Quartz Worktops Pros & Cons

What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Quartz Worktops?

In this articel, we provide you with the essential quartz worktops pros and cons. If you want to make your kitchen appear refined and contemporary while boosting its practicality and durability, installing cut to size quartz worktops could prove to be a high-value investment.

Made from natural stone particles bonded together with resin and other polymers, quartz is one of the most durable materials available for worktops. Longevity aside, quartz worktops are stylish, easy to clean, hygienic and relatively eco-friendly. 

Are quartz Worktops Worth it?

Quartz worktops are definitely worth it. However, like all materials, quartz comes with certain drawbacks. In this guide, we detail the pros and cons of quartz worktops so that you can decide whether they’re the best option for you.

What Are Quartz Worktops?

Quartz worktops are made by adding a resin binder and other polymers to a mixture of crushed quartz crystals, a durable and tough material that is abundant in the Earth’s crust. During the manufacturing process, natural pigments can be added to the combination of quartz crystals and resin, which is why quartz worktops come in a broad range of colours and designs.

Once the mixture of quartz, resins and pigments is prepared, it’s poured into moulds and subjected to high pressure to form slabs, which are then cured with heat to strengthen the bond between the resin and the quartz particles. 

Benefits of Quartz Worktops

Quartz worktops are stylish, hygienic, durable and easy to clean. They’re also more eco-friendly than many alternatives. Here’s everything you need to know about the pros of quartz worktops in more detail:

1. Design Versatility

Quartz is a beautiful material that can make just about any kitchen or bathroom look refined, polished and contemporary. As natural pigments are added to ground quartz during the production process, quartz worktops are available in a range of designs and colours. Additionally, thanks to modern production methods, quartz worktops can have a smooth or flecked surface, giving you plenty of flexibility when it comes to style options.

View of full range of quartz worktops colours here.

2. Hygienic 

Quartz worktops have a non-porous surface thanks to the resin that’s added to the mix during production. Consequently, they won’t absorb liquids and chemicals, making them virtually stain-proof. Quartz worktops also inhibit the growth of mould, mildew and bacteria, making them a hygienic option for kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Straightforward Maintenance

Being non-porous makes quartz worktops super easy to keep clean and pristine, ensuring your revamped kitchen or bathroom retains its good looks for years if not decades with minimal required maintenance. All it takes is a quick wipe with soapy water to restore your worktops to a near-new condition. 

4. Durability

On top of being stain and chemical proof, quartz worktops are highly resistant to scratches, cracks, chips, and other aesthetic damages, making them perfect for use in high-traffic areas such as kitchens. Heavy items and impacts are unlikely to cause extensive damage to your worktops. In fact, quartz can only be scratched by three other minerals: diamond, sapphire and topaz.

Quartz worktops are more durable than most 100% natural stone alternatives. For example, quartz has double the impact resistance and four times the flexural strength of granite.

5. Ecological Sustainability

Impact on the environment has become a serious consideration for many people searching for the best material for their kitchen or bathroom worktops. Because quartz is manufactured in many UK cities, it’s an eco-friendlier material than natural stones like marble and granite, which are mined in faraway nations and then transported over long distances. 

In most cases, quartz lasts much longer than natural stone alternatives, reducing its carbon footprint even further over the long term.

6. Some Outdoor Suitability

Thanks to being resistant to chemicals and water quartz worktops can be installed outside but only in an undercover that is protected from the sun. Quartz is not UV-proof so if left under direct sunlight, the colour can change over time and the material can become damaged.

Disadvantages of Quartz Worktops

As you can see from above, quartz is one of the best materials for bathroom and kitchen worktops. Still, you should be aware of the cons of quartz worktops before pressing ahead with a purchase. Here are the factors you need to take into consideration:

1. Appearance

While quartz is an undeniably attractive material that can add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom or kitchen, it generally lends itself to a contemporary style. This might not be suitable for those looking to create a timeless style with a more natural appearance, in which case a material such as marble or granite might be better options. It’s worth noting that nowadays, quartz can be made to look almost indistinguishable from natural stones like marble – but quartz will be much easier to maintain.

2. Price

Being incredibly stylish, long-lasting, easy to clean and non-porous comes at a price – and a relatively high one. In most cases, quartz costs between £225 and £900 per square metre. However, while quartz might not be the cheapest worktop material, it is competitively priced when compared to materials like granite, concrete, marble and slate. Given that quartz is likely to last longer than those materials, it’s a high-value investment in the long run.

3. Heat Damage

Quartz itself is highly resistant to high temperatures, but the same can’t be said for the polymers and resin that are added to the mix during production. Accidentally placing hot plates and cookware directly on the surface of your quartz worktops can cause permanent damage and discolouration. If hot plates burn the resin binders, you may notice cloudiness and white spotting on the surface of your worktops. In many cases, repairing a damaged quartz worktop requires replacing the entire thing.

You can prevent heat from causing damage to your quartz worktops by placing hot cookware on heat-resistant mats rather than directly on the worktop itself. Nevertheless, if heat damage is a concern, you might want to consider a material such as granite.

Quartz Worktops Pros and Cons: The Bottom Line

In addition to being stylish additions to a contemporary home, quartz worktops are durable, easy to clean and virtually impervious to stains. They’re also highly resistant to chips, cracks and scratches. However, many people think quartz lacks the premium feel and appearance of natural stones like granite and marble. Plus, while quartz worktops can last a lifetime, they can be expensive to purchase in the first place.

Want to learn more about the pros and cons of quartz worktops and how they stack up against alternative materials? Don’t hesitate to contact our experts.

At Paramount Stone Specialists, we’ve been leading suppliers and installers of stone worktops throughout the UK for over 25 years, meaning you can count on us for honest and impartial advice. Call us on 01482 585600 or email your enquiry through to us at info@paramountstone.co.uk.