Granite has been the reigning “King of Countertops” for kitchens and bathrooms for a lot of years. But recently, a new contender has come into play; quartz.
According to the Design Trends Survey where more than 450 interior designers participated, quartz is gaining a lot of popularity since 2010. “In 2010, 73% of responding members reported using quartz in their kitchen projects. By 2015, that number rose 16 points to 89%, with 67% expecting to do more projects involving quartz in 2016.”
Today quartz is still undoubtedly one of the most preferred materials for kitchen countertops due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, and maintainability.
The Benefits of Quartz Countertops
Here are a few reasons why quartz countertops raise the interest of a lot of homeowners:
Easier to Install
Unlike natural stone slabs, quartz countertops are engineered in a factory. They are made out of 95% ground natural quartz and 5% resins which acts as the binding agent. Since they are manufactured products, this means that they come out as uniform slabs of stone, making them easier to work with during installation. The seamless effect is harder to achieve with granite, its closest competitor.
Durable
Tests conducted by Consumer Reports revealed that quartz countertops are able to withstand attacks from two sharpened knives that hits the countertop at 25 slices a cycle and emerged unscathed after bearing a weighted 400° F saucepan full of heated shortening. The surface can withstand a lot of beatings which makes it ideal for busy families with children.
But it is important to remember that even though quartz countertops are durable, they are not indestructible. Dropping extremely heavy weight onto its surface can chip or even break the material so you still need to practice caution.
Minimal Maintenance
Natural stone products are porous to some degree. This means that if a spilled liquid is left unattended for a certain period of time, it can be absorbed into the counter’s surface. Quartz countertops are non-porous in nature due to the resin binding agents which makes them more resistant to stains. However, keep in mind that they are not completely stain-resistant so spills need to be wiped and cleaned immediately to avoid lasting damage to your quartz countertops.
Quartz Countertops Prices
How much does a quartz countertop costs?
Different brands offer different prices and here are the most popular quartz brands with the approximate costs:
- Cosmos – $33 – $69 per square foot
- Definity – $42 – $95 per square foot
- Hanstone – $39.99 – $75 per square foot
- LG Viatera – $33.99 – $65 per square foot
- Q Quartz – $39.99 – $69.99 per square foot
- Silestone – $45 – $99 per square foot
- Vicostone – $49 – $99 per square foot
- Zodiaq – $57 – $69 per square foot
Visit Precision Stone Design for more details on their quartz prices.
The total price of having quartz countertops installed in your kitchen will depend on the following factors.
Quartz quality
Quartz comes in a variety of quality. Different brands and vendors may use different terms to describe their quality but quartz countertops are usually classified as closeout (clearance), standard, premium, and designer.
Standard grade quartz is less expensive but they can sometimes be plain and has fewer options for colors and finish. However, they are still great when it comes to durability. When a certain type of standard grade quartz countertop become discontinued, it becomes a closeout or clearance counter which will greatly reduce its price. Premium and designer grades are richer in design and color and are often custom made. They are much more expensive than standard grade quartz.
Number of stone slabs needed
The size of your kitchen will affect the total cost since the bigger your countertop is, the more stone slabs you will need to purchase.
Installer fees
Aside from the quartz countertops, you will also have to pay for their installation. Quartz slabs are extremely heavy and are not fit for DIY installation. It is important to work with certified installers to ensure that your new quartz countertops are properly handled.
Job complexity
If your kitchen only needs a single slab of quartz then installation will be a breeze. However, in most scenarios, this is not the case. Projects often need multiple slabs with seams and cut-outs. This will require more input and thus raising the price.
Get a free quote from Precision Stone Design. It will give you an understanding of the approximate cost of countertops for your project. The quote will already include the measurement visit, countertop materials, custom fabrication, installation visit, shipping, and even tax. Once you review the rough estimate and consult with a Precision Stone Designs, you will be able to choose your preferred quartz color and design. From there, we will generate a firm quote for you which will include detailed project costs.
Precision Stone Design is a direct fabricator and installer of kitchen countertops, vanities, Jacuzzi surrounds fireplace surrounds and custom designs. We are located in the Chicagoland area and provide service within 50 miles radius of our facility in Elk Grove Village, IL. Visit us at www.precisionstonedesigns.com.
If you are planning to get quartz countertops for your kitchen, know that they don’t come cheap. But they are a great long-term investment if you consider their durability. You are going to be able to enjoy your beautiful and durable kitchen countertops for a lot of years to come. Quartz countertops are known to last for years and if you take care of them properly, you won’t need to spend a lot of money on maintenance and repairs. Additionally, a quartz countertop is a great selling point and adds to the overall value of your home if you decide to sell your property in the future.
Consulting a professional installer is the best way to know the quartz countertop price especially if you are working on a budget.
