Home is where the heart is, and the heart of the home is the kitchen. Much of your time is spent in the kitchen, too. So, it should have everything you need and reflect your personal tastes. One of the features you should not overlook is the countertop. Having one that is durable and resistant to heat can make cooking and other tasks easier.

You might be considering swapping out your tired counters for something stunning yet resilient—something like white quartz. A pristine white counter of stone is bound to add flair to your kitchen, but is a white quartz countertop right for you and your home? Or are there negative factors to consider?

Let’s find out.

About White Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Before getting into the reasons why you may or may not want white quartz countertops, it is pertinent that you understand the origin of quartz and its material composition.

First, quartz countertops are not made entirely of quartz. About 10 percent of white quartz countertops are made of a cement or polymeric binder. The other 90 percent is a crushed up blend of marble, quartz, stone, and glass, silica, and ceramic pieces. This means that, while quartz stone is part of quartz countertops, such countertops are a fabricated blend, also known as engineered or compound stone.

Quartz countertops all originate from one type of technology, called Bretonstone, which has been around for over 50 years. These days, quartz names, like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone, have been manufactured and contain unique elements but continue to use the Breton patent.

The Pros Of White Quartz

White quartz kitchen countertops complement any kitchen aesthetic, but there is more to it than that. Here are some advantages to consider:

Durability

Since quartz is not a natural stone, some of the weaknesses of stone are absent from it, such as pores. The durability of quartz is one of the best features. Quartz is scratch-resistant and incredibly hard. Though, that doesn’t mean you can go hitting it with a sledgehammer because it will break about. That said, regular homeowners are not going to be flailing hammers in the kitchen, so white quartz countertops will last them for many years.

Low Maintenance

We have established that quartz countertops are non-porous and durable. Thanks to those qualities, you do not have to worry about clean up taking hours. A little bit of cleaning solution and a soft cloth can wipe up most spills. Plus, since the surface lacks pores, you do not have to worry about bacteria or mold growth. You can easily disinfect the surface of a quartz counter and know that it is cleaned. The same is not true for porous marble and granite.

Stain Resistance

You might be thinking that white quartz kitchen countertops are just begging for stains and discoloration. You might fear dripping spaghetti sauce on it. Don’t worry. Because quartz is non-porous, there is no risk of staining. Liquids, like coffee, sauce, and citrus juice, cannot seep in and damage the constitution of the stone. That means your counters will look white, beautiful, and clean for much longer than alternative materials.

The Cons Of White Quartz

Now that you know some reasons why white quartz is a fabulous choice, we need to talk about the disadvantages.

Cost

Although quartz countertops are not of the same constitution as high-end granite or marble, it is nonetheless considered luxury. The price tag reflects this, even though quartz is becoming more ubiquitous in modern homes. Some homeowners feel that the price of quartz makes it less worthwhile than natural stone.

Messes Are More Noticeable

Here is an intrinsic problem with anything colored white: it looks dirty faster than darker colors. Anything you spill on the white surface is going to be visible, even if the mess is not that bad. Someone who is always entertaining or working a lot in the kitchen may find this to be aggravating. The good news is that quartz is available in more colors than white, so you may be able to find another color option.

Vulnerable To Heat

Compared to the natural stone competition, quartz is terrible against heat and sun exposure. Putting hot pots and pans directly on a white quartz kitchen countertop will cause scorch marks or damage. Furthermore, kitchens that receive a lot of direct sunshine throughout the day are not the best for quartz. When exposed to UV light, white quartz will begin to change to a yellowish color, making it look old and stained.

You will have to either apply UV filters to your kitchen windows or prevent extended periods of sun exposure. That is something you do not need to worry about with granite or marble.

Visually Boring

Another issue with quartz is that it is not as varied or unique as granite or even marble. The engineered stone does not have the same visual pop, and that can lead to some people finding it uninteresting. Others might not like the idea of having a pure white countertop in their kitchen, even if they are going the minimalist route. Be sure to consider your options and color palette when thinking about which kind of quartz kitchen countertop to purchase.

Call Marble Concepts Today

Versatile white quartz kitchen countertops are excellent for a number of things: hygienic environments, durability, and stain resistance. If you are looking for a countertop that is resistant to bacteria and damage, then quartz will work well for you and your family. However, there are some drawbacks to this popular countertop material.

Have you fallen head over heels for white quartz countertops? We can help! At Marble Concepts, we work with more than just marble. Our professional team has knowledge about all kinds of natural and engineered stone, so why not give us a call at 215-396-7393 to learn more? You can also fill out the contact form to receive more information.