Switching out old countertops is a small improvement that can have big payoffs in your home’s value. To maximize its benefits, choose long-lasting, quality materials that are worth the investment. Among stone choices, quartz is an impressive but often overlooked material. There are a few misconceptions surrounding quartz counters simply because they’re relatively new compared to other natural stone materials used for countertops. Here are the fast facts behind the common myths.

Debunking 5 Myths on Quartz Counters

1. Quartz Is the Same as Quartzite

Contrary to popular belief, quartz counters are not made from quartzite, a metamorphic rock that contains recrystallized grains that give it it’s distinctive sparkle. Quartz is an engineered stone comprised of natural quartz chips, resins, and pigments. As a finished product, quartz can mimic the appearance of marble, granite, and other natural stones.

2. They’re Cheap

Quartz counters can look the same as granite and marble countertops but cost significantly less on average. However, they are not as low in price as laminate or Formica and can run you up to a hundred dollars per square foot, depending on the quality. Quartz is not a low-budget material, but it offers superior quality for its price.

3. High Maintenance Is Required

Stone materials like granite, limestone, and marble require periodic sealing to protect against stubborn stains and spills. Quartz counters, however, don’t need routine upkeep—just the occasional wiping to remove brightly colored or acidic spills. Its nonporous surface also reduces the risk of harmful bacterial growth on the surface.

4. They’re Weak Against Heat, Spills, and Cuts

Quartz counters are incredibly durable and highly resistant against heat, water, and scratches. With minimal care, it can maintain a pristine appearance in the busiest kitchens and bathrooms, thanks to its natural hardness and density.

5. They Have Varied Aesthetics

Compared to granite and marble, modern quartz has a uniformed appearance. Some manufacturers try to add variety with speckled patterns, different textures, and an array of colors to closely imitate natural stones and their random veining. But this doesn’t mean that quartz won’t make good countertops. Quarts is typically produced in long, thick slabs that can be used to make expansive countertops with just one piece.

Don’t let unfounded myths on quartz counters stop you from installing one in your home. For top-notch stone countertops, look no further than Rocky Mountain Granite & Marble in Webster, NY. Serving residents throughout the Upstate area, they provide and install high-quality kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. Call (585) 265-6610 today or browse their online gallery for décor inspirations.