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 of the standout features of using quartz for countertops in your kitchen or bathroom is the extensive range of color options available. This versatility arises because quartz countertops are engineered from crushed quartz stones mixed with pigments and resin, allowing for hundreds of color variations. From vibrant hues to subtle earth tones, quartz can be tailored to fit any design scheme, making it an integral part of your overall aesthetic.
The ability to customize and combine colors offers significant design flexibility. For instance, you might choose a bold, contrasting color for your quartz countertops against a more neutral-toned quartz backsplash, adding visual interest and depth to the space. Alternatively, selecting shades within the same color family can create a seamless, monochromatic look that enhances the sense of unity and spaciousness in a room. This flexibility allows homeowners and designers to craft distinct spaces that reflect personal tastes and styles.
Additionally, the consistency provided by engineered quartz is a major advantage. Unlike natural stones, which can vary greatly in color and pattern even within the same slab, quartz offers uniformity that is ideal for matching across large areas or multiple rooms. This consistency ensures that the chosen aesthetic is maintained without the variations found in natural materials, making quartz an excellent choice for those who value precision and predictability in their design elements.
2. Material Mixing
Another unique idea as you consider new kitchen countertops is to opt for some intentional material mixing. This approach is not only a savvy design feature; it also caters to the functional preferences of many experienced cooks and bakers who appreciate multiple surfaces to work on. For instance, while you may choose to install quartz countertops predominantly throughout your kitchen, incorporating a section of marble can enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Placing marble on an island or a designated workspace is particularly popular among experienced bakers who prefer marble’s naturally cool surface for rolling out dough.
The thermal properties of marble make it ideal for pastry preparation, helping to keep the dough firm and making it easier to handle. This functionality, combined with the vast selection of color options available in quartz, allows for creative and effective combinations in your kitchen’s design. You can select quartz and marble that contrast sharply for a striking visual impact or choose materials that complement each other for a more cohesive look. This strategic mixing of materials not only elevates the design of your kitchen but also enhances its practicality, meeting the specific needs of those who use it.
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 face several design decisions that will impact both the function and aesthetics of your kitchen. Color selection is a fundamental choice, but the decision-making doesn’t stop there. You also need to consider whether you will use the same hue of quartz throughout the kitchen or mix and match different shades for a more dynamic look. This flexibility allows you to tailor the ambiance of your kitchen to your personal style or to define different zones within the space.
In recent years, many homeowners have opted to extend the quartz beyond just the countertops, using it as a backsplash material as well. This not only enhances the visual flow of the kitchen but also simplifies cleaning and maintenance, as quartz backsplashes do not require grouting and are resistant to stains and moisture. The uniformity of material from countertop to backsplash can create a sleek, modern look that is both stylish and practical.
Another important design decision is the selection of the edge profile for your countertops. The edge cut can significantly influence the overall style of the kitchen, whether you choose a beveled, bullnose, or a more contemporary straight edge. Each profile offers a different aesthetic and can be matched to complement the design theme of your home. Consulting with a quartz specialist is advisable, as they can provide samples and expert recommendations on which profiles might best suit your kitchen’s design and functional needs.
Additionally, your quartz specialist can advise on the integration of sinks and fixtures, ensuring that these elements blend seamlessly with your new countertops. This holistic approach to selecting and installing quartz countertops can significantly enhance the usability of your kitchen, making it a true centerpiece of your home.
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, promising not only to enhance its beauty but also to increase its value. To ensure your quartz countertop installation goes smoothly, it is crucial to choose an installer with extensive experience. Experienced professionals not only provide quality craftsmanship but also anticipate and manage any potential issues that may arise during installation, ensuring a flawless finish. We are here to assist you every step of the way, from selecting the perfect quartz combination that complements the aesthetic of your home to advising on the best edge profiles and configurations. Our goal is to help you transform your kitchen or bathroom with countertops that are not only stunning but also perfectly suited to your needs and lifestyle. Trust our expertise to make the installation process as seamless and rewarding as possible. Visit our showroom or contact us to get all your countertop questions answered.