Before committing to a quartz vanity top for your bathroom, it’s important to weight the benefits against the downsides. All favorite materials have positive points drawbacks.
Being informed allows a more thorough decision to ensure your needs and personal preferences are met. Visit – Bathroom Countertops: How to Choose – for tips on choosing bathroom countertops.
Understanding quartz as a material, what it consists of and how it’s made is important. It occurs naturally as a mineral and is mined in rock for. The durable, stunning countertops result when natural quartz pebbles are broken down into dust and mixed with resins, pigments, and polymers.
The modern quartz vanity top is highly durable and strong and can be made to mimic the appearance of marble or granite and other natural stone materials. These have come a long way from the vanities of the past with the plastic laminate, ceramic tiles, and cultured marble.
Benefits And Downsides of Vanities with Quartz Countertops
A bathroom vanity with a quartz countertop is not only stunning but offers high durability, incredible efficiency and practicality. They’re a favored choice among homeowners remodeling or upgrading their space. Before committing to the choice, however, it’s vital to weigh the advantages and potential drawbacks.
When renovating a bathroom, each element should be chosen carefully. While quartz is among the favored vanity top materials for bathrooms with a loyal homeowner following, there are drawbacks that also need to be considered. Consider the pros and cons of the material.
Pros
The durability
Quartz is resistant to scratching, staining, cracks, chips, and peeling making it ideal for heavy traffic spaces. The material is engineered to be strong compared to other natural stones. According to Mohs hardness scale, quartz is rated as a 7 out of 10 meaning it can tolerate relatively heavy wear and tear in a busy home.
The visual appeal and consistency
The material is naturally appealing and can range from a rustic aesthetic to a luxurious finish. Homeowners can achieve virtually any design by simply changing the color and pattern. A professional contractor will work with you in the showroom to select the ultimate design that ends up in the bathroom.
Stain-resistance
Being non-porous, spill that would typically discolor, stain, or permanently damage the stone won’t seep in. This makes quartz the ideal choice when messes happen, easy clean up, minimal care and upkeep.
Low maintenance
Vanities with quartz countertops don’t breed bacteria or other microorganisms. They require minimal maintenance. Cleanup is a simple wipe down over the surface with a soft sponge or cloth soaked in a mild soap and water solution.
They don’t need waxing, sealing, or repolishing in the same way as natural stone countertops.
Increasing property value
The increasing favor and visual appeal of vanity tops with quartz countertops make them a positive selling point for prospective homebuyers. They look for stylish additions including durable countertops so the investment in a bathroom vanity can increase your property resale value.
The styles and colors
This material comes in varied colors and designs enabling you to decide which you prefer based on your design scheme and personal style. You have options with veining, minimal veins, solid colors, and on.
Some choose rustic aesthetics while others go for a more luxurious appeal. Go here for bathroom vanity countertop ideas using quartz.
Cons
No uniqueness
Quartz offers uniformity, which for some can be a considerable drawback as they prefer a one-of-a-kind appeal. Others like the consistency in the natural quartz. The appeal is a primary consideration, however.
When designing a bathroom, every quartz countertop can come in varied colors with each offering a different mood and attitude. Visualizing the color in the available space can make for a stunning installation.
It’s expensive
For those with budget constraints, quartz is not a viable option. Because of the many benefits, such as appeal, high durability, and stain resistance, the upfront investment is higher. The price point can range between roughly $40 and $100 per square based on the material quality, edge profile, design, and manufacturer.
When you add the installation costs, sink cutouts, and other fixtures, it increases but the lifespan is extensive.
Heat damage
Quartz material is vulnerable to excessive heat because the resins melt. This leads to countertop damage. When using hot products like hair dryers or curling irons, it’s vital to let these cool in another area instead of placing them directly on the vanity top’s surface.
A good rule of thumb is to keep a hot pad or other towel on the counter to protect it.
Installation challenges
Quartz countertop installation is not recommended as a DIY project. A skilled professional will take measurements, level the slab, and secure the top in place. The stone is incredibly heavy at roughly 20 pounds per square foot, making a professional install recommended.
Outdoor use is not recommended
If vanity is situated near a window where it receives direct sunlight, quartz might not be a good option. The resins that bind the top will fade and discolor as they’re exposed to the sun’s rays.
Noticeable seams
Quartz vanity top seams are noticeable. They’re unpleasant to look at and susceptible to damage. Choosing darker toned material is recommended to make these less visible.
Final Thought
Among the hottest trends in bathroom vanity tops is quartz, a favored choice not only for bathrooms but also for kitchens and can be used for virtually any decorating scheme and for all personal styles. Before committing to the material, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks as they pertain to your needs and preferences.
The material is an impressive choice due to its resistance to staining and damage. It’s highly durable and can tolerate heavy use and abuses in a heavy-trafficked home.
These are more than an aesthetically pleasing surface, they’re a practical, efficient, and functional investment. While you might pay more initially for the materials, bathroom vanities with quartz countertops can last for an extended lifespan, plus, add to your property value.
