How long should I expect my quartz worktop to last?

Choosing the right worktop for your kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s a decision that impacts functional daily living, the value of your home, and your contentment in the atmosphere of the space. In recent years, quartz has surged in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its durability, low maintenance, and wide range of design options, quartz is set to remain popular for years to come. But just how long can you expect your quartz worktop to last? It’s a question that homeowners investing in this material should understand thoroughly. We’ll examine the key factors that influence the lifespan of your quartz worktop, including care and maintenance, the production process, and the sustainability of your home’s design.

What is Quartz?

Quartz is an engineered stone made from a combination of natural quartz mineral (93-94%), and polymer resin (6-7%). This process means that patterns and colour run consistently through the product. Unlike natural stones like granite and marble, which are cut from large blocks, quartz countertops are constructed in individual slabs. The resulting surface is uniform, non-porous, and resistant to stains, scratches, and cracks, making it an ideal choice for high traffic kitchens.

Why Choose Quartz?

The innate qualities of quartz mean that it has a number of advantages over other worktop materials. It may be that you choose quartz because of the stylish and elegant aesthetic. Or maybe you’re drawn to the incredible functionality that quartz possesses. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why people choose quartz.

Hygiene

When it comes to daily cleaning and food preparation, quartz makes life a lot more straightforward. Key to this is that the worktop is non-porous and so does not scratch easily like wood does, for example. This means that there are no hidden collections of bacteria, and abrasive cleaning products aren’t necessary. In fact, quartz worktops really only need to be wiped with a damp cloth, and maybe some dish soap.  

Durability

Because of the way it is made, there is no separate sealing process. With resin an intrinsic part of the mix, it is virtually impossible to stain your worktop. Amongst the cooking and consumption that happens in a kitchen, spills happen so it’s easy to see how a kitchen worktop might get stained. Similarly, there is a risk of heat damage as hot pans or baking trays get put directly onto surfaces. With a quartz worktop, there’s no need for hot plates or other additional equipment. 

Low Maintenance 

One of the main draws of quartz as a worktop material is its minimal maintenance requirement. Non-porous surfaces mean you don’t need to worry about sealing or special cleansers as you might with other materials. So from daily to periodic maintenance, quartz is utterly undemanding. 

Design Versatility

Quartz offers a multitude of design options. Ranging from natural stone looks to striking, modern patterns, it can fit perfectly within any style concept. So whether you’re planning a minimalist contemporary look or a more opulent style, quartz is an ideal choice. 

Choosing and Caring for Your Quartz 

Of course, there is no definite lifespan for a quartz worktop that is ‘set in stone’ so to speak! There are influential factors such as the quality of product that you choose and the way that you look after your worktop.

Quality Products

When shopping for a quartz worktop, choose a reliable supplier like Zenstone. We offer leading brands that have a reputation for quality. With a 5 year guarantee, our confidence in the quality of our products and services are apparent. Importantly, our work installing your quartz worktop is as high in quality as the stone itself. This means that you can expect your quartz worktop to be fitted with care and precision. 

Daily Cleaning

As we’ve said, quartz is highly resistant to staining, a benefit of its non-porous composition. To keep it looking pristine, it’s worth cleaning up spills quickly with a damp cloth. Many quartz worktops have a naturally gloss finish, so drying the surface keeps it looking stunning every day.

Protecting from Damage

Avoid abrasive materials when cleaning. While quartz is incredibly resistant to acidity and abrasiveness, these products really are unnecessary. Heavy duty cleaners always carry a risk to the look and structure of the product, so the best thing you can do to protect quartz from damage is to avoid these. 

Timeless Design

The lifespan of your quartz worktop is not just about material durability; it’s also about the sustainability of the design choices you make in your home. A sustainable design is one that does not date, and remains attractive to you over the course of time. Since quartz is timelessly elegant, it can withstand design updates which may happen around it. 

Investing in Quality

When it comes to home improvements, it’s always with investing in high quality. We spend such a lot of time in our homes, and increasingly much of that time is spent in our kitchens. The kitchen is fast becoming a social as well as a working space. Quality materials, like quartz, may have a higher upfront cost than other surfaces such as laminate, but they are designed to last. Investing in a quality product can save you money down the line by reducing the need for early replacement.

The Lifespan of Your Quartz Worktop

Understanding the expected lifespan of your quartz worktop is a multifaceted undertaking. It involves considering the material’s inherent durability, the manufacturing and quality level, your maintenance regimen, and the design’s sustainability. By choosing a quality product, caring for it properly, and making thoughtful design choices, your quartz worktop has the potential to last a lifetime.

At Zenstone, we’re passionate about quartz and love seeing the amazing range of design concepts that are perfected by a quartz worktop. Essentially, your choice of kitchen worktop is an investment in your home’s future, and like all investments it requires care and attention. By choosing quartz, you can enjoy a long lifespan without having to put in excessive amounts of effort. To browse our extensive range, visit our showroom or browse online.