Quartz Countertop Information: What You Need to Know
People know quartz countertops for their durability and beauty. Quartz is a type of engineered stone that is available under a number of brand names including Zodiaq, Caesarstone, Silestone and Cambria. As an engineered stone, a homeowner gets the strength and good looks of a natural stone, along with benefits that only modern technology can bring. This technology includes colors, a resin binder and surfacing that natural stone doesn’t offer.
To decide if quartz is right for you, you should consider a number of things including preferences in your style and your budget. Quartz is a high-end product, but it is not right for everyone. To learn more about if quartz is a good choice for your kitchen or bathroom design, read on:
What Is Quartz, Exactly?
Simply, quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet. Though a countertop is not technically a stone itself, it seem like a natural stone. In other words, minerals such as feldspar and naturally mined quartz are ground down, mixed in a factory to the desired look, and then held together with resins. This is a different process than other countertops, such as granite, which is mined and cut to create slabs for countertops.
Quartz is very hard, and only diamonds are harder. The reason for this hardness is the resins that are used to bind the materials together. These materials are processed through a baking action, which combines pressure and heat. This process makes quartz non-porous, as it fills in all of the crevasses between the crystals.
Keep in mind that some manufacturers will advertise their quartz countertops as “natural,” but remember, this is a manmade product. Though they are not exactly lying about the “natural” quartz, since there is natural quartz in the countertop, it could be a sales ploy to confuse customers. This is not a slab of quartz that was mined like granite. However, just because this product is manmade, it doesn’t mean it is inferior to other materials.
Quartz Versus Granite: Cost
People most often compare quartz to granite, since they look similar, have amazing benefits and last forever. Which one is cheaper? Well, this isn’t a fair question as it is possible to buy quartz that is more expensive than granite, and it is possible to buy granite that is more expensive than quartz. Both materials are investments into your home that will add value.
The Benefits of Quartz
To really know if quartz is right for you, it is important to know the benefits of this material. Here are a few of them:
Quartz is Non-Porous
One benefit of quartz is that it does not have pores. What does this mean? It means that you won’t have to worry about germs, bacteria or even staining, for the most part, because nothing can get past the hard surface of the quartz. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should allow ketchup to sit on your counter for a week or put raw steak on the surface, but it does mean, when cared for correctly, this countertop material is resistant to those issues.
Quartz Doesn’t Require Ongoing Maintenance
Another benefit of quartz is that it does not require maintenance. Some materials require sealing, for instance, and though this isn’t difficult, it is still a chore that can take an afternoon to complete. In other words, buying quartz means less maintenance in your life.
Quartz Is Consistent With Color and Patterns
Many also see the color patterns of quartz to be a benefit. Though it comes down to taste, quartz has a consistent look and pattern throughout. When you choose a natural stone, however, the pattern may vary greatly throughout the slab. In some cases, one-half of the slab may have virtually no variation and the other side may have many. Some people love this natural look, but it is possible you are taking a gamble.
Quartz Has a Huge Color Palette
In addition to having consistent color, there is also a number of colors to choose from when it comes to quartz. Since this is a man-made product, there is literally no limit to the colors you have to choose from. Quartz is available in neutral colors such as white, brown, beige and black, but there are also options such as bright blue and deep red.
Quartz is Eye-Catching and Beautiful
Finally, people see benefits in the beauty of quartz, and there are options such as a shiny or muted finish, which can bring even more beauty.
This information just scratches the surface of the world of quartz countertops for bathroom or kitchen design. For more information, reach out to a professional quartz supplier.
