It was not that long ago that when people chose countertops for their new home or a remodeling project, they leaned toward granite because of their durability and the resale value once they were installed. However, in recent years, quartz is gaining in population for countertop material. These seven reasons will explain why more homeowners are choosing quartz for their remodeling and new home needs.

Price of Quartz

One reason more people are choosing quartz than other types of stone is that it is often less expensive. Like any construction material, the cost is based on quality and brand purchased but the average cost of quartz is $30 per square foot for low-grade options. High-grade options can run as high as $150 per square foot. Overall, quartz is less costly than granite based on quality and can be significantly cheaper than marble. It is more expensive than solid-surface or laminate, however.

Non-Porous

One benefit to using quartz is that it is a non-porous surface. This means that substances cannot seep into the countertop. This also makes quartz resistant to bacteria and staining. Other types of stone must be sealed to prevent them from being porous but quartz does not.

Wide Range of Colors

Granite and marble colors are limited to what can be created in nature. This means that it may be difficult to find the color that works best in your home. Because quartz is engineered stone where crushed granite is mixed with resins and pigments, you have a much wider range of colors available in quartz countertops than you do with other types of stones. It is even possible to get quartz countertops that mimic the look of marble or granite.

Environmentally Friendly

Homeowners are choosing environmentally friendly options for their home in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Because quartz is made from waste products from other countertop materials, it is considered a “green” option in construction. Marble and granite also require significant resources to quarry and transport making them less environmentally-friendly.

Low Maintenance

Because quartz does not need to be sealed periodically, it requires less maintenance than granite or marble. In addition, cleaning quartz is very easy as it can be cleaned using warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.

Less Heat Resistant

Although the non-porous nature of quartz makes it stain resistant, the polymers used to bind the crushed quartz make it less heat resistant than granite. Quartz is also extremely hard so you can cut items directly on the counter without risk of damage but doing so could dull your knives. For this reason, cutting boards are recommended.

Multiple Uses

Not only is quartz a good option for your kitchen, it is also a great choice for your bathroom, a fireplace surround or even in flooring. It is not recommended for outdoor kitchens, however, as direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade.

If you are considering quartz in your new home or for a remodeling project, contact us today by filling out the simple online form or give us a call today.