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The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Countertops: Quartz vs. Solid Surface Showdown

One of the most integral structures that make a home is the kitchen. Everyone has their idea of a beautiful kitchen, with slabs, counters, stoves, cutlery, designer spoons and knives, and flooring. All the options considered, the kitchen countertop is the most attractive feature, which lies amid every attachment present, serving as a base for the entire design.

The kitchen countertop is where you cook the food, so ensuring that it is sustainable, heat-resistant, and beautiful at the same time is a necessity. Though the variations in countertops are numerous, the most popular ones nowadays are quartz and solid surfaces. So, without further delay, let’s move on to the quartz vs solid surface showdown.

Quartz vs. Solid Surface – Which Reigns Supreme in Your Kitchen?

To decide the winner of quartz vs. solid surface, we need to understand the vital factors of both choices. The special features are listed below: 

Quartz Kitchen Countertop

  1. Material Composition – Quartz kitchen countertops include up to 95% quartz, and the rest is a mixture of polymer resins.
  2. Appearance – Since quartz is naturally obtained, it looks like natural stone, polished for a shiny and bright look. The number of variations is less since coloring the surface is not a good option
  3. Durability – Quartz is highly durable and considered one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Its properties also make it resistant to heat and scratching.  
  4. Cost And Maintenance –  Quartz is comparatively more costly than solid surfaces or other natural stone finishes. However, the maintenance cost is lower because of its durability and ease of cleaning. Moreover, quartz is very popular, so the resale value of your house also increases if you want to sell.

Solid Surface Kitchen Countertop

  1. Material Composition – Solid surface countertops are a mixture of acrylic, polyester resins, and natural minerals (usually crushed stones). The percentage variations depend on the demand of the customer.
  2. Appearance – Solid surface countertops have a better variation when it comes to appearance. Due to the easy molding and joining process, they are available in several colors and patterns. It provides a much better, seamless look.
  3. Durability – Solid surfaces are more prone to wear and tear damage, including damage caused by heated stoves or utensils. However, the repair process is much easier and more viable.
  4. Cost And Maintenance – Installation of solid surface countertops is cheaper compared to the same dimensional quartz countertops. In addition, maintenance is also easy and cheaper.

Who Wins the Showdown?

Though in the quartz vs. solid surface showdown, quartz does have the upper hand, the accurate answer would be no one. The choice between quartz vs solid surface countertops depends entirely on the needs and budget of the customer. 

Quartz and solid surfaces have their respective advantages and disadvantages – while quartz is better in heat resistance and durability, the latter is better in cost-effectiveness, easy installation, and appearance. The choice should always be yours since no one else understands better what would suit your house. Also, remember to consider all the factors and not just one of them.