Quartz countertops are relatively new to the global market, the use of this engineered stone has swiftly gained popularity. The variety of colors, styles, and budget-friendly options make it a favored choice for luxurious homes seeking alternatives to granite, marble, and soapstone. Not only are quartz countertops aesthetically pleasing, but they also boast easy maintenance, eco-friendliness, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Curious about what makes quartz countertops 'engineered'? Want to compare it with other materials or explore the array of colors available? Interested in the quartz kitchen countertops price in India? Look no further as we dive into all these aspects and present you with handpicked designs for your kitchen inspiration. Upgrade your kitchen with the elegance and efficiency of Quartz Countertops!
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What are Quartz Countertops?
Pure quartz, also known as crystal quartz, has long been in use due to its availability in a myriad range of naturally occurring colours. Quartz in its purest forms, has found several important roles in global cultures as well. In the Aboriginal mythology in Australia, quartz was known as ‘maban,’ and treated as a mystical substance. Whereas it found its use in passages of tomb cemeteries in Ireland. It was also used for stone tools, jewellery, extravagant vases and more, across continents like Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and more.
While several traditions continued for the longest time around the world, it wasn’t until the year the 1920s that the world’s first quartz oscillator clocks were developed using the stone’s piezoelectric properties (i.e., the ability to develop electric charge when responding to the application of mechanical stress).
By the 1930s, quartz crystals became vital for the electronics industry. The ability to use quartz in any shape or form and blend it with other minerals has given birth to modern-day engineered quartz. As you may have guessed, the engineered quartz that makes up quartz kitchen worktopstoday is not used in its natural form or state. Quartz stone for kitchens today, in fact, is comprised of ~90-95% pulverised quartz, blended with 5-10% polyester resins.
For colour pigments, engineered quartz slabs are also bonded with polymers. Given such pigments can be added during the manufacturing process, quartz countertops’ colours for kitchens are not only innumerable but can also be mixed and matched. Before we dive into the several exciting variations of these colours, however, let us understand why Quartz is considered to be a better alternative to other kitchen countertop materials.
Why are Quartz Countertops Rising in Popularity?
Pure quartz, also known as crystal quartz, has long been in use due to its availability in a myriad range of naturally occurring colours. Quartz in its purest forms, has found several important roles in global cultures as well. In the Aboriginal mythology in Australia, quartz was known as ‘maban,’ and treated as a mystical substance. Whereas it found its use in passages of tomb cemeteries in Ireland. It was also used for stone tools, jewellery, extravagant vases and more, across continents like Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and more.
While several traditions continued for the longest time around the world, it wasn’t until the year the 1920s that the world’s first quartz oscillator clocks were developed using the stone’s piezoelectric properties (i.e., the ability to develop electric charge when responding to the application of mechanical stress).
By the 1930s, quartz crystals became vital for the electronics industry. The ability to use quartz in any shape or form and blend it with other minerals has given birth to modern-day engineered quartz. As you may have guessed, the engineered quartz that makes up quartz kitchen worktopstoday is not used in its natural form or state. Quartz stone for kitchens today, in fact, is comprised of ~90-95% pulverised quartz, blended with 5-10% polyester resins.
For colour pigments, engineered quartz slabs are also bonded with polymers. Given such pigments can be added during the manufacturing process, quartz countertops’ colours for kitchens are not only innumerable but can also be mixed and matched. Before we dive into the several exciting variations of these colours, however, let us understand why Quartz is considered to be a better alternative to other kitchen countertop materials.
Advantages of Quartz Stone Countertops
- High durability: Kitchen countertops need to be reliable, as they will be in daily use, and will be taking the weight of heavy kitchen equipment, dents, scratches, and stains. This is where despite the low quartz countertops cost, its alternatives offer high durability for long-term use.
- Easy maintenance: If you are wondering how to clean quartz countertops, worry not, as they have improved resistance to stains. Given they are without pores, it is not easy for even water, let alone stains, to penetrate the countertop’s surface. This means even in high-moisture areas, for example, quartz bathroom countertops can offer value for money.
- High control over visuals: If you have a particular vision about your kitchen’s décor, quartz countertops are easy to customize as per your required colour schemes as well as patterns.
- Eco-friendly & sustainable: You can reduce your carbon footprint by using quartz countertops as they are made of recyclable quartz materials. So, you can be happy to be choosing an eco-friendly option, even if the design is at par with marble quartz countertops.
Finally, quartz countertops are incredibly beautiful, especially when they come in surprising colours and patterns.
Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops
Despite their many benefits, quartz countertops also have some drawbacks to consider. Here are the key disadvantages:
- Prone to Heat Damage: While quartz is durable, extreme heat can cause damage like discoloration or cracking. Avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface.
- Not Completely Heat Resistant: Quartz countertops can handle moderate heat, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures may lead to issues.
- Vulnerable to Chemicals: Harsh chemicals and solvents can harm the resin used in quartz countertops, causing damage and discoloration.
- Visible Seams: Large quartz countertops may require seams, which can be noticeable and affect the overall aesthetics.
- Costly Compared to Other Options: Quartz countertops are generally more expensive than some natural stone alternatives.
- Not Suitable for Outdoor Use: Exposure to UV rays can cause fading and deterioration of the material.
- Not Scratch-Proof: While quartz is resistant to scratches, it's not entirely scratch-proof. Using cutting boards and avoiding sharp objects is advisable.
- Heavyweight Installation: Due to their weight, proper installation requires professional expertise and support.
Also read: Our Round-Up of the Top 15 Kitchen Renovation Ideas
Quartz vs Granite
Here’s a quick comparison of Quartz vs Granite for Indian kitchen countertops.
| Factor | Quartz | Granite |
| Appearance | Any colour available | Limited colours. |
| Durability | Harder and nearly indestructible. | Durable but porous |
| Maintenance | Clean regularly, no yearly checkup needed. | Clean with soap, and re-seal yearly. |
| Price | Costlier. | Cheaper |
| Eco-friendliness | More eco-friendly than granite. | Quarried, high environmental impact. |
Now that you’ve figured out the benefits of Quartz countertops over Granite, here’s a collection of quartz countertops that will inspire you.
Our Cherry-Picked List of the Top 10 Quartz Kitchen Countertops
From various quartz tile countertop types to a wide range of colours including grey, blue, cream-coloured, and sparkling white quartz countertops, the possibilities with this piece of engineered marvel are endless. Let us now explore what some of those designs may look like.
Plunge the Depths of Black Quartz Countertops
Nothing whips up more drama than a jet-black quartz countertop in your kitchen. As the image above shows, such polished designs can also be invariably found in marble and granite countertops with similar effects. It helps that the black centre island and kitchen countertops match well with its white aesthetics in contrast.
Explore the Spotless Hues of White Quartz Kitchen Countertops
When it comes to luxe-décor kitchens, nothing matches the purity and spotless hues of whites. As the image above of the white waterfall countertop made of quartz in ultramodern shows, the white compliments the metallic and tiled colours of the walls and appliances.
Also read: 14 Kitchen Arch Design Ideas That Can Enhance the Look and Feel of Your Home
Find Sophisticated Magnificence in Grey Quartz Countertops
While white and black offer some amazing variants in the quartz countertop family, why not elevate your taste with a combination of the two? As the image above shows, the neutral tone of the colour grey doesn’t hurt the décor, instead helps maintain a clean look against wooden and metallic décor elements.
Swim the Oceans with Blue Quartz Countertops
As a colour that naturally doesn’t occur in nature, the colour blue definitely brings us close to the skies and oceans. As the image of the blue quartz countertop shows, the colour not only brings stability, and trust to the environment we use so often, but also infuses a sense of harmony and peace, especially when combined with the spotless white.
Adopt the Refined Taste of Cambria Quartz Countertops
Instead of the generic colours, if you are looking for something more meticulous and refined, be sure to check out the image of the Cambria-coloured quartz countertop above. While it works best with minimal designs and softer hues of the colour spectrum, combined with white and wooden floors simply makes it look resplendent!
Also read: The Best Kitchen Cupboard Designs for 2022
Embrace the Warmth of Alabaster Quartz Countertop
Like Cambria, alabaster also falls somewhere in the pale, beige, or amber colour sub-spectrum. Yet as the image of the alabaster quartz countertop against a tiled wall goes to show how subtle yet sophisticated it can look with a retro design treatment.
Add a Retro Twist with Red Quartz Countertops
Speaking of retro twists, why not ditch the minimal aesthetics, and embrace the maximalist lifestyle? As a colour that instantly catches the attention of all, red quartz countertops exude an appealing décor invoking strong emotions.
Also read: Experts Share The 12 Best Tips for Your Kitchen Design
Explore the Black Temple Charcoal Finish
While you can opt for single colours, you can also go for complexions that flow organically to create a signature texture. As the image of the charcoal black quartz countertop shows, its natural finish forms a texture that is similar to gazing at ocean waves in the night sky.
Achieve a Smooth, Reflective Grey Finish
If you are looking for something opposite to textured patterns, be sure to check out smooth, metallic finishes of the grey countertop in the image above. Not only does such a finish reflect depth despite being a dull colour, but it also stands out strikingly against patterned backdrops, wooden décor elements, and the rocks-patterned floor design.
Also read: 20 Bathroom Wash Basin Design Ideas for Your Home
Make It Look Like Marble!
Instead of going for distinctive, high-end marble countertops, why not go for one that works and looks exactly like one? The Calacatta marble finish of the quartz kitchen island and countertop in the above picture is proof of how sophisticated it can look with wooden décor elements like the floor and cabinetry.
Find the Perfect Kitchen Designed to Your Custom Needs with NoBroker
Want to design your kitchen with the perfect quartz countertop material and colour of your choice? For when you do not know where to begin, be sure to check out NoBroker’s top-starred interior designers, who can guide you with a wide variety of kitchen décor, countertops, cabinetry, modular kitchen functionalities and more! For more details on Quartz countertops, check out our interior decoration and designing services below.
