One of the most popular countertop materials to hit the home renovation circuit these days is quartz. Whether used to create a cool kitchen island, kitchen countertop or bathroom countertop, quartz offers an exceptional range of benefits to meet your needs, and a beautiful finish as well. In terms of cost and quality, quartz offers everything homeowners are looking for to upgrade their countertops with a high end material. Before you decide on which type of countertop to use in your next interior design update, familiarize yourself with these essential 5 things you should know about quartz.
Quartz is Engineered
Unlike other natural stone materials, quartz is an engineered material. Quartz is typically made of 90% ground quartz mixed with 10% polymers and resins to create a solid slab surface. This mixture of natural ground stone and synthetic polymers combine to create the feel and look of real stone, but without all of the negative aspects. Just because quartz is engineered, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t a natural stone product. Compound stone slabs are better than natural stone in many ways, and still offer the beauty and qualities that will give your home a sought-after, designer look.
Quartz is Durable
Quartz isn’t just engineered for its good looks though; it’s made to be super tough as well. Compared to natural stone surfaces, quartz is high performing and resistant to scratches, dents and chips. This makes it easier to install too, and unlike other stones, cracking during installation won’t be a worry.
There are a few weaknesses to quartz, however, one of which being its intolerance to heat. High temperatures can damage the resin compounds in quartz, so it is recommended to keep heating tools like curling irons and hot pots and pans from directly coming in contact with the surface. Certain acids and harsh chemicals should also not be left on the surface of your quartz countertop to avoid damage. When you choose to use quartz countertops in your kitchen, it’s wise to keep trivets under pans, crock pots and other heat sources to keep your countertop looking and performing at its best.
It is also recommended not to cut directly onto your quartz countertop with a knife. Like with most surfaces, you’ll want to protect them from direct contact with sharp objects. Always use a cutting board when using a knife and your quartz countertop will keep its lustrous look. Finally, homeowners should not consider using quartz for outdoor kitchen countertops, as they are not UV resistant, and exposure to sunlight can damage the pigments within over time. Even areas that are exposed to sunlight through a window can experience damage over time, so consider the natural lighting in your home when installing quartz countertops.
Quartz is Non-Porous
Natural stone options like marble and granite are porous, meaning that smelly spills and stains tend to soak in and stick around on the surface if not cleaned properly. With quartz, spills and stains are not an issue because it is a non-porous material. This also means that quartz is easy to care for, and when spills do occur, all you need is soap, water and a soft rag to clean up your mess and wipe it away. This non-porous surface also makes quartz a more sanitary option, as it won’t harbor bacteria in undetectable scratches.
Even though spills aren’t generally a problem for quartz countertops, homeowners will still want to be sure to properly clean them up right away. Acidic liquids and abrasive chemicals shouldn’t be left to sit on the surface of your quartz countertops, as they may wear away at the resins within. Best of all, since quartz is non-porous, you’ll never have to seal or regularly oil it to maintain its beauty.
Quartz Has Style
One of the beauties of an engineered material is that you can make it any way you want. Quartz countertops can be created to appeal to a variety of styles and designs, making it a great option for homeowners looking for something specific. Minimalist, Industrial and Modern styles may benefit from a quartz countertop in a solid color, while Contemporary and Traditional style homes might opt for a quartz countertop in a faux marble or granite motif. Bits of glass and other materials can even be mixed into some quartz countertops to give an eye-catching, sparkly finish.
Quartz can also be formed more easily into specific sizes and shapes due to its engineered nature. This is a great option for homeowners with unique needs, like a kitchen island in an unconventional shape, or a bathroom countertop sized specially for an older home. The versatility of quartz helps to drive its ability to meet a wide variety of color, styles and shapes, making it truly one of the easiest materials to personalize available. The bottom line is, that with quartz countertops, your style will never have to be compromised. Homeowners will be able to find exactly what they want in terms of colors and patterns to create the home décor style they desire.
Quartz Adds Value
If you are looking to sell your home in the near future, updating your kitchen or bathroom countertops in quartz is an excellent way to add value. Since quartz is in high demand, you’ll be sure to see a return on the investment you make when it comes time to list your home, as premium countertop surfaces are in highly sought after in real estate. Also, because it is typically a less expensive material than granite or marble, but just as desired by potential home buyers, you’ll be able to get the most bang for your buck during renovation time.
Quartz is an excellent option for upgrading your countertops in almost any room of your home. Whether you are looking to upgrade a bathroom or renovate your entire kitchen, quartz will offer you the performance you need and the beauty you expect all at a lower price point than popular natural stone materials.