Quartz isn’t just a homeowner favorite for gleaming countertops — it’s also great for wall cladding. Imagine the same resilient, easy-care qualities of your kitchen counters transforming walls in homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses.
With quartz, you’re not just selecting a wall covering — you’re choosing a blend of durability and effortless style that’s simple to install and pleasing to look at.
Whether you’re aiming to add character to a room or seeking a practical yet chic solution for high-traffic areas, quartz wall cladding stands out as a smart, stylish choice that meets your needs with flair and function.
Pros & Cons of Quartz Wall Cladding
Benefits of Using Quartz
You probably know that quartz makes a fantastic material for countertops but may not realize it’s also a great material for wall cladding.
Walls don’t often get as much attention as other areas, such as countertops and flooring. People often view wall materials as low maintenance or durable, but the opposite is often true. When used in wet areas such as showers and bathrooms, quartz cladding excels. It’s water resistant and doesn’t absorb moisture, so it’s unlikely to darken on contact, stain, spall, or experience the issues that many natural stone cladding products will.
When used in areas that see a lot of traffic or that have furniture that impacts the walls regularly, quartz also helps protect against damage. Quartz won’t chip or peel the way paint will if a chair is pushed against it too hard. You can easily clean away scuff marks without damage to the wall, and the entire surface is easy to care for and clean. No special cleansers or tools are needed.
Best of all, quartz is available in many colors, patterns, and styles, so you can customize the look of your wall. You can cut quartz panels into different shapes and create a pattern with a single color or mix two or more colors to create a unique design.
Applications for Quartz Wall Cladding
Quartz wall cladding can do more than just create stunning walls. You can use it to line your shower walls, creating a sophisticated bathroom design. Quartz can also modernize staircases by covering risers, offering a clean and updated look.
For functional spaces like mudrooms, quartz acts as a durable and stylish lining for cubbies, and when applied to the backs of niches and bookcases, it lends a refined touch.
Quartz is also a practical choice for constructing a durable chair rail in busy environments such as dining areas and restaurants. Using it as a fireplace surround contributes an element of luxury.
Quartz further 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.
Quartz wall cladding cuts and installs like large-format tile. This means it can be used in all the same applications, including those that would benefit from an exceptionally durable, waterproof, and low-maintenance material, such as wet rooms and showers.
The panels can be cut into different sizes and shapes, allowing you to create unique wall patterns and cover large areas quickly with fewer joints. Quartz makes an excellent material for accent walls in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. Creative patterns and color combinations transform boring walls into stunning focal points.
Drawbacks of Quartz Wall Cladding
While quartz wall cladding has some great benefits, it also has some potential drawbacks you should consider.
Investing in quartz wall cladding often means facing a higher initial cost compared to more traditional materials like paint or wallpaper. It also presents a challenge for DIY enthusiasts due to the difficulty in cutting and installing it accurately. Careful consideration of seam placement is crucial to avoid a disjointed appearance.
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.
So, Is Quartz Wall Cladding Right for You?
If you want to upgrade your walls from basic drywall or tile to a more contemporary, low-maintenance material, quartz cladding offers compelling benefits. Its ultra-durable composition resists damage from moisture, spills, and impacts. The variety of colors and seamless installation create a refined, upscale look perfect for modern designs. Quartz cladding adds visual interest and durability to kitchens, bathrooms, accent walls, backsplashes, and any area needing waterproofing.
While the upfront cost exceeds that of paint or wallpaper, the longevity and low-maintenance qualities of quartz cladding provide value over time. DIY installation is difficult, so professional quartz setters are recommended. Proper prep work is crucial to ensure the panels adhere properly to the wall.
Overall, quartz cladding delivers an unparalleled contemporary aesthetic combined with incredible durability and waterproofing abilities. It’s an investment that can transform the look of any space.
FAQs About Quartz Wall Cladding
What's the best way to clean quartz wall cladding?
Most dirt and stains can be removed 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.
How is quartz wall cladding installed?
Quartz cladding is installed 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. Most installations are best left to experienced professionals.
What kind of maintenance does quartz wall cladding need?
One of the major benefits of quartz cladding is that it’s low maintenance compared to other materials. Simple wiping with a damp cloth is all that’s needed in most cases to keep the quartz clean and looking like new.
Can you install quartz cladding over the existing tile?
In some cases, yes — an overlay installation is possible. The tile must be in good condition, firmly adhered to the wall, and properly prepared. The quartz cladding is applied directly over the tile using a thinset mortar. Installing over tile may be less expensive than removing the tile beforehand.
Does quartz wall cladding need to be sealed?
Quartz is nonporous, so sealing isn’t strictly necessary. However, occasional sealing with a penetrating sealer is recommended for some quartz cladding products to help prevent staining.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific product.
Is quartz cladding waterproof?
Quartz is impervious to water and moisture, making it an excellent option for wet areas such as showers. It won’t swell, crack, or become damaged when exposed to water like some natural stone products. Quartz cladding maintains its integrity and appearance over time, even in damp environments.
