautiful.
It’s the perfect countertop material for busy kitchens and serene bathrooms.
What Are the Different Quartz Colors?
Quartz countertops come in various designs that can beautifully complement any home decor. Generally, quartz designs can be categorized into three main types: speckled, solid-colored, and marble-inspired.
| Speckled | Solid-colored | Marble-inspired | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample |  |  |  |
| Price | ₱ | ₱ ₱ | ₱ ₱ ₱ |
| Durability | High | High | High |
| Versatility | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Low | Low | Low |
Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.
What are the Advantages of Using Quartz?
Broad Range of Styles
Engineered quartz offers a wide range of colors, designs, and textures, making it easy to find the perfect match for your kitchen decor.
Whether you’re looking for a bold, dramatic tone or a subtle, elegant pattern, you’ll find a quartz slab fit for your budget and taste.
Uniform Appearance
Engineered quartz delivers a consistent appearance across all slabs of the same design, providing a seamless, harmonious look that natural stones can’t match. This uniformity is especially beneficial if you want a refined, clean aesthetic in your kitchen or bathroom.
With quartz, you can easily avoid the unpredictable variations of natural stone and achieve a cohesive design.
Modern Appeal
Engineered quartz is perfect for contemporary and modern kitchen designs.
Its clean lines and sleek surface complement the minimalist trends in contemporary home décor. It’s ideal for updating your kitchen with a stylish, cutting-edge countertop.
Highly Durable
Engineered quartz is highly resistant to chipping, cracking, or scratching, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
With proper care and maintenance, it can provide a lifetime of service in your home.
No Sealing Required
One of the most significant advantages of engineered quartz is that it does not require sealing, ever.
You won’t have to worry about the periodic sealing tasks for other stone surfaces, like granite or marble. This feature not only saves your valuable time and effort but also cuts down on the long-term costs of maintaining other countertop materials.
Requires Minimal Upkeep
Engineered quartz is the go-to choice for homeowners who value style and convenience. Thanks to its stain-resistant surface, this material resists staining much better than granite or marble, preventing the growth of molds, mildew, and bacteria.
It requires only a simple wipe-down to keep it looking clean and new, helping your kitchen stay hygienic and spotless with minimal fuss. For even better results, pair it with a specially formulated stone cleaner.
Easy to Repair
While engineered quartz is designed to withstand most kitchen mishaps, any minor chips or scratches it incurs can be easily repaired.
A simple filler or resin, color-matched to your countertop, can often be applied to fix the imperfection. This ease of repair ensures that your quartz countertops can maintain their flawless appearance for years to come, even under the wear and tear of everyday use.
Value for Money
Engineered quartz offers bang for your buck with its durability and timeless style.
It can withstand the rigors of daily use without showing wear and tear, ensuring it remains a central feature of your kitchen’s aesthetic for decades. It enhances your kitchen space and provides long-lasting value, making it a cost-effective countertop material.
Increases Your Home's Resale Value
Installing engineered quartz can significantly boost your home’s marketability and resale value, making it a wise investment for future financial returns.
Its modern look and upscale feel can be a significant selling point, setting your property apart in a competitive real estate market.
Eco-friendly
Engineered quartz is an environmentally responsible choice.
Many quartz manufacturers use recycled materials, such as glass and stone, reducing the need for mining and the associated environmental impact. Additionally, quartz’s durability and long lifespan mean you won’t need to replace it as often, reducing waste and promoting sustainability in home renovations.
What are the Disadvantages of Using Quartz?
Lacks Visual Depth
Engineered quartz lacks the intricate, natural patterning of stones like marble or granite, which some might find less visually striking.
This can affect the perceived depth and luxury of the material, making it seem less vibrant compared to its natural counterparts.
Aesthetic Limitations
Some quartz countertops can appear “fake and cheap,” especially if the manufacturing quality is subpar.
This can lead to a less authentic look, which might not appeal to those who value the unique beauty of natural stone.
Consistent Appearance
While quartz’s uniform appearance is often considered a benefit, it can also be monotonous or uninspiring.
Some people may not be satisfied with this consistent look and may prefer the unique variances found in natural stone.
Visible Seams
Quartz countertops will have visible seams, which are sometimes noticeable, especially in lighter colors or larger installations.
To minimize the appearance of seams, opt for darker colors or designs with a busier pattern that can help camouflage them.
Visible Caulking
Quartz installations may involve visible caulking at edges, which, if not expertly applied, can disrupt the smooth continuity of your kitchen or bathroom surface.
If you like to keep things trim and tidy, it’s best to discuss this first with your installer to set your expectations.
UV Sensitivity
Engineered quartz may discolor or “yellow” when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. This happens because the resin components in quartz can degrade when exposed to UV light.
Hence, it is essential to consider when placing countertops in areas that receive a lot of natural sunlight, such as near large windows or outdoors.
Heat and Chemical Sensitivity
Engineered quartz is vulnerable to direct heat and harsh chemicals.
Avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface and using aggressive cleaning agents. Specifically, avoid high-pH substances like oven cleaners and acidic solutions, as they can damage the resin in the quartz, leading to discoloration or surface degradation.
Higher Upfront Cost
Quartz slabs are generally more expensive than typical granite options.
However, compared to other materials like marble, laminate, or concrete, quartz balances durability, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.
Its longevity and low maintenance requirements often justify the initial investment compared to less durable materials.
Requires Professional Installation
Quartz countertops require installation by experienced professionals to ensure precision and durability.
Proper installation prevents misalignment or damage, crucial for maintaining the material’s aesthetic and structural integrity.
Synthetic Nature
Despite its practical benefits and durability, quartz’s man-made nature may not appeal to those who prefer natural materials.
However, it’s worth noting that quartz production is relatively sustainable. It often incorporates waste products from other industries, which helps reduce environmental impact, and its durability means it doesn’t need to be replaced as frequently as other materials, contributing to less waste.
Remember: don’t use engineered quartz in outdoor applications.
How is Engineered Quartz Made?
How to Take Care of Your Quartz Countertop?
- Always keep your quartz countertop clean and dry.
- Wipe up spills and drips immediately.
- Use only a specially formulated stone cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
- Clean the seams of your countertop as needed to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.
- Use trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans all the time.
- Always use a cutting board during food preparation.
- Minimize direct sunlight exposure with blinds or curtains to prevent discoloration.
- Be cautious around the countertop edges as they are more susceptible to chipping, especially when impacted by hard objects.
- Never sit or stand on your countertop.
- Do not use your quartz countertop to hammer or pound objects.
- Keep warranty documentation accessible and understand the coverage to ensure unexpected damages are covered appropriately.
- For complex repairs or issues, seek professional advice.
How Much Does a Quartz Countertop Cost?
In the Philippines, quartz slabs range from Php 5,000 to Php 15,000 per square meter, depending on the brand, quality, dimensions, and thickness.
Solid-colored and speckled designs are typically more budget-friendly, while those that mimic marble patterns tend to be at the higher price spectrum. Premium brands like Cambria and Caesarstone also command a higher price due to their recognized quality and durability.
When compared to natural stone, quartz generally costs more than granite but can be comparable to or sometimes less expensive than high-end marbles like Carrara or Calacatta, depending on the specific color and grade.
Investing in a quartz countertop is a smart choice because of its durability and potential to increase your property’s resale value.
With these advantages in mind, it’s crucial to ensure that your quartz countertop is installed by a seasoned professional. Proper installation is critical to maximizing the benefits of this premium material and avoiding costly errors. Skilled and well-equipped professionals will ensure that the installation complements the high quality of the material, safeguarding your investment and enhancing your home’s aesthetic and functional appeal.
Conclusion
Despite a few minor considerations, such as visible seams or sensitivity to heat and UV light, the benefits of quartz countertops far outweigh any drawbacks for homeowners.
Engineered quartz provides exceptional durability, easy maintenance, and a wide range of styles, perfectly complementing modern and traditional aesthetics. It offers a practical and stylish solution that enhances your kitchen space and increases its value with minimal upkeep.
If you’re looking for a blend of luxury and functionality, quartz is the perfect countertop material for your home.
Looking to buy a quartz countertop? Stone Depot is the perfect place for you. With branches conveniently located in major cities, we offer high-quality quartz options to suit different design preferences and budget needs.
At Stone Depot, you can count on excellent service and expert advice from our knowledgeable Team, dedicated to helping you find the ideal quartz countertop for your home. We offer various quartz designs and professional installation services to ensure your new countertop is perfectly set up.
Visit your nearest Stone Depot branch today to explore our selection and take the first step toward transforming your kitchen or bathroom with a stunning new countertop. We are located in:
How to Clean Your Quartz Countertop?
Cleaning your quartz countertop is simple and hassle-free.
After each use, just wipe the surface with a soft, clean cloth and stone cleaner. That's it.
There's no need to seal, wax, or buff.
How to Cut a Quartz Countertop?
Cutting quartz is best left to the pros, as it requires precision and the right tools to ensure perfect dimensions without damaging the stone.
How Thick Should Your Quartz Countertops be?
Quartz countertops typically range from 18 mm to 30 mm.
Avoid going below this range, as it may compromise the structural integrity of your countertop.
Miguel Aquino
Miguel Aquino is the General Manager of Stone Depot, one of the Philippines' leading suppliers of granite, marble, and quartz. Since 2010, he has been in the stone industry, working for a similar company in Balintawak, Quezon City.
You can find him playing Magic: the Gathering at a hobby store every Friday night.
From My Personal Experience I can Clearly Tell you that Quartz Worktop will satisfy you and not at all to Disappoint you. It is now a Must Need for a Luxury Kitchen. Very Clearly Detailed About QUARTZ & the Benefits of it.. Really Liked the Blog a lot and Must read By Everyone who are Planning to Setup a Quartz Worktop In Home. And also if you Planning or looking forward to setup I can Suggest you to Consult Quartz Worktop. They are the best Professionals In The Industry.
To personalize worktops on a budget, use tile. Ceramic tiles may be used to create any design or look because they are strong and are available in a wide range of hues, patterns, textures, and sizes.
When considering quartz countertops, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks and consider your specific needs and lifestyle. Consulting with a professional countertop installer can provide further guidance on choosing the right countertop material for your home.
Couldn’t agree more!
Thank you for these informative insights. I will definitely share this with my client so our Half Price Kitchens will go easily and smoothly!