Quartz Countertops for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Beautiful, practical, and easily affordable, quartz is rapidly gaining popularity as a high-end countertop material. Its magnificent look, great durability and non-porous structure make it the perfect choice for contemporary home designs that seek to combine functionality with aesthetic appeal:

# Quartz surfaces are very hygienic, easy to maintain, and extremely strong;

# Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and allows for diverse design options, so it can easily match the rest of the interior décor and satisfy any taste.

So, whether you are setting up a new home or planning a remodeling project, quartz countertops are definitely worth considering – they combine the gorgeous appearance of natural stone with lower prices and ease of maintenance. Not only are quartz countertops scratch- and stain-resistant, non-absorbent and highly hygienic, but they are also extremely versatile and appropriate for all kinds of indoor and outdoor applications.

Here are some interesting ideas on how to incorporate quartz countertops in your indoor and outdoor spaces, so that you enhance the beauty and comfort of your home.

Indoor Applications

The numerous benefits of quartz countertops have made them a commonly used design feature, incorporated wherever beauty and practicality are both desired.

Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Sleek, stylish and practical, quartz countertops are perfect for use in the kitchen. They are highly praised for their:

1) Great durability

Made from one of the hardest minerals on earth, quartz countertops are extremely strong and durable. They are engineered stone products that consist of about 94%-95% natural quartz granules and 5%-6% polyester resins and color pigments.

The natural properties of the quartz crystals and the specifics of the engineering process result in a durable surface that is scratch resistant and less vulnerable to chipping and cracking than most natural stones. Quartz is also scorch-resistant and shows very little signs of wear and tear, so it makes for a good work surface suitable for heavy everyday use.

Good to remember: Even though short exposure to heat won’t damage your quartz countertop, you should be careful not to put hot pots, pans, and dishes directly on the quartz surface as excessive heat may cause cracking to occur due to the abrupt temperature change.

2) Non-porous character

The thick resin that binds the quartz minerals together creates a non-porous surface which has a number of considerable advantages:

• High hygiene – Quartz countertops are very sanitary and don’t pose any health risks as the non-porous surface doesn’t harbor germs and bacteria (such as mold);
• Ease of maintenance – Due to their non-porous character, quartz surfaces don’t accumulate dust and dirt and don’t absorb spills easily. They resist staining and corrosion and require very little time and effort to keep in excellent condition. All you need to do is wash your quartz countertop with mild soap and water and wipe it dry;
• No need for resealing – Unlike marble and granite countertops, quartz counters do not require periodic resealing – the non-porous material is non-absorbent, so it doesn’t need additional protection against spills and germs.

Good to remember: Despite its non-porous structure, quartz may sustain damage when exposed to highly acidic or alkaline chemicals (harsh chemicals can break down the bonds between the quartz and resins), so you’re strongly advised to keep such products away from your quartz countertops.

3) Aesthetic appeal

Quartz can have the exact look you wish for. The specifics of the engineering process allow for an astounding variety of colors and patterns, as well as for a wide range of edging options and finishes:

• There is no limit to the kind of color pigments that can be used in the manufacturing process, so quartz countertops are available in a wide array of colors – from fire red and leaf green to earthy browns, beiges, and creams, with speckles, flecks and swirls that resemble the delicate veining of granite or marble. Therefore, it’s very easy to find a quartz slab that perfectly matches your personal preferences and fits the rest of your home décor;
• Quartz is crafted with a controlled appearance, so that the slab has a consistent color pattern throughout the entire surface;


Quartz will add not only comfort and practicality to your kitchen, but also great value and style.

• Whether you prefer a matte, textured, or glossy appearance, you can have your quartz countertop finished the way you like it. Traditionally, quartz comes with a polished finish, but honed, sandblasted, embossed and other more “exotic” finishes are also available for you to choose from;
• The resin used in the manufacturing process makes quartz quite flexible and easy to work with, so it can be cut, bent and shaped into any design you like (such as a curved kitchen island, for example).

Kitchen quartz countertops can be easily customized to suit your aesthetic preferences and practical needs. They can last for many years of daily use and will greatly increase the comfort and aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.

Quartz Bathroom Countertops

The above-described advantages of quartz countertops make them very suitable for bathroom vanity tops as well:

• The durability of the engineered stone allows it to withstand many years of heavy use;
• The non-porous structure of quartz makes it resistant to mold growth and, therefore, very appropriate for use in wet areas, such as the bathroom;
• The low maintenance requirements of quartz surfaces make it easier to keep the bathroom in pristine condition at all times;
• The gorgeous look of quartz countertops elevates the beauty and appeal of the bathroom.

Apart from kitchen and bathroom quartz countertops, quartz can also be used for:

1. Fireplace mantles and surrounds – Due to its timeless appeal and great resistance to heat, quartz is the best option for cladding a fireplace;


Quartz vanity tops have become the standard for contemporary bathrooms.

2. Flooring and stair cases – Durable, strong, and resistant to general wear-and-tear, quartz is ideal for high traffic areas. Just make sure you opt for tumbled or honed finishes in order to increase traction on the floors;
3. Feature walls – Quartz surfaces are perfect for vertical applications and allow for unique designs, so they can make very impressive feature walls throughout the home;
4. Backsplashes – You can use quartz to add color and textural interest to your kitchen by installing a quartz backsplash with rich, vibrant colors and a glossier surface;
5. Custom table tops – Quartz is also very suitable for coffee and side tables in your home – it comes in custom shapes and colors, has magnificent look and feel, and provides a durable, hygienic, and easy to maintain surface.

Bath surrounds, shelves, and window sills are other interesting examples of indoor quartz applications.

Outdoor Applications

It has become a growing trend among contemporary homeowners to expand their living space outward. More and more people are creating outdoor kitchens and family rooms to open their homes to the outdoors and get a chance to enjoy the beauty and freshness of nature, while also having all the conveniences of their indoor environment – comfortable furniture, practical food preparation areas, etc.

Of course, in order to make the most out of an outdoor kitchen, you’re going to need a suitable food preparation and serving counter – durable, weather-resistant, and easy-to-maintain. These requirements make quartz one of the top choices for an outdoor kitchen countertop – it is very tough, quite easy to clean, non-absorbent, scratch-, stain- and heat-resistant, and can easily withstand freezing temperatures.

Just one word of caution when using quartz countertops for outdoor kitchens – be careful not to put the counter in an area that gets plenty of direct sunlight as the UV rays beating down on the quartz surface day after day may cause the color to fade or the countertop to split over time. Therefore, it is best to install the quartz countertop in a sheltered area, such as a covered patio.

All in all, quartz provides one of the most practical, cost-effective, long-lasting, and good-looking solutions for your home décor. Its unique colors add visual interest to the space, its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, its flexibility allows for customized designs and easy coordination with the rest of the interior décor, and its durability turns any quartz product into a valuable investment. You’ll be glad you chose quartz countertops for your indoor or outdoor spaces.