If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, there are so many decisions that you’ll have to make from your cabinets to your appliances. Your kitchen countertops are a staple in your kitchen, and therefore, are an incredibly important decision that will affect how your kitchen looks. Quartz countertops are very heavy, very durable, and can be a staple in your kitchen, but before you start your kitchen renovation, you should consider the pros and cons of quartz countertops.
The Pros
Durable
Quartz countertops are incredibly durable compared to other kinds of countertops. It’s resistant to any sort of chips or scratches from your daily use which keeps your countertops looking perfect and lowers the money you have to spend on fixing your countertops in the future. This is important for those who cook often in their kitchens. The quartz countertops will hold up under the continuous cooking.
Resistant to Stains
The durable material of quartz also means that your quartz countertops will be resistant to stains. Quartz is non-pourous. This quality means that it doesn’t absorb liquids in the way that other countertop materials do, thus limiting the amount of stains you’ll have to deal with. Additionally, this quality will limit any bacteria growth in your countertops, leading to a more sterile kitchen environment for you to cook in.
Versatile Appearance
Due to the nature of quartz countertops, you can purchase them in a variety of different colors, styles, and finishes. Other expensive countertop materials look a certain way, which means you’re forced into a certain aesthetic for your kitchen if you want that sort of countertop. With quartz, there’s a perfect style for whatever look you’re looking for, no matter the kind of kitchen you want.
The Cons
Sensitive to Heat
Despite their durability, quartz countertops are particularly sensitive to heat. If you’re consistently working with hot pots and pans, you need to be careful of placing them directly onto a quartz countertop. Direct sources of high heat will discolor and even crack your countertops. Be sure to put your hot dishes on a hot pad or something similar instead of directly on the quartz.
Indoor Only
Tied into the sensitivity to heat, quartz countertops aren’t suitable for outdoor kitchens. The continued UV rays from direct sunlight wear down the quartz over time, discoloring it and making it look like something you didn’t choose. If you’re making an outdoor kitchen, look into a different material for your countertops.
Expensive
Because of all the benefits of quartz countertops, quartz is more expensive than other countertop materials. It’s a heavier material, meaning your counters need to have enough strength to support the weight. That also means that you’ll need to hire a professional to install the countertops. It’s not something you can do on your own. While the initial cost is high, consider if it’s worth the investment for your new countertop.
If you can afford it, quartz countertops can be an asset to your kitchen, both for aesthetic reasons and functional ones. The durability of them is worth the higher investment.
