Quartz Countertops Explained: Pros, Cons, and Everything You Need to Know

When planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, countertops often take center stage. They are the surfaces you interact with every day, the design feature that ties your space together, and an investment meant to last for decades. Among the many options available, quartz countertops have become one of the most popular choices for homeowners across the U.S., and with good reason. At Design Surfaces, we help Cleveland homeowners, contractors, and designers explore the beauty and practicality of quartz firsthand. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before making your decision, including performance, style, maintenance, cost, and long-term value.

What Are Quartz Countertops?

Unlike granite or marble, quartz countertops are not cut directly from natural slabs. They are engineered surfaces made from:

• 90–95% ground quartz crystals, one of the hardest natural minerals
• 5–10% resins and pigments, which bind the material and add color or patterns

This manufacturing process creates a non-porous, consistent, and incredibly strong surface. Because quartz is engineered, manufacturers can control the appearance, offering designs that mimic marble, granite, or even concrete while reducing many of the weaknesses of natural stone.

Pros of Quartz Countertops

1. Exceptional Durability

Quartz is designed to handle daily wear and tear. It resists scratching, chipping, and cracking better than most natural stones, making it an ideal choice for busy households with kids, pets, and frequent cooking.

2. Wide Range of Styles

One of quartz’s greatest advantages is variety. Whether you want:

• Marble-look veining for a timeless, elegant space
• Granite-inspired texture for a natural appearance
• Solid colors for a modern, minimalist design

Quartz can deliver. Its engineered consistency also means you will not have to worry about unpredictable variations between slabs.

3. Low Maintenance

Granite and marble require regular sealing to protect against stains. Quartz does not. Thanks to its non-porous surface, quartz is naturally stain-resistant and needs only mild soap and water to clean.

4. Hygienic and Safe

Because quartz is non-porous, it will not harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew. That makes it one of the most hygienic countertop materials available and a smart choice for food preparation areas.

5. Consistency in Appearance

Natural stone can vary significantly, even within the same quarry. Quartz offers uniform colors and patterns, so the slab you see in the showroom will look the same once installed in your home.

6. Strong Warranties

Most quartz manufacturers back their products with warranties ranging from 10 years to a lifetime, which reflects confidence in the material’s long-term performance.

Cons of Quartz Countertops

1. Heat Sensitivity

Quartz is heat-resistant but not heat-proof. The resins that bind the crystals can discolor or scorch at temperatures above 150°F. Always protect your counters with trivets or hot pads.

2. Higher Cost

Quartz is considered a luxury material. Prices usually range from $70 to $150 per square foot installed, which makes it more expensive than laminate or solid surface and often comparable to premium granite.

3. Indoor Use Only

Extended exposure to UV rays can discolor quartz. For that reason, it is not recommended for outdoor kitchens or sun-heavy spaces.

4. Visible Seams on Large Surfaces

For oversized islands or long runs of countertops, seams may be visible where slabs meet. While skilled installers can minimize them, seams may still be noticeable.

5. Heavy Material Requiring Professional Installation

Quartz is extremely heavy, often weighing 20 to 25 pounds per square foot. It requires professional installation, and in some cases, cabinet reinforcement.

Quartz Countertops vs. Other Materials

Homeowners often compare quartz with granite, marble, and quartzite. Here is how quartz stacks up:

• Quartz vs. Granite – Granite is natural, heat-resistant, and unique in appearance. Quartz is more consistent, easier to maintain, and less porous.
• Quartz vs. Marble – Marble offers unmatched elegance but scratches and stains easily. Quartz provides the marble look with far less upkeep.
• Quartz vs. Quartzite – Quartzite is natural stone with excellent durability and heat resistance. Quartz is engineered, easier to maintain, and more uniform in appearance.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Quartz is famously low-maintenance, but a few habits will keep it looking its best:

• Clean spills quickly with mild soap and water
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals such as bleach, paint thinner, or nail polish remover
• Use cutting boards to prevent scratches
• Place trivets or pads under hot pots, pans, and small appliances

Cost Considerations

The average cost of quartz countertops is $70 to $150 per square foot installed, but prices vary depending on several factors:

• Rare or premium color selections
• Complex edge designs such as ogee or waterfall
• Cutouts for sinks, faucets, or cooktops
• Geographic location and installer expertise

Although the upfront cost is higher than budget materials like laminate, quartz offers long-term value because of its durability and low maintenance.

Is Quartz Right for You?

Quartz countertops are an excellent choice if you want a low-maintenance, highly durable, and stylish surface that looks consistent from slab to slab. They are particularly appealing for busy households, modern kitchens, and anyone who wants the elegance of stone without the upkeep. However, quartz may not be ideal if you are working with a limited budget, planning an outdoor kitchen, or prefer the natural variation of stone like marble or granite. At Design Surfaces in Westlake, we guide Cleveland homeowners, contractors, and designers through the process of selecting the perfect quartz, offering full slab viewings and expert design support. For most homeowners, quartz delivers a winning balance of practicality, beauty, and long-term value, making it one of the most dependable countertop materials available today.

​​Call: 440.899.9900 • Email: info@designsurfaces.com • Contact: submit a request

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