Quartz stone is extremely popular for countertops for a variety of reasons but is it really all that it’s cracked up to be? In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of quartz stone countertops and you can decide for yourself whether or not quartz is the best material for countertops.

Pros:

Scratch Resistant

As quartz is only second to diamond for its strength, it is highly resistant to scratches and can be left with no mark after a slip of a knife, leaving you with a good-as-new look for many years to come as long as you look after it.

Virtually Chip Resistant

Due to quartz strength, it is extremely difficult to chip or crack, which makes it a brilliant material for transporting and installing as well as living with.

Heat Resistant

Quartz is able to tolerate high heats without the material burning, as long as it does not exceed a certain temperature. Despite this, it is still recommended that you use heat pads when placing hot pans directly onto the surface.

Hygienic:

Quartz stone has been manufactured to prevent any growth of bacteria, making it incredibly hygienic. So, if this is something that is important to you, this is a great bonus.

Consistent in Colour

Unlike other natural stones, quartz has been manufactured to have a consistent appearance in colour and pattern so you will never be disappointed in what you receive. A lot of other natural stones arrive with multiple inconsistencies which for some people is a downfall.

Maintenance Free

Unlike a lot of other natural stones, quartz stone will never require any sealing or other types of regular maintenance. Therefore, it is cheaper in the long-run and will save you a lot of money and time.

Stain Proof

If you spill a substance onto quartz stone then there is little to worry about as the stone is non-porous and will not retain any liquids. All spillages can be easily cleaned away, which is perfect for kitchen countertops.

Cons:

Appearance

Quartz stone does not have the same appearance as natural stones, so if this is the look you are after then it may not be the best option for you. Quartz is a manufactured red stone and therefore has that appearance.

Sensitive to Chemicals

You have to be careful which types of cleaning products you use on the surface as it is sensitive to some types of chemicals and cleaning agents. Any cleaning product that contains a high pH level would be unable to be used, which may cause a bit of hassle when you shop for cleaning products. If you accidentally misread or use the wrong product you may end up with a permanently damaged countertop.

Not Entirely Damage Free

While quartz stone is incredibly strong, it can still be damaged and chipped if hit hard enough. Sometimes the advertisement of it being so strong can influence you into thinking it is unbreakable and therefore result in you not being quite as careful as you should be.

Not Seamless

As quartz is usually only made up to a certain number of feet in both width and length, if you require a larger size then it will be made by connecting multiple slabs together, creating a not-so seamless look. If seamless is what you are after, you may wish to factor this into your decision making.