Quartz Vs. Concrete: Choosing The Best Material For A Matte, Muted Look


When designing a home, most people tend to opt for muted, natural hues. These are represented in the tiles that adorn their flooring and the slabs of their kitchens and washrooms. Most modern houses you’ll come across have a rustic, industrial style that’s characteristic of earthy tones and a muted look.

When you’re searching for materials that don’t provide the reflective shine of marble, you may find yourself choosing between quartz and concrete. Instead of veins of color running through your countertops, if you want a solid-colored material, these two materials will give you a minimalistic look you want.

Quartz

Engineered quartz countertops are not like the standard natural stone countertops you’re probably used to. This material isn’t mined as is; instead, it is made by binding together particles of stone and other by-products of natural stones.

The pros

It’s a greener option

Using quartz for your countertops is an environmentally-friendly alternative to natural stones that need to be quarried. This engineered stone is made with 90 percent stone residue and the remaining 10 percent is composed of resins and pigments.

It complements the design

Quartz countertops have a signature veining of different colors that can tie your entire kitchen’s look together. Quartz slabs, with a matte finish, adorned with subtle veining that complements your kitchen’s fixtures or wall paint, add an element of elegance to your home.

It’s durable

What makes quartz countertops a popular choice amongst homeowners is its durability. The material doesn’t require regular sealing yet is a high-quality easy-care kitchen surface. This low maintenance surface can be cleaned easily without the need for harsh chemicals and doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria.


The cons

Low heat resistance

Quartz’s low resistance to heat makes it difficult to use for kitchen and washroom countertops. While the stone itself is resistant to heat, the polymers that make up 10 percent of the stone are not. Their susceptibility to heat damage makes them vulnerable to cookware and hot hair tools.

It’s expensive

Since quartz is an engineered stone, it can be an expensive alternative to other countertop options. However, owing to its durability and lack of maintenance required, quartz countertops are an initial investment and lower cost over time.


Concrete

If you want to give your house an industrial feel, concrete countertops are the way to go. This trendy option gives you the reins of control over the finish, details, polish, and colors. The freedom that comes with concrete countertops—coupled with a rustic, matte look—draws several homeowners in. It’s the perfect way to achieve a muted look in your kitchen or washrooms.

The pros

It’s durable

Concrete is a material that will last you a lifetime if cared for the right way. This hard-as-rock material is not susceptible to heat, is easy to fix, and won’t sustain damage like other countertops would.

It’s easy to fix

Part of the appeal of concrete is the industrial look it gives. If your countertops do get scratched, the damage only adds more character to the look. They’re also easy to repair without the use of several products or chemicals.

The cons

It can stain

Since concrete is a porous surface, it’s susceptible to staining and absorbing liquids. This can get difficult in the kitchen or washroom, where you’ll be cautious not to stain the countertops.

It’s not indestructible

While concrete is an incredibly strong material, it’s not immune to all kinds of damage. It can withhold great amounts of weight but can succumb to cracking if it’s hit a certain way.
When you’re renovating or building your home, you’ll find you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to material. Surveying and picking the right materials to give the finish you’d like is a hassle. SlabFinder connects buyers and sellers of stone surfaces in a way that saves money, time, and energy.

Whether you want to buy quartz countertops or other stone surfaces for your bathrooms, download their app on the Apple Store or Google Play and take advantage of the easy-to-use trading platform. 

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