Installing new countertops can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. When it comes time to choose materials, HI-MACS and quartz consistently top the list of options. But deciding between them can be tricky.
HI-MACS and quartz share many similarities – both offer durability, style, and easy maintenance. However, there are also key differences that make each material better suited for certain priorities and lifestyles.
This comprehensive guide will dive deep into comparing HI-MACS and quartz. We’ll analyze the composition, appearance, performance, cost, maintenance, and other factors of these popular countertop materials.
Let’s take a detailed look at how HI-MACS and quartz stack up.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | HI-MACS | Quartz |
| Composition | Pure acrylic resin, natural minerals, pigments | Ground quartz blended with resins and pigments |
| Durability | Resistant to chips, cracks, scratches; seamless installation | Very hard, scratch resistant surface |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean | Simple cleaning with soap and water |
| Heat Tolerance | Can withstand moderate heat | Not as heat resistant as HI-MACS |
| Scratch Resistance | Resists scratches better than quartz | Scratch resistant but not scratch proof |
| Appearance | Seamless look, extensive color options, pattern options | Mimics look of natural stone; wide range of consistent colors and patterns |
| Stain Resistance | Very stain resistant | Resists most stains but some oils can stain if left for prolonged time |
| Price | Higher initial price point than quartz | Less expensive than HI-MACS |
| Installation | Seamless installation possible | Seams more noticeable than HI-MACS |
| Maintenance and Repairs | Repairable; no need to replace entire top | Seams make repairs and replacements challenging |
| Green Factor | Made partly from recycled materials; products are recyclable | Contains high amounts of natural quartz |
| Pros | Durability, seamless look, stain resistance, heat resistance, repairable, extensive design options | Hardness, scratch resistance, mimicry of natural stone, wide color and pattern options, affordability |
| Cons | Higher price tag; susceptible to damage from extreme heat | Not as durable or seamless as HI-MACS; more prone to staining; can be difficult to repair; limited heat tolerance |
HI-MACS Countertops Overview
HI-MACS is a solid surface material made by LG Hausys and available through various manufacturers. The major features of HI-MACS include:
- Composition – Blend of minerals, acrylic, and pigments
- Highly durable, non-porous surface resists staining/scratching
- Easy maintenance – soap and water cleaning
- Extensive style and color options – solids, patterns, etc.
- Resists heat up to 212°F
- Seamless installation for smooth appearance
- Stain, scratch, and heat resistance
- Environmentally-friendly manufacturing and recyclable
HI-MACS’ non-porous composition creates a hygienic, easy-to-clean surface. It’s very hard and dense but can be worked like wood for seamless shaping. The flexibility in design enables one-of-a-kind installations.
Quartz Countertops Overview
Quartz countertops consist of crushed quartz blended with pigments and resin. Here are the main features of quartz:
- Made of 90-95% ground quartz bound with resin
- Mimics natural stone aesthetics with consistent colors/patterns
- Extremely hard and durable
- Resists scratches, stains, heat (up to 150°F)
- Low-maintenance – simple soap and water cleaning
- More affordably priced than natural stone
- Available in wide range of colors and styles
- Visible seams between countertop slabs
The quartz content gives this engineered stone its hardness and durability. Advanced manufacturing creates more color consistency than natural stone.
In-depth Comparison of HI-MACS And Quartz Countertops
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s do a deep dive into how HI-MACS and quartz compare across the factors that matter most.
Appearance and Design
Aesthetics are often the first consideration when selecting countertop materials. HI-MACS and quartz are both highly versatile in their visual design possibilities.
HI-MACS
With HI-MACS, you can achieve completely unique designs not possible with other materials:
- Extensive solid color options – over 100 choices
- Creative patterns – mix colors/finishes for one-of-a-kind looks
- Seamless appearance – no grout lines or weak points
- Non-porous all the way through – consistent surface
- Glossy, matte, or semi-gloss finishes
- Backlighting potential for lighting effects
- Can be thermoformed into various shapes
Quartz
Quartz offers a wide selection of styles tailored to differerent tastes:
- Mimics natural stone appearance
- Consistent stone-like patterns and veins
- Array of color choices – neutrals, bold hues
- Matte or glossy finishes
- Can include speckles and flakes for granite-like look
- Limited options for shapes – mainly flat countertops
- Visible seams between slabs
For contemporary designs with limitless customization, HI-MACS has the edge. Quartz offers gorgeous stone aesthetics but with more conventional style possibilities.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is crucial for surfaces like kitchen countertops that endure heavy daily use. Both HI-MACS and quartz are highly durable, but some differences affect longevity.
HI-MACS
- Extremely scratch resistant – regular use won’t mark the surface
- Resists chips, cracks, and dents that can occur over time
- Non-porous so spills don’t penetrate and stain
- Stands up to exposure to grease, wine, citrus, chemicals
- Can be easily renewed by sanding and refinishing
Quartz
- Very hard so resists scratches from regular kitchen tasks
- Doesn’t easily chip or crack like natural stone
- Stains unlikely with prompt cleaning
- Not immune to scratches from sharp objects
- Natural stone-like appearance can show wear over time
- Seams create weak points more prone to damage
HI-MACS rates as one of the most durable kitchen countertop materials. It better resists scratches and stains over prolonged use.
Also Read: Comparison of Butcher Block And Quartz Countertops.
Heat Tolerance
The ability to withstand hot items is vital in the kitchen. HI-MACS offers exceptional heat resistance.
HI-MACS
- Can withstand heat up to 212° F
- Hot pots and pans directly from stovetop won’t damage surface
- No trivets needed for hot cookware out of oven
Quartz
- Maintains integrity to around 150° F
- Prolonged heat exposure above this can damage resin
- Best to minimize direct heat contact
- Use trivets and hot pads for hot cookware
HI-MACS is the clear winner when it comes to heat tolerance. Quartz requires more care to prevent damage from sustained high heat.
Stain Resistance
Kitchen countertops are prone to spills on a daily basis. How a material stands up to stains also impacts its long-term look.
HI-MACS
- Completely non-porous surface
- Resists absorption of all common household spills
- Wine, coffee, lemon juice, oil do not penetrate or stain
- Only strong chemicals/solvents require immediate cleanup
Quartz
- Resists most household spills with prompt wiping
- Highly stain resistant but some absorption possible
- Oil-based spills incl. olive oil can soak in over time
- Potent cleaners like nail polish remover may stain
HI-MACS’ non-porous composition gives it an advantage in complete stain resistance.
Some liquids can soak into quartz leaving permanent marks if not cleaned quickly.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Low maintenance is essential for kitchen surfaces like countertops. Let’s examine how cleaning and care compare.
HI-MACS
- Simple cleaning with just soap and water
- Non-porous so spills wipe away without absorbing
- Minimal sealing or polishing needed
- Renewable surface can be sanded/refinished
Quartz
- Also cleans easily with just soap and water
- Needs more frequent sealing than HI-MACS
- Spills absorb if not wiped promptly
- Resealing needed every 1-2 years for protection
- Not a renewable or refinishable surface
The non-porous quality of HI-MACS makes it easier to maintain its pristine, new look with minimal cleaning effort. Quartz requires more sealing and immediate wipe-ups.
Also Read: Comparison of Dekton And Corian Countertops.
Eco-Friendliness
Sustainability is important for many homeowners today. Here’s how HI-MACS and quartz compare:
HI-MACS
- Contains up to 40% recycled materials
- Manufacturing process very eco-friendly
- Product itself is 100% recyclable
- Awarded Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
Quartz
- Made mostly of abundant natural quartz
- Limited recycled content in resins
- Not as recyclable as HI-MACS
- Manufacturing less eco-friendly than HI-MACS
For green design, HI-MACS is the leader. It contains recycled materials, has eco-friendly manufacturing, and can be recycled.
Cost Comparison
Budget is often a driving factor in choosing countertops. Here’s how HI-MACS and quartz cost compares.
HI-MACS
- Higher price point than quartz, but competitive with natural stone
- Installation may cost more due to seamless fabrication
- Long lifespan offsets higher upfront investment
- Value added from durability, heat resistance, and stain resistance
Quartz
- More budget-friendly option than HI-MACS or natural stone
- Material itself less expensive than HI-MACS
- Overall installation cost is lower
- Good durability and performance for the price
- Value from mimicking stone looks at lower cost
Quartz counters offer cost savings versus HI-MACS or stone. But HI-MACS provides added return from exceptional durability and performance.
Pros and Cons of HI-MACS And Quartz Countertops
Let’s summarize the main pros and cons of these two great countertop materials:
HI-MACS Pros
- Ultimate durability and scratch resistance
- Stain proof and heat resistant surface
- Endless design flexibility
- Seamless, smooth appearance
- Easy maintenance and cleaning
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
HI-MACS Cons
- Higher cost than quartz (but competitively priced with stone)
- Can be damaged by extreme sustained heat
Quartz Pros
- Attractive natural stone aesthetics
- Durable and scratch resistant
- Resists most household stains
- Simple maintenance
- Greater affordability over stone/HI-MACS
- Wide range of color and pattern options
Quartz Cons
- Seams more visible than HI-MACS
- Lower heat tolerance
- Potential for stains if spills left to soak
- Sensitive to damage from sharp objects
- Limited design flexibility
Also Read: Is Lapitec Better Than Dekton Countertop?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still undecided between HI-MACS and quartz? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
For many homeowners, HI-MACS is worth the investment. The matchless durability, heat resistance, and lifespan justify the cost. HI-MACS adds resale value to your home as well.
Quartz is ideal for homeowners who want beautiful stone aesthetics at a more affordable budget. It works best in kitchens that don’t require intense heat resistance. Quartz also suits laid-back cooks vigilant about wiping spills.
Yes, HI-MACS can withstand cutting and chopping. Its durable surface holds up to sharp kitchen knives. Using a cutting board will keep blades from dulling quickly.
Quartz does require periodic sealing to prevent stains. Seal quartz every 1-2 years. HI-MACS rarely needs sealing thanks to its non-porous surface.
HI-MACS may yield higher resale value. Its lifetime warranty and reputation for unmatched durability make it ideal for boosting a home’s value. Quartz is also attractive to buyers but may not command as high a price.
The Final Verdict
So in the battle of HI-MACS and quartz, who reigns supreme?
For unrivaled durability that lasts decades, unlimited design capabilities, and eco-friendly construction, HI-MACS is hard to beat. Yes, the price tag exceeds quartz but buyers recoup that in longevity and performance.
For budget-focused renovators captivated by the look of natural stone, quartz beautifully mimics coveted aesthetics at a fraction of the cost. Lower maintenance needs also favor quartz.
At the end of the day, choosing between HI-MACS and quartz comes down to aligning priorities with the strengths of each material. With their comparable warranties and longevity, either surface can serve kitchens stylishly for years to come.
Keep the key pros and cons in mind, and you’re sure to pick the perfect countertop to suit your lifestyle.