The Best Countertop Material For Your Laundry Room, According To The Property Brothers
Laundry rooms pose a unique challenge for those seeking the perfect blend of utility and design. With the need to accommodate large appliances, cleaning products, drying racks, and storage space, it's likely not the most glamorous room in your home. Luckily, this is where taking advice from the design pros comes in. The dynamic duo of home renovation, Johnathan and Drew Scott, have been transforming spaces with style for thirteen seasons on HGTV's "Property Brothers." Much like any challenging space, these remodeling gurus know that a few choice upgrades will elevate the experience in your laundry room and improve the overall aesthetic appeal.
If you want a more efficient and stylish laundry room, quartz is a standout winner for the best countertop material, according to the Property Brothers. "Quartz can simulate the veining that you'd see in granite or other stones, but it's zero maintenance," said Drew Scott in an interview with PBS Books. Utilizing quartz counters on various HGTV renovations, and recommending it on social media and their blog, the Property Brothers' affinity for this surface style is clear. But, with so many other stone surfaces and countertop materials on the market, what's so special about quartz? And is there a difference between quartz and quartzite? Below, we answer these questions and show you why, according to the Property Brothers, quartz is the ideal choice for your laundry room countertops.
What makes quartz so great?
Quartz is the best surface for your laundry room counters because it's ultra-durable with a luxury look. HGTV stars Jonathan and Drew Scott love this material because even though it's generally less expensive than marble, it mimics marble's high-end appearance. Since marble and granite are naturally porous stones, they must be re-sealed regularly and are more likely to stain and hold bacteria. Similarly, butcher block countertops and other wood materials can create a compelling natural look. But even when sealed, porous woods are still prone to scratching, heat damage, and water damage.
Because quartz is non-porous, it doesn't require regular sealing and is highly unlikely to get stained or damaged. This makes it ideal for laundry rooms where the last thing you want to worry about is water, cleaning products, and clothing dyes causing damage. Easy to clean, smooth, and extremely strong — you can clean, fold, and organize on quartz with ease and confidence, especially because many quartz countertops come with lifetime warranties.
If you're wondering what's the difference between quartz and quartzite countertops when it comes to your laundry room, the short answer is that quartz countertops are manufactured and more durable, whereas quartzite is made from natural rock. Although quartzite can mimic the intricate patterns of marble more closely, its porosity creates problems similar to marble. Because quartz has the aesthetic benefits of elegant natural stone counters with none of the drawbacks, it's the clear winner for laundry room countertops.
Should I incorporate quartz countertops?
HGTV's Property Brothers have inspired many homeowners with their renovation expertise. If you're ready to take the twins up on their advice, here's what you need to consider before installing quartz countertops in your laundry room. Although quartz is generally cheaper than marble, it's still an investment and will cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per square foot, but exact prices vary due to design and thickness. Quartz countertops come in a myriad of colors, patterns, and thicknesses and with various edge styles. If you're willing to invest, there's something to suit any design preference. Additional fees will likely include shipping, installation, and cutting. This can become a major expense depending on the size of your laundry room, so you'll want to budget in advance and shop around for a few estimates.
Something else to consider is that quartz is often sold in slabs. Even if you have a smaller laundry room and don't need an entire slab, you may end up having to purchase one, depending on where you shop. An alternative option is to look for used or discounted countertops or smaller pieces that were cut from slabs called quartz remnants. Your general contractor, countertop wholesalers, and online stores are good places to search. Despite the cost, installing quartz countertops in your laundry room is an unbeatable choice for practicality, design, and increased property value. We're apt to agree with the Property Brothers — when it comes to your laundry room counters, quartz rocks.