What to Know about Quartz Kitchen Countertops
If you are considering upgrading your current kitchen countertops, it is important to know your options. There are many, many viable surfaces available and each have their pros and cons. Learning about the materials before you buy will help you feel confident in your decision.
From butcher block to natural stone to quartz, the options for kitchen work surfaces are numerous. The key criteria for determining what is right revolve around three main elements: style, maintenance and durability. Here is a rundown of the popular options:
Wood/butcher block: Many people like the warmth achieved with wood countertops, but they can be a chore to keep up. The wood needs to be oiled regularly to keep its luster and one must be careful with spills and hot pans. Wood can be resurfaced easily if stains or burn marks occur.
Ceramic Tile: This was the standard for many years, and is still a popular option. Tile is known for durability and rather simple installation. While the tile itself is low maintenance, grout can be susceptible to staining and chip out. Ceramic tile has recently included more design options and can now be manufactured to resemble natural stone.
Natural stone: Natural stone is long been a top choice for countertops. The unique style and color of granite, marble, soapstone and other stone make it a top choice for designers. Natural stone is generally very durable, but because it is a porous surface, it must be sealed to avoid stains and make it less prone to harboring bacteria. This can be a chore for homeowners.
Quartz: Quartz is a choice more and more homeowners are turning to. Quartz countertops are manufactured by taking loose natural quartz and mixing it with binders and pigment to form a highly durable, non-porous surface. Because the color and texture can be controlled, more professional kitchen designers are turning to quartz for installation. Also, there is no sealing of quartz kitchen countertops.
While kitchen style is important to consider when buying new countertops, also think about durability and maintenance. You don’t want countertops to look good for years to come, not just on the day they are installed.