Quartz is the material of the day in the design world because of its beauty, durability, and increasing affordability. Tile and other natural stones will likely stay a popular choice for backsplashes, but interior designers are starting to take an interest in using slabs of quartz for the backsplash as well. You might have seen some kitchen designs popping up on your feeds that showcase quartz backsplashes and wondered about the pros and cons of going that route instead of something more traditional. We’ve put together a comprehensive list to help you as you weigh out your options.
Pros
Cleanliness: Quartz is an engineered substance made up of crushed natural quartz and other pigments and resins. The result is an incredibly hard, scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant material. Because of its makeup, it is non-porous, which means that, unlike other natural stones such as granite and marble, quartz doesn’t allow anything – including bacteria and other food-related problems – to penetrate and percolate under the surface.
Having a quartz backsplash is ideal because spray and splatters from food prep are easy to wipe away. Additionally, installing a full quartz backsplash means that you don’t have to worry about cleaning grout or having a dusty ledge to wipe down like you would with a traditional tile or four-inch backsplash.
Design: If you like the look of marble, granite, or even soapstone, you can probably find a quartz slab that mimics the look without requiring the maintenance or care. Many designers are choosing quartz for a full-height backsplash because it creates a look of flow and continuity that you can’t necessarily get with other stones. Each slab can be almost perfectly replicated, so it’s easy to match up seams for a more flawless finish. With intricate and realistic veining, you can have the movement of marble without worrying about lemon juice or red wine staining or etching the surface.
Color Choices: Due to the nature of quartz, you can get it in just about any color or pattern, meaning that you can find something that fits your tastes and your kitchen. A dark, veined quartz will add drama and depth to your kitchen, while a glittery white will brighten things up and make your space look larger.
Maintenance: Maintenance is one of the major perks of having a quartz backsplash and countertop. Quartz doesn’t require any resealing, and you don’t have to be quite as careful with the cleaners you use (compared to marble or granite), though you should still wipe up spills as soon as they happen.
Versatility: Quartz does just as well in your bathroom as it does in your kitchen, making it a highly versatile choice. The nearly impervious nature of quartz prevents bacteria and mold growth in the notoriously humid bathroom environment, and a quartz backsplash would elevate your bathroom’s entire design aesthetic.
Cons
Cost: The biggest downside to quartz is that it is more expensive than other natural stone options. Ranging from about $75 to $200 per square foot, quartz can seem like it has a hefty price tag, but in reality, it costs about the same as high-end granite, marble, or other natural stones. The additional square footage for adding quartz backsplashes can significantly raise the bill, but if you budget for it, quartz backsplashes are a fantastic way to add class to your kitchen or bathroom.
Discoloration: The resins and polymers that make up a small portion of the quartz are susceptible to extreme heat and direct sunlight. You won’t be putting hot pans on your backsplash, but you do run the danger of having sunlight shine directly on the backsplash for many hours each day depending on the position of your kitchen and its windows. This direct sunlight can cause the pigments to fade or discolor over time, so you may want to use window coverings or UV protectant film on your windows if you have a sun-facing window.
Seams: Even though the patterns and colors of quartz are easy to reproduce, you may still be able to see a seam where two slabs are joined. Your installers should be able to blend so that it’s not too noticeable – and darker or solid colors definitely help hide the seam – but for long stretches of backsplash, you can expect to have a vertical seam somewhere. For those long stretches, it’s also important to plan out where the seams for the backsplash will be in relation to the seams on your countertop, so be sure to talk to your fabricator before they make your countertops.
At Granite Liquidators, we supply top quality marble, granite, and quartzite countertops. Check out our showroom and let us help you pick out the perfect materials for your next countertop and backsplash.