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Costly quartz

Why these engineered countertops are so expensive

By Laura Firszt

More Content Now

Q

uartz countertops are showing up in the trendiest kitchens these days.

But there’s a drawback to this new material — it’s expensive, even more so than its closest rival, granite. What makes the cost of quartz countertops so high, and how can you save money?

What are quartz countertops?

Contrary to popular belief, quartz countertops are an engineered product, not 100% natural stone. To make the material, manufacturers bind crushed quartz (and sometimes other stones such as marble or granite) together with resins and polymers, in a ratio of approximately 90:10 by weight. Pigment is added for color, and then the mixture is molded by means of heat and compression.

Think of a meatloaf, if you will — the quartz can be compared to ground meat and the binding ingredients to eggs and breadcrumbs.

Why is quartz so popular?

Homeowners prize quartz for its attractive appearance — smooth and uniform, with a glossiness due to the quartz particles it contains — as well as for its practicality. As an engineered stone, quartz is non-porous. This quality makes it durable; crack, chip, and stain resistant (just wipe spills promptly!), and

easy to maintain.

Equally important, the material will not absorb bacteria or promote mold growth. And it never needs to be sealed or refinished.

Quartz countertops work equally well in kitchen remodels, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or mudrooms. Not just for counters anymore, quartz is also popular for backsplashes, integrated sinks, floors and wall cladding.

Reasons behind the high cost • Demand. Quartz countertops have developed a distinct cachet in the trend-driven world of decor. In an era characterized by FOMO (fear of missing out), the popularity of quartz has led to a demand that often exceeds supply.

This tends to drive up the cost of these countertops.

• Quality. Not all quartz countertops are alike. The quality and percentage of quartz in the original mix varies from one manufacturer to another. The best quartz countertops are stronger and more consistently colored and give off lower levels of dangerous VOCs (volatile organic compounds). They also undergo a more rigorous inspection process before leaving the factory and are backed by a solid warranty.

• Trade tariffs. Since most of the material is manufactured overseas (Cambria is the only all-American producer of quartz countertops), trade tariffs imposed in spring 2018 have multiplied the cost.

• Installation. Due to its lack of

Contrary to popular belief, quartz countertops are an engineered product, not 100% natural stone. [www.caesarstone.ru/Wikimedia Commons]

porosity, quartz is very dense and heavy to lift. Cabinetry or vanities must be leveled before installation, and any section not placed directly on top of cabinets — say, a breakfast bar — must be securely supported. To maximize the sleek look, seams should be unobtrusively matched.

All this makes quartz countertop installation a challenging project.

• Design. Quartz is a versatile material, which lends itself to a wide range of styles, edge treatments, colors and finishes. The newest or most complicated to produce can come at a premium price.

In addition, thicknesses run from 3/8 of an inch to 1 1/4 inches; obviously, the thicker countertops use more material, making them more expensive.

• Customization. Are you looking for an unusual countertop shape or width … or perhaps custom cutouts to accommodate your appliances or a special feature like a bar sink? Any of these is options is doable with quartz … but it will cost you.

• Number of slabs. Quartz is produced in standard slabs measuring approximately 55x120 or jumbo 63x128 slabs. If your counters are larger, you might need to purchase — and pay for — two slabs.

• Supplier. Different suppliers may list different prices for the exact same material. It’s as simple as that.

Tips to save on installation 1. Shop around. Check with several

suppliers.

2. Be flexible. If the quartz design or color that you fell in love with is beyond your means, keep an open mind and keep looking.

3. Control the number of slabs. Try to find a design that will require only one slab instead of two. If you really need extra material, see whether your supplier will sell you a half slab.

4. Choose a smaller thickness. Your contractor may be able to create a more luxurious appearance in a thin slab by adding a thicker edge.

5. Compare installation quotes. Get bids from up to four countertop installation contractors and check what’s included in each.

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.