Quartz Countertops | 5 Facts About Quartz Counters
Quartz Countertops | 5 Facts About Quartz Counters
Quartz Kitchen Counters Supremacy: Still Popular In
5 Fascinating Facts About Quartz Countertops
If youve ever undergone a kitchen remodel, or even just considered one, you know choosing countertop material can be one of the toughest decisions of the entire process. Every kitchen and homeowner are different, so theres no one material thats the best 100 percent of the time.
Quartz kitchen counters have continued to shine as a top choice for ease of maintenance and sheer versatility. You may have found yourself impressed by a quartz countertop in a magazine or at a friends house, but how much do you know about quartz? Read on to learn more about this interesting material.
1) Its Highly Durable & Resistant to Damage
Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on the planet, and the compound stone used for countertops maintains much of that toughness, making it comparable to granite and even concrete. When you choose quartz kitchen counters, you benefit from it being resistant to heat, as well as not having to worry much about wear and tear, such as scratches. On top of that, because its non-porous, it also resists germs, bacteria and mildew, helping to alleviate worries about sanitation.
And although its a hard material, its also flexible, so it can be bent and shaped into the counter design you want so if you dont use an uninterrupted slab, thats OK, because it cuts very cleanly, which means seams are barely perceptible. It can even be cut into tiles!
2) Theres More to it Than Just Stone
Unlike some other countertop materials, quartz cant call itself natural stone. By weight, its roughly 90-95 percent quartz, and the rest of it is resins, polymers, pigments and flecks for patterning (if you go by volume, not weight, its more of a 65-35 split). The stone comes from natural quartz crystals that are mined, then ground into dust and aggregate so they can be fused, under intense heat and pressure, with the above-mentioned binders.
While there are a variety of quartz vendors out there, all of the base material comes from the same place: the Italy-based Breton company, which has held a patent on the design process since the s. And if youre environmentally conscious, good news! The manufacture process is low on carbon emissions.
Did you know? Quartz is popular for kitchen countertops, but its also growing in popularity for bathroom surfaces. It doesnt require sealing, its naturally water-resistant, it doesnt get moldy easily and cleaning is a simple matter of wiping down surfaces.
3) There Are Few Limits to How it Can Look
One of the downfalls used to be the limitations on patterns and variations of quartz countertop colors. Natural stone was considered to be a superior alternative in these respects. Over time, though, that disadvantage has melted away. Now, theres a vast spectrum of options for your new countertop.
Colors? A ton of variations offered through pigments added in the design process. Patterns? Absolutely, through the strategic addition of glass and metal flecks throughout. Finishes? You bet polished, honed, sandblasted, embossed, and so on. In fact, advances in design have resulted in a material that can be made to look like a variety of natural stone materials, including:
- Limestone
- Granite
- Marble
- Slate
4) Its Crazy Easy to Maintain
That shiny look you see on a new countertop? With some materials, that means the application of sealants, top coats or polish. Not with quartz, though; its naturally non-porous, as noted above, and requires no sealing. Additionally, quartz countertops offer another distinct advantage: exceptional stain resistance. They easily repel kitchen spills like oil, tomato, coffee, or wine! Plus, they provide some of the most hassle-free cleaning youll ever experience.
How To Clean Quartz Countertops?
Just some mild soap and water or an oil-free, non-abrasive solution, if youre feeling fancy and its good as new in no time. Thats a whole lot more appealing than scrubbing! Do note, though, that heavier cleaning methods arent just unnecessary; theyre not recommended, as they can damage the surface.
Having said that
5) It Does Have Some Limited Weaknesses
Even Superman has his kryptonite. Quartz kitchen counters can sustain damage if not properly cared for. For one thing, while quartz is highly scratch-resistant, it can be chipped if you drop something heavy on it, try to scrape off a sticky substance or (definitely dont do this!) cut something on it without a cutting board. There are limits to its heat resistance as well; youll want to use a trivet to separate it from pans, deep fryers, crock pots, etc.
Finally, it is susceptible to fading or discoloration under ultraviolet light. If its just on the other side of a window, itll probably be fine, unless its a huge window letting in a ton of light but if youre thinking about an outdoor kitchen, think about a different type of countertop.
Countertop Installation: Simply Done With Simple Kitchen
Does quartz sound like the right material for your kitchen counter? Contact us at Simple Kitchen today to find out how we can make it part of your dream kitchen!
Engineered Quartz Countertops: All You Need to Know
When designing any kitchen space, there are limitless options. And selecting the best material is never an easy task. Many factors have to be considered. For instance, homeowners have to choose the countertop material, color scheme, backsplash design, and more.
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When choosing the best countertop material, many homeowners will opt for engineered quartz, and its no surprise why. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of this engineered countertop material and why it is the best option for any countertop project.
What is engineered quartz?
Quartz is a man-made product that is created using natural materials. It is composed of 90% ground quartz and 10% resins and pigments. When combined, they form a hard and durable surface. This hardness, among other properties, is what makes quartz unique among other countertop materials.
Being one of the hardest countertop materials, quartz is well known for its durability. As such, the environmental impact of engineered quartz is low since it is long-lasting and will not need to be replaced as frequently as other countertop alternatives.
Caesarstone manufactures premium quality quartz countertops that are both eye-catching and durable while providing numerous benefits to the homeowner. These countertops also offer the look and feel of many other sought-after countertop materials, such as marble, granite, and concrete.
What quartz colors are available?
As we mentioned previously, quartz is an engineered material. As such, it has limitless color options.
With a wide range of color options to choose from, including those from Caesarstones extensive catalog, homeowners can find the perfect selection to match their space. For instance, homeowners who are looking for grey engineered quartz countertops varieties can choose an option like Airy Concrete, Turbine Grey, or London Grey. Caesarstone also offers a variety of black, white, brown, and beige hues.
How durable is an engineered quartz counter?
Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the highest traffic areas in any home. For this reason, any materials used should not only serve their purpose but also last many long, fruitful years. After all, no one wants to keep replacing their countertops.
Of all countertop materials in the market, quartz is the most durable. It is one of the hardest materials, with a rating of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This durability can be attested to by the warranties offered by manufacturers. Caesarstone offers a lifetime warranty for all their indoor countertop options and a 10-year warranty for their outdoor countertop selection.
London Grey Designer: Louise Roe, Front RoeAre quartz countertops heat-resistant?
Quartz countertops are heat-resistant, which is another factor that makes them such a popular choice among homeowners. However, it is important to note that quartz is not heat-proof. This means quartz countertops can only withstand heat for a brief time. When exposed to extreme temperatures, engineered quartz can sustain burn marks. These cannot be repaired.
To ensure these countertops stay beautiful for as long as possible, it is advised that homeowners always use heat pads or trivets when placing hot cookware or appliances on their quartz countertops.
What about porosity?
When it comes to porosity, engineered quartz is a true champion. Porous countertops are not only less durable and hard to clean, but they also pose a health risk. The non-porous nature of quartz countertops creates a resilient surface which prevents the build-up of bacteria. Likewise, since quartz is non-porous it doesnt require sealing, which saves on maintenance costs.
Are they easy to maintain?
Quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. All that is needed to clean engineered stone countertops is warm water and mild soap. And for stubborn spills, non-abrasive cleaners and approved cleaners are all that is needed.
If dealing with dried spills, re-animate with water for a few minutes and clean with a damp towel. While rust marks are uncommon with quartz countertops, wiping the affected area with a Caesarstone recommended cleaner and a damp cloth will do the trick.
406 Clearskies Designer: Linda Hayslett, L.H. DesignsHow versatile is quartz?
Quartz can be used to inject versatility into any renovation project. Quartz is the perfect material for walls, backsplashes, and countertops. Some people even capitalize on the material to satisfy their flooring needs. Because it is an engineered stone, homeowners will have no problem finding the perfect color and style to suit their space and make it feel like home.
For those looking for outdoor options, Caesarstone also offers an eye-catching outdoor collection, featuring three luxurious colors: 515 Palm Shade, 406 Clearskies, and 405 Midday. These striking countertops are strong and durable, and can withstand rain, sun, and snow.
What is the cost of engineered quartz?
Now that we have seen the benefits of quartz countertops, what is the cost of this engineered material? The cost of quartz countertops ranges between $40 to more than $100 per square foot. The price depends on the color choice, slab thickness, location, and configurations.
For more information, please visit quartz stone(ko,ja,th).