QUARTZ & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS INSTALLATION

Quarried slabs of beautiful natural stone go into the making of quartz countertops. However, new engineered material manufactured by mixing 93% quartz crystals with 7% of resins, polymers, dyes & paints is becoming increasingly popular. The resulting product is amazingly durable and eye-catching. It is available in an impressive range of colors and sizes and has a natural stone-look.

Many homeowners and designers prefer quartz, as they can choose from a wide range of colors to match the home décor. If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, it’s natural that you will look for trending new materials in the market for your kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Our customer interactions at HCH Cabinets show that preferences for countertop materials differ widely from stainless steel, and granite, to marble, tiling and more. Quartz is a comparatively new entrant into the market and if you are wondering whether it’s a good choice, read on.

1. Hygienic

The non-porous surface of quartz is more sanitary than most commonly-used countertop materials. It requires no sealant and has no grout-lines or porosity, which makes it easy to clean. It does not harbor bacteria and harmful viruses, making it a very hygienic material for kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Non-Porous Material

Our Quartz countertops are non-porous because of their high quartz content (93%). The remaining 7% binding is composed of resins, polymers, and pigments, which make it homogenous and without any air-pockets, cracks or holes. These qualities make quartz stain-resistant. In comparison, liquid spills and food can stain marble or granite easily because these materials are porous. Getting the stains off them requires some elbow grease.

3. Ease of Maintenance

As mentioned, unlike granite and marble, quartz countertops do not need any sealant or wax coating and therefore require less maintenance. This makes them super easy to clean, and maintenance is more cost-effective too. Quartz requires minimal effort to keep it looking elegant and attractive, a benefit that everyone looks for. It is an excellent option for an outdoor kitchen where other countertop materials can deteriorate quickly due to exposure to the elements.

4. Extremely Strong

Quartz countertops are quite forgiving. So if you are a rough worker in the kitchen, it won’t matter. The material is hard and durable like granite and concrete, but without their porosity; it does not crack or chip easily. Add to it the quality of being scratch-resistant, and you know why it is so widely used despite being relatively new in the market.

While quartz is easier to maintain and more resistant to staining compared to granite and marble, it is less heat resistant. It can withstand heat up to 400 degrees F.

Note- Sudden changes in temperature or placing hot pans and pots on the countertop even over a few seconds can cause the quartz to crack. For this reason, manufacturers recommend the use of hot pads to place pans and pots from a stove or oven on kitchen countertops.

5. Color-Consistency

The color of a quartz countertop is the same throughout the slab, and so if you happen to chip it, you see the same shade. The wide color range and consistency is the result of the manufacturing process. Contrast this to dyed granite which will have its original color at the core, while the upper half (an inch) will have the chosen dye color that seeps into the stone.

Thus, if the dyed part chips, you need to put up with the sight of a different inner color. It’s rare to find excellent quality granite with a color that matches your choice. A quartz countertop is an engineered product manufactured to specifications. It has the advantages of homogeneity, color consistency, and quality, easy maintenance, etc.

6. You Get What You Order

Quartz countertops are manufactured and available as slabs and not solid stone blocks. You order the countertop of the size you want and pay as per its quoted price. A quartz countertop manufacturer will not add to the price for any defective section because it is the manufacturer’s fault and not a natural defect. However, marble and granite do have inherent defects, and a custom manufacturer may charge you to cut around these. You always get the required color, size, and pattern in a quartz countertop.

7. Edging Styles

The quartz countertop edge profile is very important for efficiency, safety, and style. You can edge a quartz countertop according to its use. A variety of edge patterns are available to give a final finish to work. Quartz provides design possibilities while being amenable to edging options like natural stone. That is why it is used for vertical surfaces in bathrooms and other areas in a house. It is flexible to work with and held in place with glue and epoxy, doing away the need to use screws. Its installation does not expose the seams which is another advantage over natural stones.

8. Cleaning Is Easy

Once installed, maintenance of quartz is easy, and all it needs is a simple wipe down. Daily cleaning needs just a mild soap solution and a dish-wash cloth or sponge. Steer clear of harsh scrubbers and cleaners as they destroy the sealed elegant surface of the quartz. Warm water effectively removes more resilient messes. You can maintain the shine of the stone by using stone polish occasionally.

9. Scratch-Resistant

Quartz tops granite and marble in strength. Another distinctive quality that sets quartz apart is its immunity to scratches. We all know how granite develops scratches when not sealed properly, and then you have to struggle to sand them down. Stainless steel isn’t scratch-resistant either and needs buffing now and then.

Everyone likes to work in their kitchen without worrying about getting scratches on the countertops. Quartz countertops silently bear all the rough handling without showing any signs of wear or rough use. Quartz countertops specialize in giving a modern and stunning look to your kitchen or bathroom.

Discerning customers are attracted to quartz due to qualities such as durability, strength, sleek straight lines, and availability in a variety of colors. Quartz has more plus points than granite and marble, and that makes it one of the most preferred countertop materials. You can never go wrong when you opt for a quartz countertop in your kitchen or bathroom.