Countertops are easily one of the most important choices when it comes to a design or remodel. Functionality, along with aesthetics are two of the main factors when making this decision. Quartz ranks highly on the list of countertop materials so we've put together a guide to help you see if this is the right option for you.
Â
What is Quartz?
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet. When formulated into a countertop, it becomes a man made, engineered stone. It's made by crushing quartz crystals, mixing it with pigments, and then binding it with a polymeric or cement-based resin. When the quartz is coarsely ground, it looks flecked or speckled. When the quartz is more finely ground, it gives a smoother appearance to the countertop.
Â
Benefits
Because quartz is manufactured, it is durable, hard and non-porous. Lacking the pores and capillaries that are produced in natural stone makes quartz countertops more resistant to growing germs and bacteria and helps to repel liquids that are known to stain. It breaks less easily than most other countertop materials and because it lacks the striations of natural stone, it is less likely to crack. Not only is it highly resistant to damage, it doesn't need to constantly be sealed and re-sealed like natural stone countertops. It is a very low maintenance option and requires minimal effort to care for!
Â
Aesthetic
The pattern in quartz countertops is much more uniform than in natural stone. It's extremely glossy, comes in a variety of colors, and can even look like high-end marble. These countertops can look amazing and the array of choices makes it easy to match a color scheme and customize a design.