You have a lot of different options when putting in new countertops. Ideally, you want something that not only looks great with your décor, but is high quality and easy to keep clean. In that regard, one of your best options is quartz. Here are some of the benefits of quartz countertops.

What Is Quartz?

Quartz is a mineral, much like granite or marble. However, rather than natural stone, the quartz used for countertops is usually what’s called “engineered quartz.” The quartz is ground up, and mixed with resins to hold it together and pigments to give it a particular look.

That mixture is then turned into slabs that can be installed as countertops, shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, and even flooring. It shouldn’t be used outdoors, as too much heat can damage the resins over time. However, for your indoor decorative needs, quartz is one of your best and most versatile options.

Benefits of Quartz

The main appeal of quartz is its durability. Natural quartz is strong by itself, but the engineered variety is made to be virtually indestructible. It will hold up to plenty of wear and tear and last you a long time.

Quartz is also probably the easiest type of stone to keep clean. Stone is naturally porous, which means it absorbs liquid, which over time can lead to stains that are difficult if not impossible to remove. Stones like granite and marble have fewer pores compared to other types of stone, making them better for countertops, but they still need to be sealed against moisture.

Engineered quartz, however, is created to be completely nonporous. It doesn’t require sealing, and won’t absorb liquid. Therefore, it can be kept clean much more easily, with just an occasional wipe down, using a non-abrasive pad. Some manufacturers sell special cleaning solutions for quartz, but they’re not really necessary. Soap and water will do just fine for most spills and stains, and excessive grease buildup can be removed with an ordinary oven cleaner.

Another great benefit to quartz is its aesthetic versatility. Since the stone is ground up and reformed with added pigments, it can be given a variety of different colors and patterns. It can be made to look like another type of stone, such as granite or marble, or even cement. Choose whatever look fits with your décor, with all the benefits of engineered quartz.

There is one drawback to quartz countertops, and that’s the price. The material itself can be very expensive, and professional installation makes it cost even more (it’s decidedly not a DIY project). However, the material’s durability will more than make up for it over time. It won’t need to be replaced or repaired nearly as quickly as most other types of countertops, including other stone varieties, which will save you money. In fact, many engineered quartz countertops come with warranties of 10 years, 15 years, even a lifetime.

Quartz countertops are an investment. They cost a lot of money now, but they’ll be well worth it in the end. If you’re looking for something durable and long lasting, that’s easy to keep clean and can give your counters a sleek and modern look, then quartz countertops are exactly what you’re looking for.