Most of us are familiar with quartz countertops, but did you know it can be used for wall cladding, too? Quartz wall cladding offers surprising utility and versatility as a wall covering. With its range of colors, durability, and easy maintenance, it’s one of my go-to recommendations for homeowners weighing options for a new home build or remodel.
Although it has a higher up-front cost than other materials, between its minimal maintenance and longevity, it can easily make up for that extra cost in the long run. Its ruggedness and water resistance make it especially ideal for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas, like bathrooms and kitchens. The variety of shapes and colors available for quartz means finding a pattern to fit your house style and interior design is a breeze.
What Are the Pros & Cons of Quartz Wall Cladding?
Pros
- Water-resistant and won’t absorb moisture
- Resistant to staining, chipping, and peeling
- Available in many colors and patterns
- Can be cut into various shapes and styles
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- High initial cost compared to traditional wall coverings
- Not suitable for DIY installation
- Doesn’t offer the texture of natural stone veneer
- May crack if the underlying wall is unstable
- Limited options for outdoor use
What Are the Benefits of Using Quartz for Wall Cladding?
Quartz wall cladding offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for various applications. Eye-catching looks, durability, and versatility make it stand out among other wall-covering options.
Durability and Resistance
Quartz cladding works best in areas that experience a lot of traffic or have furniture that regularly impacts the walls. Unlike paint, which can chip or peel, quartz protects against routine damage. Homeowners can wipe away scuff marks without damaging the wall, making the entire surface easy to maintain.
Water Resistance
Quartz is an excellent material for wet areas, such as showers and bathrooms. Its water-resistant properties prevent it from absorbing moisture, making it unlikely to darken on contact, stain, or experience issues common to many natural stone cladding products.
Aesthetic Versatility
Quartz comes in a few natural colors, like white or purple, and also a large range of dyed or pigmented colors. So it’s not hard to find a color to compliment your room. Manufacturers make a variety of veneers that add interesting depth and texture, and quartz comes in slabs that you can mount in large, flat sections or cut into various shapes to create intricate patterns.
Applications for Quartz Wall Cladding
Quartz wall cladding can do more than create stunning walls. Its durability and aesthetic appeal make it suitable for various applications throughout the home and in commercial spaces.
Bathroom and Shower Walls
Quartz cladding is an excellent choice for lining shower walls, creating a sophisticated bathroom design. Its water-resistant properties make it ideal for wet areas, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance.
Accent Walls and Focal Points
With numerous options for cuts, colors, and patterns, quartz wall cladding makes for a perfect accent or focal point in the room. With custom cuts to create unique patterns and a wide variety of natural and dyed colors, the design possibilities are endless.
Functional Spaces
For practical areas like mudrooms, quartz acts as a durable and stylish lining for cubbies. It can also be applied to the backs of niches and bookcases, lending a refined touch to storage spaces.
Architectural Elements
Quartz cladding can modernize staircases by covering risers, offering a clean and updated look. It’s also a practical choice for constructing durable chair rails in busy environments such as dining areas and restaurants. Using it as a fireplace surround adds an element of luxury to living spaces.
Room Dividers and Columns
Quartz demonstrates its versatility as a striking option for room dividers, adding both functionality and visual interest. It also provides a fashionable and resilient coating for columns and half-walls, ensuring they stand out in any room setting.
Installation Process of Quartz Wall Cladding
Understanding the installation process of quartz wall cladding is crucial for homeowners considering this option. While we recommend professional installation, knowing the basics can help in planning and decision-making.
Professional Installation Recommended
we recommend leaving quartz installation to a professional. Quartz dust is hazardous to respiratory health and installation is tricky and skill-intensive. Depending on the style, installation can require a lot of cutting and fitting. It can easily frustrate a DIYer who doesn’t have extensive stone-working experience.
Preparation and Application
The first step of installation is preparing the wall. The underlying surface needs to be clean, dry, and stable to ensure proper adhesion and load bearing. Quartz slabs are then cut to shape and size by the installer, or in the case of veneers, mounting can begin straight out of the box. Installation requires a quality mortar or adhesive to ensure a strong bond. The expectation is that an installation will last for decades before it needs attention.
Seam Placement and Finishing
Correct seam placement is important for achieving a polished look. Skilled installers pay close attention to how the panels align, minimizing visible seams. After installation, apply any necessary finishing touches to ensure a flawless appearance.
Quartz Wall Cladding Cost Considerations
The cost of quartz wall cladding is an important factor for homeowners to consider. While the initial investment is higher than traditional wall coverings, its durability and low maintenance requirements can provide value over time.
Long-Term Value
Despite the higher up-front cost, quartz cladding offers long-term savings because of its ruggedness and low maintenance. Homeowners may save on replacement and repair costs associated with less durable materials over time.
Factors Affecting Cost
Several factors can influence the cost of quartz wall cladding:
- Quality and brand of quartz
- Complexity of installation (number of cuts)
- Size of the project
- Your location and local labor prices
- Any necessary wall preparation
Comparing Quartz to Other Wall Cladding Options
To make an informed decision about whether to install quartz, compare it to other popular options, such as stone, ceramic tile, vinyl or laminate.
Natural Stone
Natural stone offers special patterns and textures but requires more maintenance and is more susceptible to staining and damage. Quartz provides a more consistent appearance and greater durability.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Tile is often less expensive than quartz but usually has more visible seams and grout lines. Quartz offers a more seamless look and typically greater durability.
Vinyl or Laminate
Vinyl and laminate options are budget-friendly but don’t have the premium look or durability of quartz. They may not stand up as well as quartz to moisture or impact over time.
While quartz cladding is sleek and modern, it doesn’t offer the same texture found in natural stone veneers. Additionally, if the underlying wall is prone to flexing or settling, there’s a risk that the quartz could crack. To ensure your wall is a good candidate for this type of cladding, seek advice from professional installers.
Final Thoughts About Quartz Wall Cladding
Quartz wall cladding offers a compelling combination of style, durability, and low maintenance that makes it an attractive option for many homeowners. Its versatility allows for creative applications in various spaces, from sleek bathroom walls to eye-catching accent features in living areas. While the initial cost may be higher than some alternatives, the long-term benefits of quartz cladding can make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium wall-covering solution.
As with any significant home improvement decision, it’s essential to carefully consider personal needs, budget, and long-term goals when deciding if quartz wall cladding is the right choice. By weighing the pros and cons and understanding the installation and maintenance requirements, homeowners can make an informed decision that enhances both the beauty and functionality of their living spaces for years to come.
FAQs About Quartz Wall Cladding
You can remove most dirt and stains from quartz cladding using a soft cloth, mild soap, and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner formulated for quartz or stone surfaces.
Stone workers install quartz cladding similarly to tile, using a mortar or adhesive on the back to adhere the panels to the wall. Correct seam placement is crucial to getting a smooth finish.
One of the major benefits of quartz cladding is that it’s easy to take care of. Wiping with a damp cloth is all that’s needed in most cases to keep the quartz clean and looking like new.
In some cases, you can lay quartz on top of tile. The tile must be in good condition, firmly adhered to the wall, and properly prepared. You attach the quartz cladding to the tile with a thinset mortar. Installing over tile may be less expensive than removing the tile beforehand.
Quartz is nonporous, so sealing isn’t strictly necessary. However, some quartz manufacturers recommend occasional sealing with a penetrating sealer for some quartz cladding products to prevent staining.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific product.
Quartz is impervious to water and moisture. It won’t swell or crack when exposed to water like some natural stone products. Quartz cladding can maintain its integrity and appearance over time, even in damp environments.