Quartz countertops are sometimes called “artificial” but actually quartz is a natural stone. The proportion of natural quartz in a slab is different depending on the manufacturer.
Quartz is the most widespread mineral on Earth and one of the hardest, so it is not surprising that manufacturers saw its potential as a material for discs already more than 50 years ago. Since then, quartz countertops have become increasingly popular and homeowners have discovered what the earliest quartz pioneers knew – when the natural mineral quartz is enhanced through industrial processing, quartz countertops can compete with other natural stone countertops in every way.
QUARTZ – A CHOICE FOR THOSE WHO ONLY WANT THE BEST
Quartz is a man-made product and can be very attractive. The manufacturing process enables a much wider choice of shades than natural stones such as granite or marble have. The final result is an artificial stone that has a rich and luxurious appearance. The finish has a deep texture that cannot be achieved with materials such as Corian.
Quartz lasts just as well as concrete and granite but has a much higher resistance, so that it does not crack and scratch as easily. It doesn’t have the same hard feel that some people don’t like. Like other countertop materials, quartz is non-porous which makes it much more stain resistant than granite and marble.
It withstands juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and other sources of stains in the kitchen. In terms of cleanliness, the non-porous structure means that bacteria and viruses cannot attach and grow on it.
You can always be sure that your quartz worktop is delivered to you absolutely clean and that is a great advantage for both kitchen and bathroom!
QUARTZ COUNTERS – PROS AND CONS YOU SHOULD KNOW!
Quartz has many good properties and it is thanks to this that many people choose quartz for their homes:
One of the main advantages of quartz countertops is that they are incredibly durable.
Quartz countertops never need surface treatment unlike granite, marble and many other surfaces that need regular maintenance.
Quartz countertops do not absorb liquids, which helps to avoid stains and the formation of bacteria.
Homeowners and designers also turn to quartz for its many different and beautiful patterns, shades and textures.
Quartz is available in natural colors such as white, black and brown as well as other colors such as golden or blue.
Shades and patterns on quartz are always stable – natural stones are different from slab to slab, but quartz has a uniform appearance which means that for projects where more than one slab is used, it is easier to match the worktops.
Although the pros outweigh the cons, there are some things to keep in mind:
Quartz countertops are scratch resistant
Quartz countertops are scratch resistant, but due to its hardness, they can damage knives used directly on the surface.
Like all natural countertops, quartz can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature. Pot mats should be used to protect the quartz countertop from hot objects.
Although quartz countertops are not approved for outdoor use, quartz can be used in outdoor kitchens if it is protected from constant contact with rain, snow and sun.
Quartz has the positive qualities found in natural stones such as marble and granite, while removing the negative aspects by being resistant to water, stains and scratches. This means that the extra work that is done to give the quartz these properties also raises the price compared to natural stones.
QUARTZ COMPARED TO GRANITE AND MARBLE:
Granite is the most common material for countertops and is the number one alternative to quartz. Like quartz, granite is very durable. Granite is a natural stone that is quarried in its natural form and then polished for use in homes. Granite should be maintained after each use to avoid stains. To clean granite, use warm water and soap to maintain the shine.
Such a hard material is difficult to scratch and is very resistant to temperature changes. Because it is a natural stone, granite does not have many color options and each tile is unique – therefore kitchens must be planned around the chosen tile. That being said, planning a kitchen around a granite countertop isn’t always easy.
When comparing quartz to marble, the main difference is the resistance to conditions such as stains, scratches and liquids. Marble scratches and stains very easily, while quartz countertops are very resistant to scratches and stains.
Marble countertops need regular maintenance, while quartz countertops never need to be varnished or polished. Unlike marble, quartz does not absorb liquids, providing resistance to harmful bacteria and stains. Also, acidic foods like lemon can damage the surface of marble countertops, which is never a problem for quartz.
HOW DO YOU KEEP QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL?
Although quartz is very hard and difficult to damage, there are some things you can consider and do (or not do) regularly to keep your countertop looking like new for a long time:
To clean quartz, use a wet cloth and a mild soap, making sure the soap does not contain any harsh chemicals such as bleach.
Although quartz countertops are stain resistant, this does not mean they are stain resistant. Wipe off liquids as soon as possible. Quartz is resistant to stains for a certain short time, but any stained liquids should be wiped off immediately.
If the countertop has a strong or dried stain, you can use glass cleaner. For deep cleaning, spray on the cleaner, leave for a maximum of 10 minutes, then wipe away.
For things that are more difficult to remove such as grease, chewing gum or paint, you can use a plastic knife or a razor blade to scrape them off. cleaning grease, you can use a degreaser and then rinse it off immediately.
To avoid heat damage to the worktop, use pot mats for pots and pans. Quartz can withstand moderately high temperatures for a short time without damage, but it can be damaged by rapid temperature changes. Also known as “temperature shock”.
When cutting things, use a cutting board to avoid damage to the knife and countertop.
Do not use highly acidic cleaners on the countertop, such as nail polish remover, oven cleaner, bleach, drain cleaner or turpentine.
Do not subject the worktop to high pressure or forces, which can occur, for example, by dropping a heavy pan – the quartz worktop can chip or crack.
Conclusion
Renovating the kitchen, bathroom or entire home requires a lot of time and patience. Choosing the right stone is a very important process, so we hope this post helped you get a clearer idea of quartz, its history, advantages and disadvantages, how to care for it and whether it is the right stone for your Home. Stone Depot has a wide range of quartz from four different reputable supplier: Calacatta Quartz, Carrara Quartz, Statuario Quartz, Bianco Quartz and Quartzforms.
