Engineered Quartz: Pros and Cons | MyHome

January 10,

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According to MyHome Designers, homeowners frequently indulge in the perfect countertop material for both the kitchen and bathroom and have progressively done so. To help you with your countertop decisions, we asked our remodeling consultants, project managers, and designers to tell us which is their favorite countertop material. The clear winner was engineered quartz.

What is Engineered Quartz?

Engineered quartz is a man-made material that is ninety percent ground quartz mineral and a ten percent mixture of pigments, polymers, and resins depending on the manufacturer. The quartz mineral is grounded along with the other materials and resin and then pressed together to form slabs. Engineered quartz recently gained popularity because it is less expensive.

The cost depends on who manufactured the material as well as installation costs. You can expect to pay anywhere between $60 to $120 per square foot for engineered quartz and another $180 to $350 per square foot for the installation. The cost may vary depending on whether you’re installing a builder, premium, or designer-grade engineered quartz counter. The most well-known manufacturers of engineered quartz are Caesarstone, Silestone, and Deckon.

The Advantages of Engineered Quartz

#1: Finishes

Engineered quartz comes in a variety of finishes and colors, making it stress-free to decide what works best for your taste and palette. You can pick from a variety of options such as speckles or veining that mimic natural stone countertop or a solid color. Several engineered quartz selections look so similar to authentic stone that it is hard to tell them apart. Whites and grays are among the more conventional color choices for a quartz countertop. But if you want to be more adventurous and add a pop of color to your furniture, you will see that quartz counters can come in shades of blue, green, black, purple, and even gold. There’s no shortage of style when it comes to natural quartz in the form of an engineered stone.

#2: Durability

Engineered quartz is exceptionally durable. Unlike marble kitchen countertops, quartz countertops are much more resilient to damage as they are a stronger stone. This is particularly important in the kitchen and bathroom since they are usually the most used rooms in your home. Engineered quartz can withstand coming into contact with an acidic substance, where most other materials would normally stain. It does share many of the same qualities as granite countertops, including its lifespan, but it is, by far, a more forgiving option than a granite countertop. It is resilient against cracking, chipping, etching, and scratching. This makes quartz countertops perfect in the kitchen as they are resistant to knife damages. It would require extreme pressure to even make a small dent on a quartz countertop.

Most manufacturers offer an unusually long warranty, but if you maintain your engineered quartz properly, it should last a lifetime.

#3: Low cost

Engineered quartz is usually easier to install than natural stone. Considering its durability and quality, engineered quartz countertops cost less is relatively cost-effective compared to other options. What’s more, quartz is one of the most common minerals on the planet, making it less expensive to mine. If you’re on a budget but want something stylish and durable, then engineered quartz is a great choice.

The price depends on the color, finish, or veining you choose. Bold and rare color choices can also impact the price range, as these are considered designer-grade engineered quartz countertops. Depending on the veining, the cost can be as much as natural stone, but nevertheless engineered quartz is still a great choice because of its value. Price is often determined by size and manufacturer. However, some engineered quartz countertops are further cost-divided by type, like tile or slab quartz counter.

#4: Nonporous

Engineered quartz is hard to stain because of its nonporous quality. This effect is achieved during the manufacturing process when the natural quartz is smoothed out and cleared of all its pores. The nonporous quality also does not allow viral or bacterial growth, which is extremely important in areas such as your bathroom. It can easily handle being drenched in wine, coffee, juice, or oil, unlike marble countertops. This aspect of engineered quartz means there’s no need for standard sterilization when cleaning. All you need to clean engineered quartz is soap and water. You can avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals.

The Disadvantages of Engineered Quartz

#1: Visible Seams 

Engineered quartz can be rendered as a rip-off of a natural stone. The method used to create an engineered stone countertop means that the differences between it and natural stone granite, marble, or even wood are very noticeable. This is true when the veining appears too symmetrical or perfect. If you need to use numerous slabs of engineered quartz, you will most likely see the seams. Light-colored quartz countertops in shades of white and gray and with fewer patterns should have the least visible seams. This is not an issue for bathrooms because the countertops are typically smaller.

#2: Heat Damage

Engineered quartz can and will be damaged if you set hot instruments such as curling irons on it with no protection. The resins and polymers that cause the engineered stone to be more durable, ironically, make it more susceptible to heat. To avoid heat damage, you will need to use a trivet for hot items. Keeping hot pads and coasters near the stove will greatly help in protecting your quartz countertop. It may be stronger than marble, but engineered quartz is not indestructible. At most, engineered quartz countertops can successfully manage to withstand temperatures as high as 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

#3: Household Cleaners 

All-purpose household cleaners that contain bleach or acidic elements will damage your engineered quartz. Before using any cleansers, first, check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Some engineered quartz is less stain-proof than others. High-grade natural quartz, particularly Petrosstone, is one of the more stain-resistant ones. If you’re looking into this as an option for your renovation or remodel, you must do due diligence and research the choices for your lifestyle.

Engineered quartz is a popular countertop material for bathrooms and kitchens alike. Therefore, a quartz counter is a solid choice for sprucing up your kitchen due to its resilience and clean finish–not to mention these countertops cost less than some natural stone options! Use our list of advantages and disadvantages to see if it is right for your next renovation project.

MyHome’s design consultants are ready to recommend the best material for your family and home renovation goals. Contact the MyHome Team to see how we can help you here!

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We hope you found this bit of information helpful, inspiring, and motivating in renovating your kitchen and bathroom.

If you love the low-maintenance beauty of quartz, you’re not alone. Quartz countertops are a popular choice for many reasons. Quartz combines the durability of man-made materials with the beauty of natural stone, for countertops that are as stylish as they are sturdy.

Quartz is durable, antimicrobial, and maintenance free. Quartz also resists scratches, stains, heat, and mold. Choosing new countertops is a big decision, and it’s natural to have questions. So, what are engineered quartz countertops, and are they right for you?

 • How durable are quartz countertops? 

Quartz is a mineral found in many different types of rocks. While quartz can come in many different colors, pure quartz is actually clear. Quartz is an extremely durable mineral that stands up to even the harshest elements. While wind and water erode the surface of rocks over time, the dazzling sparkle of quartz remains.

Are you interested in learning more about Artificial Quartz(ru,ko,ja)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

In fact, quartz is one of the hardest materials on Earth. That’s great news if you want countertops that are both stylish and strong. Even after years of cooking, cleaning, and chopping, the natural beauty of quartz will remain unmarred—no sealing or polishing needed. 

 • What are engineered quartz countertops?

Engineered quartz is a manufactured stone that combines both synthetic and natural materials. The result is a countertop material that is beautiful and durable. Once processed, quartz is offered in limitless color options to suit a wide range of tastes and styles.

Such a variety of quartz countertop colors allows homeowners to achieve virtually any design aesthetic. Sometimes, quartz is processed even further to add microbial properties or a little extra sparkle and shine.

Featured: Lagos Azul Quartz

 • Are quartz countertops made from a slab, similar to granite?

Just like granite, quartz countertops are made from a slab. Once the natural and man-made materials are blended, the mixture is poured into a mold. During a process that uses a vacuum and vibrations, the slabs are pressed down to a thickness of 2-3 centimeters. The slabs are then baked in the oven at a high temperature, polished until they gleam, and cut into the desired shape and size.  

Featured: Stellar Gray Quartz

 • Are quartz countertops and quartzite countertops the same thing?

Quartzite is a natural stone with long-lasting beauty, but it should not be confused with quartz. Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock, and quartz is a manufactured stone composed of ground quartz and man-made materials.

Quartzite is a beautiful, durable natural stone, but unlike quartz, quartzite requires a bit more care. Quartzite countertops must be re-sealed every few years to maintain their gorgeous luster. Additionally, since pigment can be added during manufacturing, quartz is offered in a wider range of colors. 

Featured: Cashmere Carrara Quartz

 • Are quartz countertops made of pure quartz or a blend of materials?

Using the Bretonstone system, marble, silica, granite, and quartz are bound, heated, pressed, and polished into slabs that closely resemble natural stone.

Quartz countertops are made by combining a polymer mix, binding syrup, and pigments with fragments of natural quartz. To enhance the natural sparkle of quartz, pigments, recycled mirror, colored glass, or granite pieces are often added during the manufacturing process.

 • Can engineered quartz countertops mimic the natural look of marble?

Quartz can be made to resemble a variety of other materials, like limestone, granite, concrete, and most popularly, marble. Marble and granite are both exquisite choices, but these countertop materials aren’t right for every homeowner. Granite countertops must be re-sealed every few years to keep their natural beauty. Granite slabs are also quite heavy, making installation more involved. 

Marble is also a gorgeous choice for countertops. However, not every homeowner is up for the maintenance marble countertops require, and not everyone can afford this exquisite countertop material. However, with marble-look quartz, you can enjoy the natural beauty of marble—without the upkeep. 

Quartz comes in a range of different finishes (polished and honed) and is available in various countertop edges, including waterfall. For an even more stylish, uniform look, quartz can be used as flooring and on walls, too. With quartz countertops, you’ll enjoy a beauty that’s made to last.

More on Quartz Countertops

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Royal Quartz Countertops.