Quartz leads countertop market for its functionality, durability

by Melissa Martin

When it comes to kitchen makeovers, it’s no secret that countertops play a vital role in defining the aesthetics of the space, but they are often the one element in a renovation capable of transforming the ordinary into extraordinary.

For decades now, natural stone surfaces, which offer a combination of timeless beauty and durability, have been and continue to rank amongst the most sought-after countertop options among homeowners and builders alike. Not only can natural stone be customized to fit any design style from traditional to modern, but customers are also able to choose from a variety of colors, edge profiles and finishes to create a truly harmonious look that not only accents their kitchen, but compliments the rest of the home’s interior.

Industry experts report that the market has been shifting in recent years, however. The more classic natural stone choices of marble and granite, which dominated the market for decades, are now taking a back seat to the newest competitor on the countertop block: quartz.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, a trade association that represents the kitchen and bath industry, members report they are now installing quartz countertops more than those made from any other material, including marble, granite, butcher block, concrete, tile and stainless steel.

Though marble countertops have long been revered for their classically elegant style and granite countertops are known for their durability and resistance to heat and scratches, J.T. Tiber, a designer for Studio 76 in Twinsburg, said quartz affords homeowners the best of both worlds.

“Quartz truly combines the beauty of marble with the functionality and durability of granite,” he said.

Not only are quartz countertops nonporous and virtually maintenance-free but research shows they can boost a home’s selling price by 2 to 3% depending on the market. Tiber noted that quartz surfaces provide one other advantage over other natural stone options – it is engineered and not mined from the earth.

“This is important to many homeowners because it means the surface stone is more consistent in color and pattern and available in a nearly unlimited range of designs to match any style the homeowner might be looking for,” he said.

Unlike granite, which is 100% natural and extracted from the earth in blocks, quartz is manmade from a combination of 93% natural stone and 7% composite. That means quartz is readily available with a virtually endless array of solid colors, making it easier to color match. With white, gray and lighter colors dominating contemporary interior design palettes these days, experts say the darker, reddish-brown, gold and black-flecked surfaces typical of granite tend to look more dated in newer kitchens.

“Quartz just has a more luxurious look and offers more options in terms of finishes, ranging from polished to matte,” Tiber said, noting that like other stone countertops, quartz is available at a variety of price points. Typically, the whiter the background, he said, the higher the price.

Almost as popular amongst consumers, Tiber added, are quartzite countertops, which offer a 100% natural-stone surface that affords exceptional strength, density and hardness. It is favored due to its similar veining and color palate to marble but with a much higher resistance to everyday chemicals, he said.

Although not all quartzites are 100% nonporous, the abrasion resistance and weathering durability of quartzite allow for its use in almost any application.

“Both quartz and quartzite are ideal options for kitchen countertops, bars, bathroom vanities, tables, fireplace surrounds and more,” Tiber said. “Choosing between the two products comes down to personal preference, aesthetics and project requirements. But either option is sure to provide years of satisfaction.” ∞