5 Common Quartz Countertop Installation Considerations

Choosing to invest in new countertops for your kitchen is both exciting and an investment. Countertops can range in cost from $40 to $100 per square foot. Solid surface counters like quartz can start at $35 per square foot.
So, choosing a new countertop should be done carefully when making this kind of investment for your home.
When selecting and then installing your new countertops, there are a few considerations you should think about.
Read on to learn some of the most common quartz countertop decisions, quartz countertop installation mistakes, and how to avoid them.

What Is Quartz?

Using quartz for your countertops and even backsplash is a high-end popular choice in kitchen design.
Quartz is a nice alternative to granite for many homes. The quartz countertop is made of crushed stone pieces bound together with a resin material. It’s the reason you may hear quartz referred to as a solid surface countertop material.
Because of how the quartz countertop gets constructed, it has various benefits compared to granite, for example.
Like granite, it’s a natural stone. Unlike granite, because of how it’s made, it doesn’t need the same sealing done that granite requires.

Features of Quartz Countertops Worth Considering

Aside from how it’s made, many features of quartz make it a great choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Many homeowners with busy kitchens love quartz on their counters because of its durability. Because it’s a durable and hard stone, it can stand up to the activities of a busy kitchen.
Another feature of quartz is its ability to resist stains. Because the quartz stone is held together with the resin, it can withstand spills and stains more effectively than a granite option.
Every homeowner loves to hear the words low maintenance, especially for something used in their kitchen. Quartz doesn’t need to be sealed the same way as granite. It can be maintained by simply wiping it down with soapy water.
Because of how quartz countertops get made, you’ll have 100s of options and variations when it comes time to select your countertop. Not only that, but the countertop will add great value to your home.
Homebuyers on the market are seeking out kitchens and bathrooms that feature quartz material.

1. Quartz Countertop Color Selection

One feature of using quartz for countertops in your kitchen or bathroom is the wide array of color options available.
Because crushed quartz stones get mixed in so many different ways, it provides you with 100s of options.
From a design perspective, the quartz countertop colors you select can become an important part of your design aesthetic.
You can even opt to mix some quartz countertop colors. For example, you might choose to contrast the quartz on your counters with the quartz backsplash. You also select similar quartz options for a monochromatic look.

2. Material Mixing

Another unique idea as you consider new kitchen countertops is to opt for some intentional material mixing.
This is not only a savvy design feature; many experienced cooks and bakers appreciate multiple surfaces to work on.
For example, you may mostly put quartz countertops in place in your kitchen. Yet, opt to add a section of marble countertop, too. You might put a marble on an island or designated workspace.
Experienced bakers love to use marble as a surface for dough when baking.
Because of the vast selection of color options in the quartz, you have many options for mixing the quartz with a marble surface too.

3. Quartz Countertops and Seam Placement

When selecting your countertop material, you should consider who will do your installation. Hiring experienced installers who understand how to work with quartz material is important.
One meaningful conversation to have with your installer and quartz supplier is where to place the seams when installing the material.
Ideally, you want to avoid seams as much as possible when installing. You want to hope you can secure big enough sections of quartz to prevent an unsightly seam.
Sometimes though, you have too long of an expanse of a counter, and quartz is needed.

4. Quartz Countertop Design Decisions

When you choose quartz as your material for new countertops, you’ll also have several design decisions to make before installation.
Of course, color is one of those choices. You also want to consider if you’ll use the same quartz throughout or opt for more than one color option.
Many homeowners are also choosing to skip traditional tile backsplashes and use quartz as a backsplash too. This creates a cohesive aesthetic for your kitchen.
Another decision you’ll need to consider is how you want the edges of your countertop to be cut. This will be another part of the design aesthetic. Your quartz specialist can provide samples for you to consider.

5. Cracks, Scratches, and Dents in the Quartz

One of the strong features of quartz is its durability. Yet, you want to watch for potential cracks, scratches, or dents on the surface of your countertop.
You want to select experienced countertop installers to ensure they can handle the material installation without issues.
While quartz is very durable, sometimes cracks arise. This can happen at installation or after the material has been in your home for a while.
Your installer should be accountable for cracks at installation. If a crack occurs after a while, then often it’s connected to the cabinets the counter is sitting on. If they aren’t leveled underneath, a problem can arise.

Get Your Quartz Countertop Installation Done Right

New quartz countertops are an exciting investment for your home. Be sure your quartz countertop installation goes smoothly by choosing an installer with extensive installation experience.
We are happy to help you select the best quartz combination for your home. Visit our showroom or contact us to get all your countertop questions answered.