Choosing your quartz countertops is a big deal when designing your kitchen. Countertops aren’t just a place to work; they also add a lot to the look of the space. With so many options in materials, styles, and finishes, it can feel a bit overwhelming to pick the right one. Luckily, Universal Quartzz has showrooms and galleries across North America where you can check out samples, full slabs, and installed countertops in person. Their experts are there to help guide you through the process and find the perfect countertop for your home.
No matter what colors, patterns, and customizations you choose for your quartz countertop, there’s one thing you can be sure of: You are making a smart decision. Quartz is a premium surface that is easy-care and never needs sealing to maintain its resistance to water and stains. It’s extremely durable, and stands up well to everything a busy family can dish out — daily cooking, entertaining, school projects, and much more. Quartz countertops resist stains and chipping, and can even increase the resale value of your home.
Every big purchase comes with a bit of anxiety, mainly because you want to make sure all of the important points are considered, and there’s no information you forgot to gather. This simple yet thorough guide will give you a “checklist” you can review with everything you need to consider when shopping for a new quartz countertop.
Prefab vs. Slab
One of the best reasons for choosing quartz Kitchen Countertops is the prefab option. Although it can save you a lot of money, a prefabricated quartz countertop isn’t a “cheap” version of a countertop made from a slab. Prefabs are made from the same high-quality quartz slab, in several popular shapes and sizes that fit perfectly in many standard kitchen designs. They include cutouts for sinks and typically include a matching backsplash piece.
When you choose a prefab countertop you won’t have as many different quartz colors and patterns to choose from, but prefabs are available for many of the most popular countertops. Not only is it a savings on the cost of the countertop, but installation may cost less too. You can get your new countertop installed more quickly because there’s no need to wait for the fabricator to finish production.
Slab Thickness
Quartz countertops usually come in two thicknesses: 2 cm and 3 cm. Both options work well for countertops, but there are some things to keep in mind when deciding which one is best for your home, like weight and strength.
The 3 cm countertop is heavier than the 2 cm one. Because the 2 cm slab is lighter, it’s a good choice for vertical areas, such as backsplashes or waterfall edges. On the other hand, the 3 cm countertop is stronger, making it a better fit for surfaces that will see a lot of use. However, it might need extra support to hold up its weight, and homeowners should check that the flooring can handle the added weight, too.
Edge Profiles
When picking the perfect quartz Kitchen countertop for your home, the little details make a big difference! There are plenty of edge styles to choose from, so you can get a custom look that matches your personal style. If you like a clean and modern look, simple edges like eased, bevel, or bullnose work great. For a more classic feel, options like Dupont, Ogee, or French Cove add a touch of traditional charm.
The thickness of your countertop can also affect which edge style will look best. For instance, if you have a thinner 2 cm slab, you can use a mitered edge to make it appear thicker than it really is.
A waterfall edge is a design that is growing in popularity, especially with quartz countertops. Just like a waterfall flows off the edge, a waterfall-edge counter continues around the corner and down toward the floor, covering the entire side of the cabinetry. This gives the kitchen a clean, uniform look, and also protects the cabinetry from being scuffed or damaged.
Quartz Finishes
Most countertops, whether they’re made from quartz or another material such as natural marble or granite, have a polished finish. This shiny, reflective finish is popular, but is far from being the only type of finish you can choose for your quartz countertop. Several quartz colors are now available with a soft, non-reflective matte finish or quartz that looks like concrete — ideal choices for modern décor styles.
Colors & Patterns
Quartz countertops are made by people, which means they can come in all kinds of colors and designs. The possibilities are endless, depending on what the designer imagines. You can pick from soft, neutral shades ranging from light ivory to deep black, or even go for a solid color with no pattern at all if you like a modern, simple look.
Quartz countertops can also be designed to look just like different natural materials, such as concrete or elegant stones like Italian Calacatta marble, limestone, and soapstone. The best part? If you choose a marble-look quartz countertop. It’ll be much easier to take care of than real marble.
Matching Existing Elements
If you’re just changing the countertop and keeping everything else the same (like the cabinets, fixtures, and flooring). You’ll want to make sure the new quartz countertop goes well with what’s already there. Start by thinking about the style of your kitchen. Is it more rustic, modern, traditional, or farmhouse-style? Also, decide if you want your kitchen to feel light and bright, or if you prefer a darker, more elegant look.
What Countertop Finish Should You Choose?
Romano often gets asked about the difference between matte and polished quartz finishes. People usually want to know if matte quartz is harder to take care of or if it’s more expensive. I tell them that all Universal Quartzz, whether matte or polished, is high-quality, doesn’t need any maintenance, and comes with a Full Lifetime Warranty that can be transferred to the next owner. However, some finishes may cost a little more.”
Visit a Universal Quartzz to Find Your Perfect Quartz Countertop
Choosing a kitchen countertop is a significant decision that impacts both the functionality and beauty of your kitchen. From answering common questions about durability and maintenance to offering advice on design integration and budget considerations, our showroom staff is a wonderful resource in the countertop selection process. Visit Universal Quartzz to get personalized guidance and make an informed, confident choice for your kitchen countertops.
Also, Read Granite Worktops: Why They’re Better Than Other Options
