The countertop you choose will make a world of difference and can make or break the aesthetic of your entire kitchen area. There are various types of countertops available, but one of the most popular in recent trends has been quartz countertops.
Countertops that have been designed with quartz have never gone out of style, mostly thanks to its natural stone appearance. A carefully selected countertop can subtly enhance a room and deliver a classic and elegant feel. Quartz countertops are a popular choice for homeowners and designers that want to achieve a more sophisticated yet ethereal vibe. For all intents and purposes, quartz countertops definitely pass the test and raise the bar for making a kitchen setting look and feel great.
Apart from the beauty it brings your home, quartz countertops are the go-to option for those who seek reliability and durability. This is particularly true for homes that are fond of cooking and making use of the kitchen, or for those who want to make an investment in their kitchen that lasts. Quartz worktops are low maintenance, yet strong enough to withstand the test of time, nature and human intervention.
If you are thinking of making an investment in a quartz countertop but are not quite sure of all the nitty-gritty details which go along with it, we have you covered.
Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about quartz countertops to help you make your decision. Read on to know more!
What is quartz?
You keep hearing about how quartz countertops are so great but it helps to know exactly what they are made of. Quartz is a crystalline form of silicon diode that is actually the second most common mineral found on earth. Quartz is usually found in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. The way it achieves its colour is through the impurities that can be found within it! These are usually cairngorm, amethyst, and citrine. It may be abundant, but quartz is a beauty all on its own.
Are quartz countertops expensive?
The answer is no. While the prices do vary depending on the level of granite or marble and the pattern of the quartz or its company, quartz is certainly one of the most affordable investments you can make for your home or business.
The price of quartz countertops changes depending on the extraction of the stone, along with the transportation of the material. From a consumer’s point of view, you may see a difference in prices when it comes to the colour of material, company, pattern, labour rates, edge treatment, thickness, etc. There are a lot of variables that come in to play, but the general truth is that quartz countertops are a superb and cost-effective option.
What makes quartz countertops so popular?
Simply put, quartz countertops deliver the perfect balance between strength and sophistication. Quartz, also known as “engineered stone” is, without a doubt, one of the toughest minerals on earth. Just imagine using such a material for your countertop; you will receive an extremely durable work surface that can handle all that daily life throws at it.
Quartz countertops are produced in a factory, as opposed to mined natural stone slabs. The fact that they can come in a wide range of colours, from lime green to a bright red, provides you with many options to choose from. If you are not into eye grabbing colours, there are even black quartz, cream quartz, brown quartz, and other neutral colours for you to choose from.
Durability is also one of quartz countertop’s strongest suits. Compared to granite and marble, it is tougher and stronger thus, it will not chip easily. Quartz is also a non-porous material so it won’t harbour any bacteria in its small cracks and indentations, which is a common problem among other types of countertops.
Here’s the winning feature for many homeowners, especially those families with children: Quartz countertops are resistant to coffee, oil, juice, wine, and other stain-inducing substances. Having spills of these liquids or substances over onto your countertop will no longer be a nerve-wracking experience because you know it’s resistant to stains.
What precautionary measures should you take when cooking near quartz countertops?
It’s recommended that you do not put anything of extreme heat near quartz countertops, since quartz can be affected by extremely high heat. While it is a durable type of countertop, it is still best to take precautions. The normal, routine provision such as using cutting boards, hot pads, and trivets will help you preserve the pristine condition of your countertops. Quartz countertops are certainly built to last, but you should still care for them properly to keep them looking as good as they did on their first day.
Are quartz countertops easily stained?
No, quartz countertops are probably the most resistant when it comes to staining. This is due to the fact that there is a special type of resin mixed with the quartz during production. Thanks to this, quartz countertops are extremely resistant to stains. They have a non-porous surface, preventing pesky liquids and staining substances from seeping into the pores and possibly permanently staining the countertop. Rest assured, you probably won’t have to worry about discolouration when it comes to this countertop; just make sure you wipe off any spills.
Are quartz countertops scratch proof?
As we have established, quartz countertops are probably the most durable you can find. Under normal usage, they are scratch-proof. Just as long as you do not intentionally try and disfigure your countertop, you should find that the normal day-to-day bumps will not lead to permanent scratches.
However, it is important that quartz is not an indestructible magic slab of stone. Any surface will get broken if you abuse it enough. Nonetheless, you can still find confidence in the fact that this countertop will be able to serve you well under normal circumstances.
How hard is it to maintain a quartz countertop?
Quartz countertops are low maintenance, in comparison with granite materials that will probably require a refreshed protective top coat replacement at least once a year. This type of countertop does not need yearly resealing, which is a common headache among those who opt for natural stone choices.
We recommend that you make cleaning your quartz countertop part of your weekly household chores. For this, we suggest that you go for cleaning products that have a pH level ranging from five to eight, as higher pH levels can be damaging to the surface. Generally, you should go for one that is not as heavy duty as those that you would use on toilet bowls, grills, or others that need extreme maintenance. If your quartz countertops encounter these products by accident, be sure to rinse it with water immediately.
Are quartz countertops seamless?
Quartz countertops are generally seamless, unless you exceed the maximum size that they come in. If your countertop is longer than the standard, they will need to be seamed. You do not need to worry though, as your installers will do a good job of making it look as inconspicuous as possible.
Have you any questions regarding quartz countertops?
Drop us a message, and we will be more than happy to help!