Why are quartz worktops so popular?

Over this year, Quartz worktops have retained their place as one of the most popular kitchen materials on the market. From large kitchens to small, designers and customers continue to choose quartz as their worktop material within a kitchen refit. While granite remains a strong option for natural and unique features and marble has enjoyed a real on-trend moment, quartz stands strong as a consistently popular all-around performer. So what is it about this material that makes it such a great countertop?

What is Quartz?

Pure quartz is a natural mineral. It forms in crystals rather than the mined slabs that we use with granite or marble worktop products. To manufacture quartz worktops, natural quartz crystals are mixed with around 6 to 7 per cent polymer resin. This synthetic aspect means that quartz benefits from enhanced durability and a more consistent appearance than its naturally mined alternatives. 

Quartz Qualities

The qualities that quartz possesses give this material a number of advantages over other worktop materials. Some of this is down to the manufacturing process, and some down to the aesthetics of natural quartz. It’s important to weigh up the benefits before deciding on your kitchen.

Appearance

There are a considerable number of quartz worktop products available. From the deepest black to the most translucent white to the warmest beige, you can choose a tone to suit any design concept. Its consistency of appearance means that it doesn’t detract from other visual statements in the room. 

Versatility

Because quartz is manufactured with resin rather than sealed, it is virtually impossible to stain your worktop. From food and drink spills to acidic cooking ingredients, it’s easy to see how a kitchen worktop might get stained. Many customers choose quartz because this simply isn’t a danger.

Heat Resistant

Similarly, in a working space such as a kitchen, there is a danger of heat damage. Dishes straight out of the oven or pans straight from the hob can very quickly cause terminal damage to laminate or wooden surfaces. Quartz can withstand the hottest kitchenware without the need for additional hotplates, which can make a room look cluttered. 

Design Schemes

There are a number of reasons that quartz fits so well into a variety of kitchen refit design schemes and concepts. Depending on what style you prefer, there are specific elements of quartz that you may wish to consider to maximise the impact of this material as a countertop. 

Contemporary and modern

These kitchen styles are functional and unfussy. They cover concepts as diverse as industrial minimalism and pop retro. In all these design schemes, the ideal worktop has clean lines and a purity of appearance. There tend to be a lot of additional accessories within these schemes, from exposed pipes and utilities to statement lighting or art. Here, a plain quartz can support the style without taking over.  

Traditional

More traditional looks may have a farmhouse, cottage, or rustic focus. In these schemes, stone need not be clean and clinical. By choosing rose quartz, for example, there is an aesthetic warmth that sets off the use of natural wood elsewhere. With an additional element of contrast, quartz worktops assist in creating a feeling of depth and texture in the room.  

Coastal

For shaker or beachside concepts, the ambience should be airy and light, making quartz worktops, for their natural reflectivity, an ideal choice. Certain ranges even feature an added sparkle that refracts natural light around the room, making it appear brighter and larger. Additionally, the muted tones commonly used in these design concepts blend beautifully with a variety of neutral quartz colours

Transitional

With elements of both contemporary and traditional kitchens, transitional styles can be eclectic and diverse. There is a mix of clean lines and exposed storage, creating a lived-in, homely feeling. Quartz worktops are ideal here because they can contrast a cabinet colour scheme or accent wall. Quartz worktops are high in demand and are a popular choice for adding both style and durability. As transitional kitchens are often busy family spaces, the strength and visual appeal of quartz make it both practical and aesthetically pleasing

Practical Considerations

Let’s not forget about the initial and ongoing practicalities of choosing a quartz worktop.

Maintenance

As a non-porous material, daily maintenance is easy. Just wipe up spills or grime with a wet cloth. In addition, quartz has the major benefit that it does not require long-term stone maintenance procedures. While marble and granite are strong, they should be resealed periodically to maintain their best performance. Similarly, natural wood worktops must be regularly oiled and finished to keep from long-term degradation. Other materials, such as laminates, are likely to need to be replaced due to damage after a time. A quartz worktop simply continues performing as if it were newly installed.  

Cost

Sometimes, there’s an assumption that quartz, like other stones, is expensive. However, as with any product choice, there is a scale, with some varieties being more costly than others. Take advice at our showroom to find a variety that will fit both your aesthetic priorities and your budget. 

Quartz is such a versatile material, it is easy to see why it ticks the boxes for so many kitchen designs. It is durable and low maintenance. It brings consistency to any kitchen design style without dominating the room. To discover which quartz is your favourite, it can help to see different varieties in situ. Browse the ranges at the Zenstone, or you can visit for the best experience.