Quartz Explained: Benefits, Drawbacks, and How to Choose the Right Slab

Quartz countertops have transformed the way Cleveland homeowners think about kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Engineered for strength and crafted for style, quartz offers a rare combination of beauty, durability, and ease of care that few materials can match. At Design Surfaces in Westlake, serving homeowners, designers, and contractors across Cleveland, we help you compare full quartz slabs in person so you can experience the movement, veining, and color variations up close. If you want a surface that delivers sophistication without constant maintenance, this guide explains exactly what to expect from quartz and how to choose the right slab for your home.

What Quartz Countertops Are and How They’re Made

Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made from:

• 90 to 95 percent natural quartz crystals
• 5 to 10 percent resins, polymers, and pigments

This combination creates a nonporous, highly durable material that mimics natural stone but eliminates many of its drawbacks. Manufacturers can design quartz slabs to resemble marble, granite, concrete, or solid contemporary tones, giving you endless options for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and bar areas.

Because quartz is engineered, it provides consistent color, controlled veining, and predictable performance, making it a favorite for modern and open-concept homes across Cleveland.

The Benefits of Quartz Countertops

1. Exceptional Durability for Everyday Living

Quartz is engineered to withstand constant use in busy homes. It resists scratches, chips, and cracks better than many natural stones, making it ideal for families who cook often or entertain regularly.

2. Wide Range of Styles and Patterns

Quartz comes in nearly every style imaginable:

• Clean, white marble-look designs
• Soft, neutral veining for transitional spaces
• Industrial concrete tones
• Modern solid-color slabs
• Bold, dramatic patterns for statement islands

Because quartz slabs are controlled in the manufacturing process, you get the same look across the entire surface, unlike natural stone where variation is unpredictable.

3. Low-Maintenance, Nonporous Surface

One of quartz’s biggest advantages is its upkeep. Unlike granite, marble, or quartzite, quartz never needs sealing. Its nonporous construction prevents liquids, oils, and bacteria from penetrating the surface.

4. Hygienic and Food-Safe

Quartz does not harbor bacteria or mold, making it especially appealing for food prep zones, bathrooms, and homes with children.

5. Predictable, Consistent Appearance

Because each slab is engineered, the quartz you choose in the showroom at Design Surfaces is the quartz that will be installed in your home with no surprises, no unexpected veining shifts, and no patchy color distribution.

6. Long Manufacturer Warranties

Quartz brands often provide 10-year, 15-year, or even lifetime warranties, reflecting strong confidence in the product’s durability and performance.

Potential Drawbacks of Quartz

While quartz offers impressive benefits, it is important to understand its limitations.

1. Heat Sensitivity

Quartz is heat-resistant but not heat-proof. The resin binders can be damaged by high temperatures, so you should always use trivets or hot pads under pans, pots, or small appliances.

2. Higher Cost

Quartz is considered a premium material. Prices generally range from $70 to $150 per square foot installed, depending on brand, design complexity, slab thickness, and fabrication details.

3. Not Intended for Outdoor Use

Extended exposure to UV rays can discolor quartz. Standard quartz is not recommended for outdoor kitchens, sunrooms, or spaces with heavy natural light. Some manufacturers offer UV-resistant outdoor quartz, but it is less widely available.

4. Visible Seams for Large Installations

Oversized islands or long countertop runs may require seams. Professional installers can minimize them, but they may still be slightly visible depending on pattern and layout.

Quartz vs Granite, Marble, and Quartzite

Quartz vs Granite

• Granite is natural and more heat tolerant
• Quartz is more consistent and requires no sealing
• Granite offers unique variation
• Quartz offers predictable designs

Quartz vs Marble

• Marble is elegant but soft and prone to etching
• Quartz gives the marble look without the maintenance

Quartz vs Quartzite

• Quartzite is harder and highly heat resistant
• Quartz is easier to maintain and more predictable in appearance

Each material has its benefits, but quartz remains one of the most balanced options for modern homes.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Quartz

Quartz is low-maintenance, but small habits maintain its beauty:

• Clean daily with warm water and mild dish soap
• Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals
• Use cutting boards to prevent scratches
• Protect the surface from hot cookware with trivets
• Wipe spills promptly, especially wine, citrus, oils, or coffee

With routine care, quartz countertops can look new for decades.

Cost Considerations When Choosing Quartz

Your quartz investment depends on several factors:

• Rarity of the pattern or finish
• Thickness of the slab
• Fabrication details like waterfall edges or mitered corners
• Number of cutouts for sinks or cooktops
• Installation complexity
• Brand reputation and warranty

Quartz is more expensive upfront than laminate or butcher block, but its longevity and minimal maintenance often make it more cost-effective long term.

How to Choose the Right Quartz Slab at Design Surfaces

1. View Full Slabs in Person

Quartz samples show color but not full veining or movement. Seeing full slabs at our Westlake showroom helps you make a confident choice.

2. Match Undertones to Cabinetry and Flooring

White quartz may have gray, beige, taupe, or warm undertones. Touring slabs alongside your cabinet samples ensures a cohesive design.

3. Consider Your Lifestyle

• Families who cook often benefit from quieter, consistent patterns
• Entertainers may prefer bold, marble-inspired designs for dramatic islands
• Minimalists often gravitate toward soft, subtle veining or solid tones

4. Compare Brands and Warranties

Different quartz manufacturers offer unique veining, finish options, and warranty levels.

At Design Surfaces, our team helps you compare slabs and brands to find the perfect match for your home.

Why Choose Design Surfaces for Quartz in Cleveland

Design Surfaces provides:

• Full slab viewing at our Westlake showroom
• A premium selection of quartz in every style and finish
• Expert guidance trusted by homeowners, designers, and contractors across Cleveland
• Clear insights into maintenance, performance, and long-term value
• Support pairing quartz with cabinets, flooring, tile, and hardware

We make the selection process simple, enjoyable, and visually inspiring.

Bring Home a Quartz Countertop That Fits Your Style

Quartz countertops offer a rare balance of practicality, durability, and design versatility. Whether you want a clean, modern kitchen, a spa-inspired bathroom, or a dramatic statement island, quartz can deliver the look with minimal upkeep. Visit the Design Surfaces showroom in Westlake to compare full slabs, explore design options, and receive expert support. Serving homeowners, designers, and contractors across Cleveland, we help you choose quartz that elevates your home with both style and long-lasting performance.

​​Call: 440.899.9900 • Contact: Submit a Request • Email: info@designsurfaces.com

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