Quartz countertops resemble natural stone, but the pattern and hues are much more uniform. This offers cohesion for those who don't enjoy granite's natural flaws. Seams are less noticeable. Quartz is also available in solid colors with little to no pattern.
Quartz is the preferred countertop surface in most homes. This is because of its many benefits including durability, ease of maintenance, wide variety of colors and ease of cleaning. It's no wonder most people prefer these countertops as opposed to wood, glass or granite. But do quartz countertops increase home value?
Bottom Line. Both granite and quartz are high-end countertop materials that add real estate value to a home. Granite appeals to people who like all-natural materials, while quartz offers easier maintenance and slightly better durability.
Everything from white granite and black granite countertops to granite slabs has fallen out of style. The second reason granite countertops have lost their appeal is that the preference for light, simple kitchens has replaced the trend of dark, warm kitchens. Designers quit wanting “movement” and instead wanted peace.
If granite becomes damaged or the sealant wears off, spills may seep into the surface, resulting in stains since the stone is naturally porous. This makes quartz a prime option for busy kitchens or homes with children thanks to its resistance to staining, cracks, and discoloration.
While white quartz countertops are still in style for many of today's homeowners, a new wave of countertops is on the horizon. That's right, with paint trends leaning warmer, I'm also seeing a LOT of demand for countertops that lean to the WARM side of things vs. the white and gray trend of the last 5-10 years.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
If other homes sold in your area have quartz countertops and sold at or under your home's value, granite doesn't make sense. In this case, quartz adds the most value. Buyers will pay extra for upgrades but not if they can purchase a home similar to yours for a lower price without them.
Taking the time to care for your granite will help maintain the natural beauty of your countertops. Quartz, on the other hand, is much easier to clean and maintain. Because quartz is a manufactured product, it is non-porous and more resistant to staining. Quartz is also well known for being GERM-FREE.
Both countertop materials are similar in terms of cleaning and maintenance, but it seems that quartz may have a slight edge since it never needs to be sealed, and since it's a nonporous surface, stains or liquids penetrating the surface aren't as worrisome as they are with natural stone.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz rates a bit higher on the hardness scale and is slightly more resistant to damage.
One drawback is that quartz countertops can become dull eventually. However, it's important to note that some quartz countertops are manufactured with a deliberate matte or textured finish (concrete for example). These finishes don't look shiny, no matter how they are cared for.
The low threshold makes quartz more likely to burn or break when in contact with heat. Therefore, you can put a hot mug of coffee on your countertop, but a searing hot pan or boiling pot of water could leave a burn mark. Over time, coffee mugs and teacups could leave burn marks as well.
Your coffee pot, a bowl of soup, or mug of hot tea won't damage quartz surfaces. It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter.
They can if they are not properly taken care of. Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills.
Most Popular Quartz Countertop Colors
Some of the top quartz countertop colors for 2023 include: Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold – Its striking white color, golden hues and gray veins make this the most popular quartz color. Silestone Miami Vena – Another white color, but this option has a marble effect.
Too much sun exposure can damage your quartz countertops over time, leading to issues like fading, warping, and voiding of your warranty. Additionally, the UV lights can cause the colors in your countertops to fade—and even begin to have a yellow hue!
Sunlight. Because quartz is made using polyester resin, over time you may start to notice some discolouration - particularly in lighter coloured countertops. On average, it takes less than a year of daily sunlight for a quartz worktop to fade.
Some of the most popular colors for quartzite countertops include white, grey, beige, and blue. These colors can be complemented with a variety of edge profiles to create a unique and customized look. One of the most popular colors to start 2023 is Taj Mahal Quartzite.
Con: Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor. If heat resistance is a top priority for you, a natural stone countertop may be a better choice, although stone surfaces can also be damaged by excessive heat.
Although granite is still a highly requested kitchen countertop material, some styles are considered outdated. “While granite was a longstanding popular option for homeowners in the '90s and early 2000s, it definitely gives a more dated look in kitchens today – specifically the darker, speckled slabs,” Kaercher claims.