Engineered Quartz Countertops: What Are Their Pros and Cons?

Engineered quartz is made by combining ground-up quartz with polymers and synthetic resins under heat and pressure to create slabs. These slabs are later cut and used in various applications such as countertops and fireplace surrounds.

As a countertop, quartz offers a durable surface for both bathrooms and kitchens. Being an engineered material, it comes in a variety of options that can turn your countertop into the room’s focal point, wherever it’s installed.

Whether you’re remodelling your bathroom or kitchen, or designing from scratch, this engineered stone is suitable for both.

Unsure whether it’s the right material for your home? Here, we point out some of its pros and cons so you can make the correct choice.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

Have countertop improvement on your mind? Start your research here.

Advantages

1. They’re Durable

Quartz is solid, hard and, being an engineered product, has few imperfections. This quality makes it dissimilar to natural stone countertops, ensuring a highly durable product that doesn’t crack, split or chip. Most natural stone countertops are prone to scratches, leading to homeowners changing them every 10-15 years. However, quartz countertops are scratch-resistant, meaning they’ll last far longer.

2. There Are Many Varieties Available

Since their creation is under the manufacturer’s control, quartz countertops come in a wider range of designs and colours than natural stone alternatives.

They can also be made to mimic stone, making it difficult to distinguish them from marble and granite. Some quartz countertops offer a contemporary appearance by including recycled metallic and glass flecks. Additionally, the slabs are available in honed and polished finishes, so you can rest assured knowing you’ll find something to suit your preferences.

3. They’re Non-Porous

Engineered quartz countertops are non-porous, so liquids don’t seep into their surface. This also makes them, unlike stone, impervious to germs and bacteria and creates a hygienic space to work on. On the other hand, natural stone countertops are porous, which can lead to liquids staining and discolouring them.

4. They’re Low Maintenance

Quartz’s lack of pores makes it simpler to maintain and clean than most natural stone countertops. Moreover, it comes with a natural sealant that makes it resilient against most stains.

Commercially available cleaners can generally be used without damaging the appearance or integrity of the countertop. A mild dish soap and damp rag will also get the job done.

5. They Fit Into Your Decor Easier

It’s easier to incorporate quartz into your interiors as the slabs you see in the showroom, in terms of pattern, colour and design, look like the product that will be installed in your house. This isn’t possible with natural stone countertops, as each slab is different from the next.

Disadvantages

1. Heat Damages Them

Although quartz is heat resistant, the polymers and resins used in its construction aren’t. This means exposing the surface to hot cookware can melt the resins, resulting in permanent discolouration. Some signs you should watch out for are cloudiness and spotting. The temperature threshold of how much heat your countertop can handle depends on the manufacturer and the quality of products used in its construction.

Regardless of these factors, it’s advisable to use hot pads and trivets before placing hot cookware on a quartz surface.

2. They’re Not Easy to Install

You might think you can DIY your quartz countertop, but it’s not easy. You need to be a professional to level, measure and secure the slabs onto an island, or cabinets that are already in place.

Due to the material’s weight, the installers need to make sure the foundation is strong and secure enough to handle it. They also need to position each slab carefully to minimize any visible seams. Depending on the colours and patterns, this can either be an extremely easy or difficult task.

3. They’re Expensive

Quartz countertops are generally more expensive than marble or granite countertops due to their benefits. Depending on the complexity of the job and quality of the countertop, you can expect to pay $100-$200 per square foot. However, their advantages make them well worth the investment.

Quartz countertops are a gorgeous addition to any home. Their many pros outweigh their cons, making them an option worth considering. Are you ready to make the right decision? Remember, it comes down to your personal preferences, and if the benefits match your requirements, you can’t go wrong with a quartz countertop.