Quartz is the most popular man-made countertop material. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and doesn’t need sealing. Quartz countertops have many benefits but their cost is on the higher end, up there with granite and marble. So, before installing quartz counters, you should consider some factors we’re listing here.

Where You Are Installing Quartz Countertops

You should consider the location of the kitchen before deciding on any countertop material. Quartz countertops are durable and heat-resistant, but they are the least-favorite choice for outdoor kitchens because they discolor when exposed to direct sunlight.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for stain-resistant, waterproof, durable countertops for your indoor kitchens, quartz countertops fit the bill.

The Cost Of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are man-made so they come in different qualities. Low-quality quartz will cost while medium-quality will cost more. And if your budget allows for it, you can also choose high-quality quartz as well.

Quartz Color And Finishes

The color range for quartz counters is wide so you will find the color that will go well with your kitchen’s theme or what you want to have.

As far as finishes are concerned, you can choose from two major finishes – polished and honed. A polished finish is glossy, shiny, and highly reflective. On the other hand, the honed finish is called matte finish which is soft and feels slightly textured on touch.

But these aren’t the only quartz finishes. You will also finish quartz in natural, concrete, and rough finishes. Natural finishes have silk-like shine, concrete finishes are granular to the touch and don’t reflect much light, while rough finishes are rugged and textured.

Keep maintenance in mind as well when choosing the color and finish. For instance, fingerprint smudges appear more easily on bright matte finishes than on glossy finishes.

The Status Of Your Kitchen

If you’re only replacing the countertop, you can go ahead. But if you’re renovating or remodeling your kitchen, you should make sure that things that come before quartz countertops are installed such as the flooring, wall paint, fixtures, and cabinets.

Accurate Measurements

The size measurement is critical for the installation of any countertop material. If the measurements are not accurate, the countertop might not fit the space and you may even experience difficulty in installation.

Even after the correct measurements and receiving the cut quartz slabs, before installing them, place them on the cabinets or the place where you want to install the counters to see if they fit.

Is Plywood Required?

Plywood is an engineered wood that is used during the installation of stone countertops. Plywood is glued on the cabinets and then the stone slabs are placed on them. But all countertop installations don’t need plywood. They are required for heavier slabs and you can work without them if you have a lightweight slab.

Discuss it with your countertop installer to know whether you need to install plywood before the slab or not.

The Time Required For The Installation

Quartz countertops are cut into slabs and then installed and glued together on the cabinets. You or your contractor will leave space for the sink, cooktop, or similar items, and use silicone for gluing those parts as well. After sealing the countertop, you can add a backsplash if needed.

When the process is done, your contractor will tell you how much you should for it to dry out. It is typically 24 hours, but in colder regions, it can be more. The installation process takes 4-5 hours and the drying of the glue will need 24 more hours. So, decide the perfect time.

Choose The Right Contractor

After choosing the quartz color, patterns, and finish, the success of your countertop replacement depends on the way the installation is done. A skillful contractor will take the measurements correctly, fit the slabs perfectly, and seal the gaps effectively.

Keep in mind that quartz is not a DIY-friendly countertop material. So, if you’re concerned about installation, avoid DIYing and select an experienced installer.

Conclusion

You can avail the benefits of sturdy quartz countertops if they are installed correctly. Once you have decided on the material, finish, and color, make sure the installation goes well. Consult quartz countertop contractors Potomac for high-quality quartz and perfect installation.