Homeowners and experts alike regard quartz as one of the best materials for kitchen countertops. It's strong, durable, non-porous, easy to clean, and environmentally friendly, and it can make a kitchen look charming and modern. But that doesn't necessarily mean that any type of quartz is a wise choice. House Digest sat down with real estate entrepreneur Ryan Fitzgerald during an exclusive interview to discuss the topic. As the owner of Raleigh Real Estate, Fitzgerald offered valuable insight on the benefits of quartz countertops, the best styles to choose and which ones to avoid, and how quartz countertops affect a home's resale value.
Nowadays you can choose quartz countertops that consist of mostly a dark color, a light color, or an equal combination of colors with certain designs or patterns peppered in. Some have sparkling specks while others have wavy lines. The finish also differs among countertops: some feature a shiny, polished finish while others offer a matte or leathered texture. Fitzgerald considered the hundreds of options available on the market and offered his expert advice to help guide every homeowner seeking to update their kitchen, or bathroom, countertops. Quartz stone
Whether you're planning to move soon or you know you will years down the road, it's never too early to think about ways to boost your home's resale value. Adding quartz countertops is one way to do this, according to Ryan Fitzgerald. "When replacing old laminate countertops with quartz, homeowners can expect a return on investment of 80% or more," he said in an exclusive interview with House Digest.
Fitzgerald mentioned longevity as one of many the benefits of quartz. Unlike other surfaces, quartz can maintain its resilience for many years. "Quartz is a popular choice among buyers due to its durability and low-maintenance requirements, making it a smart investment for those looking to increase their home's value," he said. Compared to other countertop materials, quartz can be easily cleaned with nothing more than mild dish soap and water. Plus, its non-porous nature means it's naturally resistant to bacteria, so it's a relatively safe surface for food preparation.
Another key factor that helps quartz countertops boost a home's resale value is their appearance. Who doesn't want a beautiful kitchen? Many homeowners can be swayed to make a purchase based solely on the way something looks. The same is true for a kitchen countertop. "With a wide range of colors and styles available, including options that mimic natural stone, quartz provides a sleek, modern look that can elevate any kitchen or bathroom," Fitzgerald added.
When you compare all the available countertop designs among all the quartz brands, you'll find hundreds of options. So how do you choose one that will help your home's resale value? Ryan Fitzgerald, speaking exclusively to House Digest, said that you should pay close attention to color and patterns.
Fitzgerald recommended neutral colors like beige, gray, taupe, and cream that can complement different design styles. "Lighter tones like off-white or cream are particularly popular because they make spaces feel larger and more inviting," he added. You may be a fan of bold colors in general, but choosing a bold color for your kitchen — or bathroom — countertops may not be a wise decision. Loud, bold colors or styles with distinctive patterns are less likely to appeal to a wider audience than neutral colors with "subtle and elegant designs," said Fitzgerald.
Imported Italian Marble This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to choose a countertop style that you find boring or that doesn't match the decor of your home. Remember, there are many options, so take time to browse. You can find a happy medium that incorporates elements you genuinely like without being gaudy.