Quartz vs. Laminate Countertops: Which Is Better

Quartz comes in a limited range of solid colors but a wider range of flecked colors and styles. Quartz’s stone-like appearance is more than skin-deep: it extends through the material, for an almost three-dimensional look. Quartz countertop material is homogeneous; it is the same throughout the entire thickness of the countertop.

Clear Quartz

The Clear Quartz (also known as Crystal Quartz) is known for its ability to provide clarity and manifestation of dreams into reality.

Confusion and distractions hinder many from fulfilling their calling in life, and understanding what behaviors to alter allow us to continue on a more meaningful path. These powerful gemstones ground the mind and soul so that introspection can occur at a deeper level and clarity can be achieved. Once there is a clear understanding of what higher purpose is being sought, the Clear Quartz can be used to manifest this into a reality.

In addition, the Clear Quartz has the ability to absorb and regulate energies. As a result, these rock crystals are beneficial to place around the home (or office) to protect against negative energies and low vibrations. Clear Quartz protects the individuals that are in the environment from harmful energy and transforms low frequencies into higher ones.

Clear Quartz Metaphysical and Spiritual Properties

Clear Quartz is connected to the Crown (Sahasrara) chakra which is associated with true clarity and acceptance. Because of this, individuals experiencing doubts or a lack of clarity often benefit greatly from the metaphysical properties that Clear Quartz has to offer. Those seeking to tap into these metaphysical properties can do so by using Clear Quartz during meditations and clearing their chakras. However, Clear Quartz can also provide further clarity for those already confident in their chosen life path. For these individuals, Clear Quartz opens them to accept new experiences that will manifest goals into reality.

Individuals who seek to develop and strengthen psychic abilities also like Clear Quartz because of its ability to channel angels and provide guidance during spiritual journeys. Because it is a crystal that absorbs and transforms energy, Clear Quartz is often placed in rooms where spiritual work, such as aura and Reiki healing, is done since it will balance the energy appropriately.

How to Use Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz can be used in your daily life in a variety of ways depending on your intentions. The numerical vibration of 4 that is within the Clear Quartz can be used for manifestation, feng shui, along with meditation and clearing of the chakras.

Meditation

Prior to beginning a meditation session, the intentions for that particular meditation should be stated out loud to set the appropriate energy frequency. You may opt to hold the Clear Quartz in your hands or place it near the spot you will be meditating. While doing so, visualize a soft, white glow surrounding you and breathe deeply. Deep breathing exercises during meditation increases the vibration absorbed from the crystal and encourages you to remain present in the moment.

Clearing and Balancing Chakras

The crown chakra must be cleared for true clarity and acceptance. Due to its metaphysical properties, Clear Quartz is connected to the crown chakra, making it very efficient at clearing energy blockages that may be present.

Feng Shui

As regulators of energy, these crystal rocks are versatile in how they can be placed throughout the home (or office). The regulation of energy serves to protect and facilitate harmony. When you receive a new Clear Quartz, it should be cleansed and recharged prior to use. Once this process is completed, it is recommended to allow the crystal to guide you where it should be placed. The location may change over time, but allow its energy to guide where it should be placed.

Recharging other crystals

The energy transformation capabilities of Clear Quartz can be used to recharge other crystals. Raw geodes, slabs, and some clusters, tend to be most appropriate – although the shape must allow for other crystals to be safely placed on it. After cleansing other crystals, simply place it on Clear Quartz and let it charge for a few hours – or however long you feel is necessary!

Cleansing and Charging Clear Quartz

How to cleanse Clear Quartz

Since Clear Quartz absorbs energy, it is advisable to cleanse these gemstones on a regular basis. This is a necessary process so that the crystal can release transformed energy.

Sage, smudge sticks, and incense can all be used to cleanse Clear Quartz. It is recommended to do this outdoors or near an open window. This allows unwanted energies that are released during the cleansing process to freely leave the area. For cleansing to occur, gently move the sage, or the alike, around the crystal for about one minute and allow the sage smoke to engulf the Clear Quartz.

However, cleansing Clear Quartz can also be done through a brief deep breathing exercise. To do this, visualize a soft, white glow surrounding the crystal. Upon exhalation, envision the excess energy being released and traveling away into the distance.

How to charge Clear Quartz

Since it is connected to the Sun, Clear Quartz can be recharged by sunlight. Sunlight is very powerful, so it is only recommended for short durations (less than 2 hours at a time).

Alternatively, you may choose to recharge Clear Quartz on a Selenite charging plate. Clear Quartz may be left on a Selenite charging plate for a few hours or even several days.

Clear Quartz Characteristics

Natural Clear Quartz is a hard rock crystal, usually clear to cloudy white with a transparent or translucent appearance. Transparent Clear Quartz are considered to be the most pure, and some may include rare rainbow inclusions. These rock crystals can be purchased raw which may come in clusters or geode form, or polished finishes in the shapes such as towers, hearts, and spheres.

Quartz vs. Laminate Countertops: Which Is Better?

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience.

Is it possible to compare quartz and laminate countertops? At one time, this was a stretch: laminate appeared to be permanently stuck as a lower quality bargain countertop, while quartz was clearly a premium countertop product. But now, quartz countertops and laminate countertops vie for a place in many kitchens. Read on for a breakdown of how to decide between quartz and laminate countertops.

Quartz vs. Laminate Countertops: Major Similarities

Both laminate and quartz countertops are often chosen for their stone look, and each material mimics natural stone with different strengths and weaknesses. Both materials are also available in a range of colors.

Both materials are generally durable and highly stain-resistant, and neither needs to be sealed like natural stone does.

Quartz vs. Laminate Countertops: Major Differences

Laminate countertops are a sandwich of materials. The structural part is a thick slab of MDF particleboard, which you never see because it is covered with a thin sheet of laminate.

The laminate covering is made of an image layer that closely replicates wood or stone—or simply solid colors or patterns—with a clear wear layer to protect everything underneath.

Quartz counters are a blend of several materials, mostly minerals. They are made with 90-percent or more stone particles, such as marble, quartz, and other stone types. The minerals are mixed with resin, colorants, and fillers (totaling about 7-percent of the material’s content) and heated and compressed into a very hard, durable slab.

Tip

The laminate covering is often referred to as plastic, but this is not so. Laminate is made primarily of layers of kraft paper and synthetic resins.

Appearance

Quartz Countertops

Quartz comes in a limited range of solid colors but a wider range of flecked colors and styles. Quartz’s stone-like appearance is more than skin-deep: it extends through the material, for an almost three-dimensional look. Quartz countertop material is homogeneous; it is the same throughout the entire thickness of the countertop.

Laminate Countertops

The distinctive veining and crystalline structure found in marble and travertine are better represented in laminate than in quartz. Premium laminates can roll the veins over the edge of the countertop as if showing a cross-section of natural stone. Laminate can be found in a much broader range of solid colors, from pastels and soft whites to vibrant oranges and rich grays and blacks.

Best for Appearance: Quartz

If the intent is duplicating the look of natural stone’s depth, quartz wins hands down. It should be noted that high-end laminates that try to replicate the look of stone are becoming more realistic all the time. But no matter how expensive the laminate, it may never be able to duplicate quartz’s visual depth because it is not physically deep.

Water Resistance

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are 100-percent waterproof. Unlike stone products like granite, quartz countertops do not need to be sealed.

Laminate Countertops

The top surface of laminate countertops is 100-percent waterproof. But the materials below the laminate sheet, include some parts of the sheet itself, are not waterproof.

Best for Water Resistance: Quartz

Quartz countertops are more water resistant than laminate countertops.

Heat Resistance

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops may look and feel like stone but they are not stone. The presence of resins in the material makes quartz susceptible to heat damage.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are built of laminate sheets glued to wood bases. Laminate can delaminate from the wood under high heat.

Best for Heat Resistance: Tie

Both materials can be damaged by relatively low temperatures, even as low as 150 F, given prolonged exposure. A hot, dry pan set down on either surface is likely to burn it. Heat damage on quartz is difficult to repair; burned or singed laminate cannot be repaired.

Durability and Maintenance

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is highly abrasion-resistant under normal conditions. Scratches in quartz countertops can be professionally sanded down and buffed out.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate’s topmost wear layer, though surprisingly robust, is still its weak point. This can be a problem since sharp objects such as knives feature prominently in kitchens. Scratches cannot be sanded out.

Best for Durability and Maintenance: Quartz

Quartz is tougher and easier to maintain than laminate countertops.

Installation

Quartz Countertops

Nearly all quartz counters must be professionally installed. It is difficult for homeowners to develop the skill set needed to fabricate and install quartz countertops. Once the learning curve has been established for quartz countertops, the installation is, by that point, finished.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops can be professionally installed or some types of laminates can be self-installed. Laminate is an easy material to work with and can be cut and finished with standard woodworking tools. Fabricating a laminate countertop can be cost-efficient if you have the skills for the job. While you’ll have fewer options, it’s also possible to purchase laminate that’s pre-attached to the MDF, complete with rolled edges or edge banding.

Best for Installation: Laminate

Both quartz and laminate countertops tend to look and perform best when professionally installed. But only laminate has a do-it-yourself option.

Cost

Quartz Countertops

Quartz counters can cost $50 to $150 per square foot, for an average cost of $100 per square foot, though more economical quartz products are available.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops range from $14 to $38 per square foot, installed.

Best for Cost: Laminate

Laminate is the clear winner on price. Laminate counters cost about one-third of the price of quartz countertops.

The Verdict

The gap between quartz and laminate countertops is narrowing all the time. Premium laminates are racing to catch up to quartz’s wide customer acceptance and market share. Homeowners who once might have flocked to quartz now may find themselves also taking a second look at laminate counters.

While quartz countertops may add more value to a home than laminate countertops (and they’re more durable), laminate countertops are more affordable to install, among other characteristics in their favor.

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1. Quartz Countertops Cost Guide. Caesarstone
2. Buyer’s Guide: Laminate Countertops. Formica
3. How Much Does It Cost to Install Laminate Countertops?Angi