The kitchen is the most functional space in a home, so its countertops must withstand a variety of stressors while remaining stylish. A 2021 report found that countertops were the most frequently replaced item in kitchen renovations due to high usage and normal wear and tear. The same report found that quartz kitchen countertops were the most popular replacement choice over the last three years.

Once you learn about the benefits of quartz kitchen countertops, it is no surprise they are so popular. The manufacturing process makes them extremely durable, easy to keep sanitary, and gives homeowners a wide range of style choices.

Quartz is a high-end countertop material, but the cost of quartz countertops is relatively low compared with other high-end options like granite or marble countertops. If you want to renovate your kitchen or replace your countertops, consider choosing quartz countertops.

The Science Behind the Style

Quartz countertops are made from slabs of engineered quartz. While quartz is abundant nearly everywhere on the planet and one of the hardest minerals on Earth, quartz countertops are not made solely of natural quartz.

Instead, quartz manufacturers grind quartz into dust, then mix 90 percent ground natural quartz and 10 percent resin, glass, and pigment. Quartz countertop manufacturers mix in extra materials to give the quartz slabs uniformity and increase the style options available.

Uniformity reduces the cost of quartz countertops because manufacturers can produce large slabs of engineered quartz fitted for specific kitchens. Manufacturers do not have the same luxury when making natural stone countertops out of marble and granite.

The engineered quartz manufacturing process also increases quartz stone countertop durability and sanitation. Once the quartz dust is mixed with the synthetic materials, the mixture is vacuumed, vibrated, and compressed to remove air. It is then hardened by heat curing and further processed for uniformity and sheen.

Hardening the mixture when it has so little air makes engineered quartz impermeable. That means no water can soak into it, minimizing mildew and mold growth. This makes quartz perfect for kitchen and bathroom countertops where sanitation is essential.

Quartz Countertop Styles

A quartz counter has many edge, design, and color options. Since it is engineered, there are plenty of styles to choose from, so your selection can work well with anything from existing stainless steel appliances to white cabinets and a subway tile backsplash.

Maybe you are in the middle of a kitchen remodel to update a traditional kitchen to match contemporary design trends, or you’re transforming your cooking space into a French Country look. No matter your stylistic preferences, the customizable quartz countertop is sure to fit right into your kitchen.

Colors

Quartz countertops come in various colors, from beige and grey to bold blues and reds. Most people are likely to opt for a neutral countertop color because they conform to changing trends and go well with dark, white, or beige cabinets.

Neutral colors include beige, grey, and white quartz countertops. These colors work well with transitional kitchens that blend modern and traditional styles. They contrast nicely with both stainless steel appliances and black appliances. Countertops with a neutral color scheme are ideal for people looking to remodel their kitchen once only.

The contrast of quartz countertops featuring darker colors and white cabinets is timeless, ensuring your home remains marketable for decades. For eclectic kitchen designs, you may consider incorporating a bolder range of colors. While bold colors are usually reserved for your wall tile backsplash or kitchen cabinetry, a quartz countertop can deliver unique color combinations for your kitchen island.

Designs

Your countertop design works in conjunction with your color decision. Classic styles mimic natural stone with veining, giving your countertop a textured appearance. There are many options beyond natural stone styles. From Calacatta Laza with its dramatic silver veining to the cool concrete look of Midnight Corvo, there is a design to match every kitchen.

If your home’s interior design is subtle and comfortable, consider a design that pairs a base color gray quartz countertop with contrasting white veins. This look, seen in the Soapstone Mist Quartz design, gives your kitchen depth and texture, making it sophisticated and inviting. It combines well with white cabinets and is an excellent centerpiece for a modern farmhouse kitchen.

Portico Cream Quartz countertops are warm and intriguing with a mix of three neutral colors like grey, beige, and brown. The complexity of the design is almost paradoxical because it fills in a large neutral kitchen without overwhelming the space while ensuring your kitchen avoids a monolithic color scheme.

If you are remodeling a predominantly white kitchen and starting with a statement piece countertop, look no further than Calacatta Sierra. The design incorporates thick, dramatic grey veining on a cool white countertop backdrop. The Calacatta Sierra quartz countertop is sure to be a topic of conversation any time you host friends and family. Pair it with a white and gray porcelain subway tile backsplash for a transitional kitchen style.

Don’t Forget About Edging Profiles

People usually focus on color and design but not the edging profile. Despite this, a countertop’s edging profile is critical as it is the most frequently contacted part of your countertop.

Beyond functionality and safety, the edge profile can enhance the quality of quartz countertops with an intricate design or a bold appearance. While there are many edge options, three popular edging styles complement your kitchen differently.

Rounded edges

A timeless classic in countertop design, the rounded edge or full-bullnose style eliminates dangerous corners, is easy to clean, and looks sleek. It is ideal for traditional and transitional kitchens but may not be suitable for a modern kitchen where angles are preferred. It is also an excellent choice for homes with young children to avoid accidental injuries.

Chiseled edges

A kitchen with a rustic and natural vibe looks great with a chiseled edge profile. Sometimes called a Moraine edge, this edge style is not smoothed or rounded and displays the quartz as if it was in its natural state. Chiseled edges show off the durable material interior of a quartz countertop.

Waterfall edges

Waterfall edges are a style of countertop that runs down to the floor. The counter and the edge make a ninety-degree angle and share the same style and colors. It is a popular design choice for islands as it adds a unique feature to the kitchen and protects the island’s corners from wear and tear.

Quartz Durability and Maintenance

People are attracted to quartz countertops primarily because of their unparalleled durability. Quartz is extremely resistant to mechanical and chemical weathering, ensuring its longevity. Quartz surfaces are common for an outdoor kitchen because they are highly scratch-resistant and easy to clean.

The only damage quartz countertops semi-frequently sustain during installation are screws that are put into the wrong spot and when excessive heat damages the countertop. So, it is best to have professionals install your quartz countertop.

Daily maintenance of your quartz countertop is simple. Clean it with soap and water and avoid abrasive cleaning materials like steel wool. Always use a cutting board, even though quartz is scratch-resistant. While quartz is heat resistant, avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the counter; use insulating pads instead.

Quartz countertops are not porous, so you do not have to worry about bacteria or resealing your countertop each year as you do with marble and granite surfaces. Minimal maintenance further decreases quartz countertops’ cost of ownership compared to marble and granite countertops.

Upgrade Your Kitchen With Quartz Countertops Today

Remodeling even a small kitchen is a significant endeavor requiring many hard decisions and careful installation. There are numerous reasons to outfit a kitchen with quartz countertops. Quartz’s durability, low price, and minimal maintenance make it a top choice for kitchen builds and renovations.

Whether you need your countertop to complement your tile floor, coordinate with existing stainless steel appliances, or be the centerpiece of the kitchen, let the design professionals at Motor City Granite & Cabinets guide you through the process.

With over 30 years of combined experience, we have the skill to design, fabricate, and install a kitchen and bath countertop that elevates your space. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.