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Natural stone countertops have been a favorite among homeowners for many years. From granite countertops to other natural materials, like marble, quartzite, slate, soapstone and more, these surfaces have a reputation for being some of the most beautiful that you can install in your home. However, quartz countertops have become quite the popular option in recent years. From kitchen countertops to bathroom vanity tops and other installations, quartz slabs have become one of the most common countertop materials.
What Are Quartz Surfaces? Are They Made of Natural Stone?
Quartz countertops and other surfaces are referred to as engineered stone. The slabs are created by combining roughly 90 percent ground natural quartz with about 10 percent polyresin. These exact percentages can differ slightly based on the specific brand of quartz (Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, etc.).
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What Are the Pros of Quartz Countertops?
You will receive many benefits from quartz countertops and other surfaces. Quartz can be found in many different colors and styles, from light to dark, solid colored or with veining. These engineered stone surfaces are stain resistant, non-porous and are low maintenance in general.
What Are the Cons of Quartz Countertops?
Although they are an ideal surface for the home, quartz countertops do have some downfalls. Other than having too modern a look for some rustic spaces, you will have to be careful with heat around quartz. Exposing a quartz surface to excessive heat will cause the resin to melt and a permanent burn mark to appear. Do not put hot pots or hot pans on a quartz kitchen countertop. Likewise, do not place hot hair tools down on a quartz bathroom countertop.
How Do You Care for Quartz Countertops?
Quartz countertops are some of the easiest surfaces to care for. Since they are engineered, you will not have to seal a quartz countertop like you would with natural stone options. Cleaning is a quick and easy process.
To keep your quartz countertop in great shape, it is a good idea to exercise as much caution as possible. For example, always use trivets, hot pads and cutting boards in the kitchen. By taking simple steps such as this, you will help keep your quartz countertop looking as good as new.
How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?
On average, quartz countertops cost between $50 to $120 per square foot. The price will depend on many different factors, including how much of the material you need, any special angles and cutouts the fabricator has to make, the material’s country of origin and more.
The table below compares the average cost of quartz countertops with those of various other countertop materials.
Granite Countertops | Between $32 to $75 per square foot |
Marble Countertops | Between $40 to $100 per square foot |
Travertine Countertops | Between $45 to $75 per square foot |
Glass Countertops | Between $50 to $70 per square foot |
Quartz Countertops | Between $50 to $120 per square foot |
Slate Countertops | Between $50 to $200 per square foot |
Soapstone Countertops | Between $55 to $100 per square foot |
Quartzite Countertops | Between $60 to $120 per square foot |
Limestone Countertops | Between $70 to $200 per square foot |
Onyx Countertops | Between $75 to $250 per square foot |
Gemstone Countertops | Start around $100 per square foot |
How Does Quartz Compare to Other Non-Natural Stone Materials?
While natural stone is regarded as your best overall choice for countertops and backsplashes, quartz is in the same category. However, there are many other alternatives to natural stone. These include materials like solid surface and laminate.
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Solid surface, laminate and many other non-natural stone materials cannot match the quality that you will receive from quartz. Between the variety of colors it is available in to the functional benefits it brings to the home, quartz is the way to go if you opt for a material other than natural stone for your remodel.
Although quartz surfaces are not natural stone, they are still among the highest quality that you will find on the market. From aesthetics to easy maintenance and many more benefits, you cannot go wrong with quartz.