What You Need to Know About Quartz Countertops

WilgusIQ is Missouri’s quartz countertop expert. We’re equipped with the latest in precision tools to fabricate and install custom quartz kitchen and bathroom countertops, and we offer an amazing selection of quality quartz from our Springfield showroom. To find out what you need to know about quartz countertops, scroll down or click one of the links below.

 

Does Quartz Make a Good Countertop?

Quartz is durable and will last for the life of your kitchen. It’s known for being scratch, stain and chip resistant. As a non-porous surface, it’s hygienic and easy to clean. It never needs sealing. And because it’s an engineered stone, the design choices for quartz are endless. Bold solids, subtle patterns, and the distinctive look of soapstone, concrete or marble — quartz offers them all, along with a color consistency impossible with quarried stone.

What Are Quartz Countertops Made Of?

Quartz is an engineered product that combines crushed quartz crystal or aggregate with resins, compounds and pigmentation. Not all quartz is created equal, however. The amount of natural stone fragments in a given slab can range from 70% in a lower-quality quartz to 90 – 95% in the best brands.

WilgusIQ sells only high-quality quartz, but within a price range that gives you maximum choice.

During the manufacturing process, the quartz mixture is subjected to intense heat and pressure and any air pockets are removed. This creates the non-porous surface that sets it apart from quarried stone.

Why Non-Porous Quartz Is Both Stain-Resistant and Hygienic

Because it’s non-porous, quartz has no tiny openings that can harbor bacteria or liquids that stain. Because it’s both stain and bacteria resistant, quartz is a popular choice for hospitals, public areas, kitchens and bathrooms (see Top Tips, “How Hygienic Are Granite and Quartz Countertops?”).

Quartz Countertops by WilgusIQ at the Sunterra Springs Skilled Nursing Facility in Springfield.

Of course, it’s never a good idea to let corrosive or discoloring substances linger on the surface of any countertop. By wiping up spills promptly, you can keep your quartz countertops looking pristine.

Will Quartz Chip, Scratch or Crack?

Quartz is highly resistant to chips, scratches and cracks, and is widely used in high-traffic businesses such as hotels and restaurants. But like most countertops, quartz is not impervious to extremes in temperature or harsh treatment. Quartz is extremely tough, but it can scratch if a sharp knife or other object is applied with force, and it can crack if subjected to sudden extremes in temperature (see also “Will Heat Damage Quartz Countertops?” below). Heavy objects striking the countertops can cause chips.

Hotel Vandivort Quartz Table by WilgusIQ

Using simple, preventative measures is the best way to keep quartz countertops looking beautiful for years (see WilgusIQ’s free infographic, “Caring For Your Quartz”). But if an accident does occur, a minor chip, scratch or crack can be repaired relatively easily. Keep in mind, though, that quartz’s color is confined to the surface, so a repaired crack or chip may still be noticeable depending on the shade or pattern of the material.

Will Heat Damage Quartz Countertops?

Quartz contains resins that can be damaged by heat above 150 degrees Fahrenheit, so we recommend that you do not place very hot implements directly on quartz countertops. That includes activated slow cookers, electric frying pans, air fryers and curling irons. A simple way to protect quartz countertops is by using hot pads, trivets or a cutting board.

Do Quartz Countertops Need to Be Sealed?

Quartz is an extremely low-maintenance surface that never needs to be sealed.

How Do I Clean Quartz Countertops?

Daily cleanup of quartz countertops requires nothing more than a soft rag or sponge, mild soap and water. For more maintenance do’s and dont’s, download WilgusIQ’s free infographic, “Caring For Your Quartz.”

Does Quartz Fade?

Intense heat and sunlight will cause the resin binders in quartz to fade over time, so quartz is not recommended for outdoor use or in areas that receive constant exposure to the sun. For ideas on what countertop materials are more compatible with the outdoors, check out our Top Tips article, “What Kind of Countertops Should I Choose for an Outdoor Kitchen?”

Will Quartz Countertops Increase the Value of My Home?

If you replace laminate or damaged countertops with quartz, you will increase the value of your home. Quartz has passed from a trend to a fixture and is currently the most popular countertop material in the U.S., making it a desirable feature for most homebuyers. If you are updating your kitchen with a view to resale, real estate pros recommend that you choose a neutral color that complements your cabinetry and — most important of all — that you have the installation done professionally by a reputable company.

Concerto Quartz countertops by WilgusIQ.

 

How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?

The national average price for quartz countertops is somewhat higher than granite. At WilgusIQ, we offer only high-quality quartz, but in a variety of price ranges that can make it as affordable as granite or other premium choices. To price a specific piece of quartz, all you need are your project measurements and some details about the project. For more information on our free quotes, please click the button below.