How to Choose a Quartz Countertop

So you’re remodelling your kitchen or bathroom and have spent weeks researching countertop materials. After much discussion and debate, you’ve decided to go with beautiful and durable quartz over many of the other options that are available. You’re making a great choice, but there are still a few steps left before your new countertop can be installed. Here’s what you’ll need to do to ensure that you get a quartz countertop that perfectly suits the kitchen of your dreams.

Plan Ahead

First things first: you’ll need to choose your plumbing fixtures, cabinets, and appliances before picking out quartz for your counters. This is because your quartz supplier will need to measure the pieces of quartz in order to fit them properly into your kitchen space. They’ll also need to cut holes for your sink, faucets, and your cooktop (if you aren’t doing a cooking range). Picking out all of these items beforehand will ensure that when you do choose your granite, the supplier will know exactly what to expect and no mistakes will occur in the cuts made before installation.

Choose Your Quartz

Those three words sound simple, but you’ll be amazed when you discover the sheer variety of colours and patterns that make up the quartz universe. Because it’s a man-made material, the colour and texture options are endless. Find a quartz to build a sleek, modern-looking countertop or choose one that takes on the classic look of marble. You can even find quartz that resembles granite and cement. No matter what your personal tastes are, you’ll be able to find a quartz that fits.

Choose the Thickness

Yes—yet another decision to be made! This one will be a bit easier, however, as the standard thickness for quartz countertops is just over 3 cm. This thickness will look wonderful in most kitchens and bathrooms. If you have other ideas, talk with your designer and your quartz supplier to find out what other thicknesses are available in various quartz styles.

Edging Adds Flair

The perfect edging for your granite countertop will depend on the style of your kitchen or bath. For a clean, standard look, go with squared edges. For those who prefer a more traditional design aesthetic, rounded edges (also known as bullnose) are ideal. You can achieve a more dramatic and sophisticated look by choosing laminated edging. With this option, your manufacturer will add an additional layer of quartz to give your countertop a more intricate design.

Once It’s Installed: Care and Maintenance

After your quartz has been installed and your new kitchen or bathroom is ready to go, the first step is to take a deep breath and congratulate yourself on choosing such a low-maintenance material for your home. It’s easy to keep quartz looking lovely without constant worry and strenuous upkeep. When it gets dirty, simply clean it with a mild soap and water. A gentle multi-purpose cleaner will do, or you can use a few drops of dish detergent. 

Things to avoid with your new quartz counters include hot items and harsh, abrasive cleaning methods. Always use a pad to protect the surface from hot pans that are fresh off of the stove or out of the oven. In addition to this, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or scrubbing your counters with anything that’s abrasive. If you follow these simple rules, your quartz countertops will continue looking fabulous for years to come.