Investor · Tucson, AZ · Member since 2015 · 64 posts · 3 votes
Hello everyone, I'm having a condo built in the Cancun area in Mexico and it will be done by April 2017. I'm meeting with the builder this month to choose my finishes. I really like the way polished porcelain tile looks. Does anyone out there have any idea how durable this is? I don't want it to be damaged by renters. I also heard that it is somewhat slippery. My other question is how durable is Quartz. I've used it before in flips but never in vacation rentals. I talked to someone who told me that it is not very sturdy when it comes to heat and hot things being placed on it. I might just go with tile countertops because I do want a hacienda look as this is what the entire theme of the condo complex is. Anyone with real world experience with Quartz countertops who can attest to their durability or lack thereof would be great. Thanks, Jeff
Professional · Macau, Macau SAR · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 1 vote
9y
Hey Jeffrey. For rentals, having porcelain tiles is definitely a good choice. It's durable and easy cleaning/maintenance. If the surface is wet or if humidity is high, polished tiles can definitely be slippery though. Nevertheless there are rough surface options you can choose from (usually used in bathrooms only).
Quartz is usually sturdy, but yes excess heat can damage the finish, some sauces can stain it, I've also experienced cracks after 3/4 years of usage. Worse part is that quartz is pretty much unrepairable, which means you'd need to replace the whole thing if it's damaged (to get a new look).
Professional · Macau, Macau SAR · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 1 vote
9y
Hey Jeffrey. For rentals, having porcelain tiles is definitely a good choice. It's durable and easy cleaning/maintenance. If the surface is wet or if humidity is high, polished tiles can definitely be slippery though. Nevertheless there are rough surface options you can choose from (usually used in bathrooms only).
Quartz is usually sturdy, but yes excess heat can damage the finish, some sauces can stain it, I've also experienced cracks after 3/4 years of usage. Worse part is that quartz is pretty much unrepairable, which means you'd need to replace the whole thing if it's damaged (to get a new look).
Investor · White Lake, MI · Member since 2014 · 38 posts · 4 votes
9y
Over the years I've tiled a number of counter tops & my number one tip is to use a darker colored grout. I haven't done one in about 15 years so there maybe more stain resistant grouts available. I'd have to be thoroughly convinced before I tried a light color again.
I'll be tiling a counter in a vacation cottage we're renovating soon. Got some terrific "cottagee" looking tile on closeout at HD. Will work out way less $$ than even laminate.
Specialist · Bozeman, MT · Member since 2016 · 237 posts · 153 votes
9y
They have counter depth 12" wide granite tile/slabs which is bombproof and looks fantastic. I'm not sure if you want to get that spendy, but quartz should be in that price range also. LazyGranite is what I was pricing out for my next remodel.
I like the look of concrete honestly. I've been using melamine in mine, and they hold up just fine. I had about 130 people as guests this past summer, and very minimal maintenance