When you are planning the new decor for your home in 2023, having a kitchen makeover is no small thing! You have to consider the color scheme, the shape of the space, the cookware, and, of course, the countertop material. It seems that this year, the natural look for kitchens is back in style, with more homes than ever opting for stone-based countertops. However, how do you go about getting these in your own kitchen?
Pick Your Material: Quartz Is A Winner
Quartz kitchen worktops or countertops are engineered stones made from crushed quartz and resin. They are highly durable, scratch-resistant, and non-porous, making them easy to clean and maintain. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easy to find a design that matches your kitchen’s style.
Advantages
The main reason why people choose quartz as the material for their kitchen is that it is, well, stunning! As mentioned before, it comes in a range of different colors, and if you choose the right supplier, you can even get it in blue! But many people opt for the more natural-looking quartz, which is grey with specks of white and black. Incidentally, there was even a sneaky trend a few years back where many homeowners were having quartz countertops put in and saying they were actually marble!
Quartz is also easy to maintain and requires no sealing or specialized cleaning products, but try to avoid bleaches, as this can dull the quartz’s finish.
Potential Issues
However, if you want to have quartz put into your kitchen, you will need to consider that should it become damaged, it will need specialist repairs. As well as this, many people choose quartz as a status symbol for their home, as it can be very pricey. So, be sure to shop around and find a supplier and a price that you are happy with.
How to Have A Quartz Countertop Fitted
At this point, you may be curious about what is involved in having a quartz countertop fitted. Luckily, it isn’t an extensive process, and for most kitchens, it will usually be completed in a few days.
- Measure and Template
The first thing you will need to do when having a quartz countertop installed is to search for an installer who specializes in quartz. This may sound easy, but there is an array of kitchen top installers who specialize in their own types of stone, so it is best to find experts with this natural material.
After booking an appointment, the professional installer will come to your home to measure and template the area where the quartz countertop will be installed. This involves taking precise measurements of the space and creating a template of the countertop to ensure a perfect fit. At this stage, they will usually also discuss estimates, which can be used to help you decide whether or not this is the suitable surface for the kitchen or if they are the correct installer.
As a general rule, you should avoid choosing the cheapest installers, as they often cut back on materials and the skill of their team to offer the lowest price.
- Fabrication
The template that has been taken is then used to create the quartz countertop in a fabrication facility. The quartz slabs are cut to size and shape, and any necessary holes or cut-outs for sinks and appliances are made. In short, they are custom-made for your kitchen, and if there are any unusual shapes, etc., this is likely to cost a bit more at this stage.
- Delivery
Once the fabrication process is complete, the quartz countertop will be delivered to your home. The installer will inspect the countertop for any defects or damage during transportation. If there are any signs of wear, in most cases, there will be no additional cost to you, and the installation team will replace it free of charge.
- Installation
Now for the fun part! The quartz countertop is then installed in your home. The installer will remove the old countertop if necessary and place the new quartz countertop on top of your cabinets. They will then secure the countertop in place using adhesive and any essential supports. This process can take up to 3 days, depending on the size of your kitchen, so be prepared for a bit of disruption.
- Finishing
Once the countertop is installed, the installer will apply any necessary finishing touches, such as sealing the seams and edges and using a polish or finish to the surface of the countertop.
Quartz generally does not need to be resealed unless there is extensive damage to the surface, so keep an eye out for any scratches or lack of shine to the surface of the quartz once it is in your home. Also, while it may be tempting to reseal it yourself to save some money, it isn’t worth it! Aim to contact the installers and have it resealed if needed, as that way, it will retain its value.
Costs
As mentioned before, when it comes to stone materials to use in your kitchen, quartz is on the higher end!
While it will certainly add value to your home, many people have concerns about how much it will cost in the long term. The cost of a quartz countertop in the US varies depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the countertop, the quality and brand of the quartz, and the region where you live.
It’s worth noting that, on average, you will likely pay around $50-$150 per square foot. If you opt to have the countertop imported from a supplier in the UK, you can expect to pay about £375 per square meter, which is around $431. So, be sure to get estimates! Of course, the cost of any countertop will be based on multiple factors.
One thing to consider is the brand you purchase. Quartz countertops from well-known brands can cost more than those from lesser-known brands, so you will have to do some research into which brands can offer the best quality, have the best reputation, and match your budget.
The thickness of the quartz can affect the cost, with thicker slabs costing more. In fact, if you are on a lower budget, it may even be worth looking into kitchen wraps, which are halfway between a countertop and a veneer for your kitchen.
Color and pattern are something else that can impact the price. Some colors and patterns of quartz are more popular and, therefore, more expensive, such as those that imitate marble or have unusual features like gold flecks.
The cost of the countertop installation can also vary depending on the size of the kitchen surface which is being fitted and the complexity of the installation project.
Maintenance and Preservation
While quartz countertops are known for their durability and resistance to many common household hazards, they can still develop issues over time.
Cracks
Cracks in the surface of the countertop can indicate that the quartz has been damaged or has experienced excessive stress. As before, should you notice this, you will need to contact better installers to have this repaired. The same rule applies to chips and scratches.
Stains
While quartz is generally resistant to stains, if it is not sealed correctly, it can become discolored by certain substances, such as coffee or wine. So, try to keep the surface free from spills.
Discoloration
If the color of the quartz changes over time or becomes uneven, it could be a sign of an issue with the countertop, which may be due to staining or a problem with the humidity in the room.
Water Damage
This is why the surface needs to be wiped down if there are spills! If water is able to penetrate the surface of the quartz, it can cause damage or discoloration over time.
