If you are looking for residential solid surface countertops in Toronto, quartz countertops are less expensive than marble, are incredibly durable, and have a contemporary appearance. However, you rarely hear people talk about the cons of quartz countertops. This article will delve into reasons against investing in quartz countertops.
Five Reasons to Avoid Quartz Countertops
They are Still Pretty Expensive
Despite quartz costing less than marble, it is still one of the more expensive countertop materials. On average, you can expect to pay $150 per square foot. In some cases, you can end up paying as much as $200. While it is competitive to marble, concrete, granite, or slate countertops, it is more expensive than most wooden variants.
Some are Not Heat Resistant
Some countertops are very good at resisting the heat of pots and pans. While some quartz variants can take up to 300 degrees, most of them cannot handle more than a hot mug. This vulnerability has nothing to do with the quartz and everything to do with the resins coating it.
We can say this because the heat resistant capabilities of quartz depend heavily on the build quality. Building quality can vary from company to company. You will want to check with your company of choice.
Ask them if they understand the temperature point of their countertops. While many of them won’t reference the temperature, some should still note how their product is heat-resistant.
It is Challenging to Install
The average weight of quartz weighs around 25 pounds per square foot. As a result, it can be challenging to cut and handle these without hiring a trained group of professionals.
If you are expecting a DIY project with quartz, you will have a hard lesson wasting several hundred dollars. If you have the wrong position, exposed seams can ruin the appearance of your countertops.
Unless you happen to be a professional yourself, don’t try and take this as a personal project.
Exposure to Sunlight Can Cause Discoloring
Quartz countertops are purely an internal installation. But large windows can cause your quartz countertops to receive exposure from the sun. The result can cause your countertops to absorb the yellow color.
If you have a room with a significant sun exposure level, you should think twice about purchasing a quartz countertop.
It Isn’t Weatherproof
As you may expect, the lack of resistance to sunlight makes them unsuitable for outdoor use. Also, none of these countertops withstand rain and wind. You can also expect damage and warping from extreme cold as well. Few countertops can handle outdoor use.
Conclusion
While there are numerous reasons to install quartz countertops, one must be aware of the drawbacks before making a purchase.
They aren’t for DIY projects, as you cannot heft them easily by yourself. You also can’t expect them to be very affordable, although they are more cost-effective than marble and other types.
With the cons of quartz countertops in mind, you will be able to compare them easily with others who have their pros and cons. Whatever your decision is, be sure that you understand what you are purchasing.