Quartz Countertops

The Advantages and Disadvantages of buying a Quatz Countertop

Countertops made of quartz are the most practical countertops ever made by man. Quartz countertops are very durable, highly resistant to scratches and are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.

The hardness of quartz is just below gemstones that’s why it can be effectively used for countertops. It combines the best qualities of natural stone and laminate surfaces. At present, it is steadily cutting into the market share of granite countertops which has been the traditional favorite of high-end home builders. Since it is an engineered stone, the consistency of the material is uniform throughout the countertop surface. This quality makes it very easy to clean and to maintain.

Basic Materials of Quartz Countertops

Quartz crystals, the basic material of quartz countertops, are found in many areas and in large quantities. There are many quartz mines around the world where quartz are dug up. Most of these countertops sold in the market at present are made of 5% polymers and 95% crushed quartz. When these materials are combined and infused together, they produce a surface material that is almost scratch-proof and virtually maintenance-free. The process of making these types of countertops makes it possible to have a whole array of colors ranging from see-through whites to golden brown or deep black.

Many variations in the countertop surface largely depend on the size of the quartz and the quantity of the granule mixtures. Larger crystals will produce a spotted look while smaller crystals will make a uniform appearance throughout the surface. The different types of quartz offer you a wide variety of colors to choose from. Among the colors available are beige, cream, white, brown, bamboo green, mahogany and red.

How Are Quartz Countertops Made?

Quartz crystals are taken from quartz mines and are then processed in the following manner:
1. Grinding – the pure quartz crystals dug up from the mines are ground into smaller, more uniform particles. Sizes range from fine (sand) to coarse (gravel). The larger crystals will give more depth to the finished quartz surface.
2. Mixing – the crystals are mixed with a small amount of resin in order to bind them together. Natural pigments are also included in the mix to obtain the required color of the surface. Other materials like small specks of precious metals and small pieces of glass can be included in the mix for added accents. The amount of these added materials are so small that the finished surface is still practically 97% pure quartz. Some manufacturers incorporate vein patterns by creating small spaces in the surface. Then they force a different mixture into the space. This is done during the mixing of the components.
3. Forming – the whole mixture is then pressed into a slab with the required thickness. The edges are formed into the desired shape which can be rounded, straight or beveled. After this, the whole slab is cured in an oven. When it is finally cured and cooled down, the countertop surface is ready for installation. Quartz is naturally shiny and glossy therefore it needs no finishing or polishing. If you want a matte finish, the quartz surface is honed.

Advantages of a Quartz Countertop

The many qualities of quartz can offer you many benefits that are comparable to other high-end countertop surfaces. Listed below are the advantages of having this type of material for your countertop
1. High resistance to damage – since the quartz surface is manufactured to create a consistent and uniform surface, it is highly resistant to all kinds of damages such as scratches, dents, cracks, stains and rusts.
2. 100% non-porous – in the same manner, any kind of liquid will have no way of penetrating its surface.
3. Strong and Durable – the whole unit is completely compacted together making it very strong and long lasting. In fact, many suppliers of quartz countertops give warranties to this product.
4. Maintenance-free – once you have it installed, it requires no maintenance.
5. Mold resistant – being non-porous, mold and mildew cannot develop in the surface. You are assured of a clean surface for food preparation all the time.
6. Varied colors and design – there are myriad of colors available therefore there should be one color that will fit the existing décor of your home.
7. Easy cleaning – these countertops are easily cleaned with water and soap.
8. No sealing required – after the installation, it is ready to be used because the material itself is highly polished after it is taken out of the oven.

Disadvantages of a Quartz Countertop

1. Expensive – quartz countertops are among the expensive countertops in the market. A square foot costs about $30 to $125.
2. Not easy to install – untrained persons will not be able to do a decent job of installing this countertop. It is better handled by the professionals.

The high cost of a countertop made of quartz can be easily negated by considering that granite, also a high-end material, could cost you from $30 to $175 per square foot, depending on the grade and quality. But quartz cannot be damaged by cracks, chipping, and breakage while granite can be damaged by all of these conditions.

It is also good to consider that the best qualities of quartz countertops are not easily seen in its outer surface. What is inside of these countertops are what we should truly appreciate. The whole structure of engineered countertops is virtually indestructible. The method by which they are manufactured ensures the overall strength of the countertop. That is why manufacturers can give their buyers warranties for their finished products.

If you are thinking of building or remodeling your present countertop and you want a new look, then quartz could be the one you’re looking for. Aside from being trendy, there are a lot of color and design choices available. It can easily adapt to whatever design your home has. The beauty, applicability and the durability of this product is now being acknowledged in the building industry. Aside from that, modern trends in the construction industry are focusing on alternative materials. These can be among the factors why quartz countertops may take a larger share of the countertop market in the coming days ahead.

How To Clean A Quartz Countertop - what you need to look out for, daily cleaning, how to remove stubborn stains, and lots more.