Whether you've just bought a new house or feel like your old kitchen is looking a little dated, in need of some more kitchen storage options or a lick of paint on the kitchen cupboards, you may be considering investing in new worksurfaces such as quartz countertops.
Using a quality material for your counters is a sure-fire way to make your whole kitchen look and feel that bit more luxury. We find out just how much quartz countertops cost and how they measure up to other favourites such as granite.
What is quartz?
Quartz is engineered stone, meaning that while it is, indeed, made of natural stone—including the mineral quartz—it is not a slab mined from a quarry. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to quarried stone, and for the higher end quartz you really can't tell the difference.
Made by mixing stone elements (around 90%) with resins, polymers, and pigments, quartz can be produced to mimic the natural veining and patterns of quarried stone slabs. It can also be given more unique colours and textures.
Because of how it is made quartz is incredibly hard and durable. It is non-porous and very resistant to cracks and stains. Unlike a granite worktop, a quartz worktop will not require sealing or resealing. Quartz worktops are also naturally scratch-resistant – only three other natural minerals can scratch it (diamond, sapphire and topaz).
How much do quartz countertops cost?
According to Checkatrade.com, for an average kitchen you're looking at a quartz worktop cost in the region of £800. On top of the worktop cost you also need to factor in the price of labour. Expect to pay around £375 per m2 for a quartz worktop including installation. So, for a small kitchen (3m) you could be looking at around £1,125 but for a large kitchen (9m) you should expect prices of £3,375 and above.
Price wise this is about the same as the cost for granite - depending of course on which end of the scale you're going for, whether it be a higher-end product or something more simple. For concrete countertops you're likely to be looking at a higher price, to factor in the by-hand production and installation costs.
Advantages and disadvantages of quartz worktops:
Pros
1 Colour and design options
Designs for quartz countertops are seemingly unlimited. Some are made to resemble granite or marble, while others are created to look like nothing else can. Light and simple patterns are common, but deep colours and intricate designs are where quartz tops can truly show off their uniqueness. These colours won't fade either.
Add to that their excellent (but not always perfect) seam-hiding attributes, along with the ability to be fully customized, and you have a countertop material that can be perfect for any kitchen.
2 Maintenance and care
The non-porous surface requires no sealing or special care. Simple cleaning keeps them looking great. Moisture, dirt and contaminants simply will not penetrate the surfaces, keeping them stain-free too. Simply wiping them off with soap and water is plenty to keep them looking their best.
3 Hygienic
Another advantage of being a non-porous material, is that quartz is excellent as a food preparation surface as there’s nowhere for germs and bacteria to collect.
4 Lifespan and durability
Being a hard, but not too brittle material, they are difficult to scratch or chip.
Warranties on quartz countertops last from 10 years to the life of your home. In reality, they have the potential to last much longer than your house. The man-made products used in their construction don’t break down over time, and the natural materials are all but indestructible. When considering the price of quartz tops, keep in mind that it’s likely a one-time-only cost.
5 Resale value
Recently remodelled kitchens and bathrooms appeal to potential buyers and could increase your home's resale value.
Cons
2 Vulnerable to heat damage
The resins that provide their tough exterior can be damaged by high heat. Protecting them from contact with hot pans is necessary.
3 Cost to install
Difficult precision cuts, product weight and seaming methods, command the need for professional installation. Other than very small prefabricated tops, DIY installation is not recommended. To create the nearly invisible seams requires extensive training, and the tools needed to cut the material are expensive.