Why Has Quartz Grown So Popular Over the Years?
Over the last few years, there’s been a quiet but dramatic shift in kitchen material trends. For decades, granite was virtually the only material homeowners wanted in their kitchen. Now, quartz countertops have become even more popular, earning the distinction as the top choice for kitchen countertops. Quartz has even been featured as the countertop of choice in four recent HGTV Dream Home episodes. Homeowners and kitchen designers have a lot to appreciate about quartz. Here are some of the main reasons for the growing popularity of quartz countertops.
It Fits with Any Design
Quartz countertops are easy to match to any style or design because they come in a huge array of colors and patterns. Quartz can resemble natural stone like marble or granite, or it can be made in bright, solid colors. It can even be manufactured with the veining and speckled pattern of stone with unique colors like violet, blue, and pink. It's not just the color and pattern that can be customized. Most quartz countertops feature a shiny, smooth finish like marble, but you can choose something other than the classic polished finish. Some manufacturers offer a beautiful honed or suede texture or a rougher volcano rock texture to add a rustic look to a kitchen. These options give you complete control of the texture and appearance of your kitchen countertops.
It’s Easy to Maintain
Many homebuyers today are looking for a home that's easy to maintain and clean. This is where quartz countertops shine. Quartz countertops are a type of engineered stone made from 90 percentcrushed natural quartz and resins, polymers, and other binders, which creates an incredibly durable, nonporous surface that's very resistant to scratches and stains. Quartz never even needs to be sealed thanks to its resin-based design that doesn’t leave pores that would otherwise absorb liquids. All you need to use is a specially formulated combination quartz cleaner and polish such as Granite Gold Quartz Brite®.
It’s Nonporous and Antibacterial
In addition to its low maintenance requirements, quartz is gaining popularity because it's a completely hygienic surface. Just as stainless steel countertops are frequently used in commercial kitchens because they're easy to sanitize and don't harbor bacteria, quartz countertops are becoming a top choice in kitchens because they’re nonporous and don't attract bacteria. No germs can penetrate the surface of quartz countertops.
It’s a Great Investment
When you're considering your home's resale value, quartz and granite are both excellent investments. Quartz is a top pick among homebuyers and only gaining in popularity. The cost of quartz countertops is comparable to granite with a similar return on investment when it's time to list the home for sale down the road.In general, quartz countertops range from $45 to $140 per square foot, while granite can cost $60 to $175 per square foot. You can find quartz at a lower cost than granite, especially if you’re not interested in the more expensive developments in quartz countertops like the volcano or suede finishes. Both quartz and granite can give you a return of around 100 percent of your investment.
If you’d like to learn more about quartz countertops and what needs to be done to maintain them properly, reach out to Granite Gold® at 1-800-475-STONE (7866). You can also sign up for our newsletter that provides monthly tips on caring for quartz and natural stone such as granite, marble, and limestone.
