Made from one of the hardest minerals in the world, quartz countertops are arguably the most durable option for kitchens. They are also some of the most striking. They come in a wide variety of colors, including fiery red and apple green, as well as earth browns, blacks and creams, with sparkles and streaks for the look of granite or marble. But unlike natural stone slabs, which are quarried, these slabs are designed in a factory.
Granite is one of the most popular materials used for countertops. One of the main reasons for its popularity is the durability of granite. Unlike wood or formica, granite is strong and resistant to scratches and normal wear and tear. The increased durability means that it will be able to last longer and is less likely to need to be replaced in the near future. This makes it ideal for any new kitchen. Since it is such a strong material, it is also scratch resistant. That means activities like cutting with knives on the surface will not damage the surface. In fact, cutting on a granite surface can dull knives and leave countertops unscathed.
Its main ingredient is ground quartz (about 94 percent), combined with polyester resins to bind it and pigments to give it color. For some designs, small amounts of recycled glass or metallic specks are added to the mix. The resins also help make these counters stain and scratch resistant and non-porous so they never need to be sealed. Compare that to granite, the reigning king of high-end countertops, which typically requires a new protective top coat at least once a year.
In the past, the biggest impact against quartz was that it lacked the patterns and color variations that you get with natural stone. But that's a moot point now, with all manufacturers offering multi-tone slabs with enough speckles, swirls, and random patterns to make them almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
They were once available only with a polished finish; now you can get one with a polished, sandblasted or embossed treatment. So if the look of matte limestone, textured slate, or glossy granite is what you want, there's a quartz countertop for you. Read on for help choosing one that fits your budget, your cooking and cleaning needs, and your style. We'll go over the pros and cons of quartz countertops so you can make the best decision.
Low Maintenance: Unlike natural stone or wood, it never needs to be sealed. Just clean it with soap and water for daily maintenance. Superficial stains can be removed with a mild cleansing scrub. Avoid scouring pads, which can dull the surface, and harsh chemicals that could break the bonds between quartz and resins.
Antimicrobial: Resin binders make quartz countertops non-porous, so bacteria, mold, and fungi that cause stains and odors cannot penetrate the surface.
It is expensive: Compared to DIY options, such as wood, laminate, and concrete, which can cost less than $ 10 per square foot, quartz, like granite, is expensive, around $ 60 to $ 90 per square foot, including installation. Acrylic solid surface, another competitive option, costs $ 40- $ 80 per installed square foot.
It cannot withstand extreme heat: Quartz countertops are resistant to heat and burns, but only up to a point. Most manufacturers say their products can withstand up to 400 degrees F, but a sudden change in temperature or sustained heat from a skillet left on the counter can cause the surface to crack. To be safe, always use a trivet or heating pad.
It does not support outdoor use: Install it outdoors in an uncovered area and it will void the warranty. The direct sun that hits it day after day can cause colors to fade or the countertop to warp or split over time. Currently, none of the major manufacturers offer an outdoor approved quartz countertop.