If you are truly serious about creating a masterpiece kitchen when you build your custom Vancouver home, you owe it to yourself to consider the benefits of quartz countertops.
What? You wonder if quartz countertops can stand the test of time?
You say you’ve heard that quartz countertops are cheaply made, not very stain-resistant, and don’t look a thing like stone?
Respectfully, if these are the thoughts running through your head, please let me share with you the experiences I have had building many custom Vancouver homes over the last decade or so.
Admittedly, Quartz Countertops Got Off to a Rocky Start
Here’s the deal: when quartz countertops first arrived on the scene 20 or 30 years ago, they were ugly, awful-looking monstrosities that didn’t look anything like stone and, when compared to real stone, quartz was simply not trusted by most people as a viable alternative to real stone, a proven substance known to stand the test of time.
Unless financial considerations dictated that one use quartz for their countertops, very few people were willing to take a chance on materials other than the trusty standby, granite or marble.
This is no longer the case.
Quartz has come a long, long way.
Quartz has a lot going for it today:
- It looks better
- It is generally less expensive than granite or marble
- Quartz is more durable than granite or marble
- Quartz is the #1 choice of builders of homes in all price ranges, up to and including super luxury custom homes
Unfortunately, outdated opinions of quartz still persist.
If you ask 100 people what kind of countertop is of the highest quality and has the ability to last, I will venture to guess that approximately 75% of them would say granite or marble.
The Problem with Granite And Marble Countertops
Many people don’t realize it, but granite and marble countertops, while they look wonderful, really are not built to last.
Because they are porous, both granite and marble countertops absorb stains, and are soft, making them prone to scratches and cuts. In no time at all, expensive, beautiful-looking marble or granite countertops begin to look faded and dated.
Here is something else to consider as you think about what kind of countertop you prefer in your custom Vancouver home: Marble and granite countertops are not maintenance-free, nor are they what you might call low maintenance. If you choose granite or marble countertops, they will need to be resealed at least once every year.
Not only will this add to the overall cost of ownership (in addition to the cost of installation) you are likely to get annoyed – even angry – every year when you write a cheque for counter resealing.
Introducing Today’s Quartz Countertops
Today’s quartz countertops are incredible masterpieces, are durable, and in many cases, look more like real stone than granite or marble. In essence, you get the benefit of the look of granite and marble, while still enjoying all of the protective qualities of quartz.
An added benefit of quartz countertops compared to granite or marble is overall strength. This makes it easier to work with, which makes it easier for your builder to create a visual masterpiece that will impress your guests.
Quartz Countertops Have A Serious Price Advantage
I am constantly amazed that quartz countertops have the ability to outshine granite and marble countertops and do so in a cost-effective manner. Yes, it is possible to make quartz countertops nearly as expensive as granite or marble, though this is a rare circumstance.
The Secret To Quartz Countertops Which Will Last
There are a number of quartz countertop manufacturers, although the number of quality quartz countertop manufacturers is much smaller.
Whenever we take on a custom home building project right here in Vancouver, we are careful to only use top-quality materials which will stand the test of time.
Yes, there sometimes are less expensive options.
Let me ask you, is an option truly less expensive if it must be replaced two or three times as fast?
The Final Verdict On Quartz Countertops
In my judgment, one of the best quality enhancements you can give your kitchen when you build your custom Vancouver home is by installing a good quartz countertop, the kind only the best Vancouver custom builders will put their most emphatic seal of approval on.
At the same time, the long-term efficacy of your quartz countertop will be enhanced greatly if corners are not cut during its installation.
A Final Thought
The thoughts above are just a few of the details that go into planning custom Vancouver homes that are built to last. There are many pieces of the custom home building puzzle – budgeting, design, planning, building, and many others – that can help you make your Vancouver custom home a reality for you and your family.
When you’re ready to begin a conversation about how Larch Custom Home Construction can be a valuable resource in building your custom Vancouver home, you can reach out to us to get started.
