When there is a limited budget for remodeling a kitchen, one must be careful while investing in anything. Be it choosing the perfect design or the material for making the countertops. But can everything fit into the budget? Of course not; there will be many things for which one has to either compromise or let go.
It is hard to predict how much one would have to spend on countertops when it comes to countertops. Some materials are inexpensive, while there are others which are not. One material that is not overly expensive is quartz. To learn more about quartz countertops pricing, one can go through this pricing guide from the experts at Caesarstone.
Now, let’s jump on what quartz is, what factors make it costly, and how homeowners can bring inexpensive quartz kitchen countertops into their homes.
What are quartz countertops?
Quartz is a man-made stone formed with 90% ground quartz and 10% polyresin. The percentage of this mixture might slightly differ from brand to brand. But the quality remains the same. Why just countertops? Quartz can also be used for making backsplashes, bathroom vanity tops, etc.
Although quartz is an engineered stone, one should not think it is any less than natural stones like marble, granite etc. Quartz has many benefits that make it one of the top choices for kitchen countertops amongst homeowners.
Available in a variety of colors:
As quartz is an engineered stone, it can be crafted with different patterns and colors. With the help of this feature, the homeowner gets a variety of options to choose from. From lime green to dark black, there is a wide range of colors that one can find in quartz.
2. Nonporous in nature:
Quartz stones go through various processes that make them nonporous. This means that fluids or liquids cannot penetrate it. Due to this feature, one does not have to worry about any bacterial growth on the countertop surface. If any drink or beverage spills onto it, one can easily wipe it off with the help of a tissue or kitchen towel.
3. No need for resealing:
Unlike natural stones, where it is necessary to reseal as there are holes and openings available on their surface, quartz does not need such protection. Quartz goes through different processes that make it nonporous during the manufacturing process. Due to this reason, there is no need to reseal a quartz countertop.
4. Uniform in look:
Some people do not like things to look inconsistent in their homes be it a standing fan or a frame on the wall, especially when it comes to their kitchens. For them, quartz countertops are the best material for the kitchen countertop. Since it is a manufactured stone, the fabricator removes any inconsistency from the countertop. This also makes sure that the elegant look of the countertop remains unhindered.
5. Heat-resistant:
The quartz countertop can easily handle heat upto 150 degrees. Moreover, one does not have to bother about the countertop getting chipped or breaking when working up quartz.
6. Low maintenance:
Quartz countertops require quite less upkeep. You can only use a simple cloth and plain water to clean the countertop. There is no need for any wax coating or sealant to protect the countertop.
Due to these benefits of quartz, people often like to have it on their countertop in the kitchen. Now, the question arises — why is engineered quartz so expensive? There are a few factors which influence its pricing. Let’s see what those factors are:
Factors that influence quartz countertop expenses:
The material used in making quartz countertops is 90 to 95% ground quartz, and the rest is polyresin. This sequence might differ from brand to brand, but the main ingredients remain the same.
The color of the quartz:
One can find varied color options in quartz stone as it is a man-made stone. However, this very feature also affects the pricing of the quartz countertop. There are some colors which are rare and not easy to get. Therefore one has to pay a heavy price to buy that countertop. Often people look for countertops with golden flecks and designs. This also adds to the price of the quartz countertop.
The quality of stone:
Yes, the same ingredients are used in every company to make the quartz countertop. But there are few companies whose quality is lacking from other vendors. This is also the reason for the heavy pricing of the quartz countertop.
Size of the countertop:
Size is also an important factor when calculating the price of the countertop. If the size of the countertop is significant, the cost will also rise. In some cases, if it’s modestly sized and difficult to carve, then the price is at its highest.
One may have to pay somewhere around $50 to $90 per square foot for a quartz countertop. That means a 30 square feet kitchen would require a budget of $1,500 to $2,700 just for a quartz countertop.
There are a handful of other factors that influence the pricing of the quartz countertop you wish to purchase:
- The color consistency
- Quality of the resin
- The shine on the countertop
So, how can you buy inexpensive quartz kitchen countertops for your home? Here are ways to do it:
How to find an inexpensive quartz countertop for your home
There are plenty of tricks through which you can get budget quartz countertops for your home:
- Select quartz that is most commonly used so that you don’t have to pay a significant amount. There are countless options that might resemble the color of the countertop of your choice. So, instead of choosing the expensive one, go with a budget-friendly one.
- Minimize the cost of other materials and cutouts. Focus solely on the countertop rather than on another element.
- Go for a refurbished countertop instead of a new one. This is the best way to get inexpensive quartz kitchen countertops for a home. One can find a great deal while looking for a refurbished countertop and will also be able to save a few extra bucks.
Conclusion:
Overall, quartz is not an expensive material. It’s just other factors that make quartz countertops expensive. To stay under budget, try the tips mentioned above. With these tips, one can easily find budget friendly quartz countertops for their kitchen and bathroom.
Also, keep in mind to invest with a big brand that has a reputable track record.
