Sporting incredible durability and a wide array of colors and patterns, quartz kitchen countertops are a stylish and highly sought-after choice. According to the 2021 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the engineered stone was the most popular material in countertop upgrades for the past three consecutive years. With broad and timeless appeal, the surface can suit any design style, and easy upkeep makes it work even in messy or busy kitchens.
Although quartz is a naturally occurring mineral, quartz kitchen countertops are manufactured. The surface is created using crushed quartz crystals combined with pigments and resin, replicating the look of natural stone with patterns of flecks and swirls. Unlike natural stone slabs, quartz countertops have a non-porous surface that resists scratches and stains. If you're considering upgrading your kitchen surfaces, check out our guide to quartz kitchen countertops below to learn about the material's care needs, color options, cost, and more.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops Cleaning and Maintenance
Helen Norman
Because it's polished during fabrication, engineered quartz doesn't need to be sealed (and, therefore, resealed). Regularly rubbing down quartz surfaces with mild soap or an all-purpose cleaner and a non-abrasive cleaning pad or cloth will keep them in tip-top shape, says Kathy Johnson, National Kitchen and Bath Association member and showroom manager at The Bath and Kitchen Showplace in Houston. You can remove most stains on quartz countertops with glass cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge.
To kill germs and boost shine, Johnson recommends wiping your quartz surfaces with a half-and-half solution of rubbing alcohol and water. Although scorch-resistant, quartz can be damaged by extreme heat. Always use a trivet or protective pad when placing a hot pot or pan on the countertop.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops Colors
Helen Norman
Because the material is mixed with pigment, quartz kitchen countertops are available in various colors. Unlike natural stone, engineered quartz is homogenous and has uniform color and pattern, making it much easier to match tiles and slabs during installation. The appearance of the surface depends on the size of the quartz granules. Remember that styles with large granules might make your countertop look busy.
Even the lightest shades of quartz hold up well when it comes to stain resistance. "However, not all quartz is created equal," says Susan Serra, a certified kitchen designer (CKD) in Huntington, New York. Before settling on a particular brand and color, see if the sample is up to home-based scratch and stain tests. Serra recommends letting coffee, oil, and red wine sit on the piece overnight.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops Cost
John Granen
The price of quartz kitchen countertops will depend on the material's style and the installation. For example, a countertop with lots of cut-outs, seams, and edge details will cost more to install than a single standard slab. Quartz slabs are very heavy and difficult to handle, so a professional should almost always do the installation. The material typically costs between $75 and $200 per square foot, but high-end quartz countertops can exceed that. Additionally, quartz countertops sometimes chip around edges or corners and can be challenging to repair. Hiring a professional to fix damaged areas can drive up the overall cost of quartz countertops.
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