Quartz Countertops
Architects, builders, investors but also everyone who spent a lot of time in their kitchen are looking for something that is high quality, sustainable over a long period of time and in all types of weather conditions, and that is profitable. Decorative stone gives them just such a perfect combination.
Kitchen hobs – a necessary element of any home. When equipping a kitchen, one of the very important challenges is choosing the right kitchen worktop. It doesn’t matter what your kitchen worktop looks like, because it’s not just a matter of interior design, but also your family’s health, budget and time savings. And if you can be profitable in all these fields, then you should consider the materials from which kitchen countertops are made, whether and how resistant they are to damage, how they are maintained and how long they can last.
There are several materials from which kitchen countertops are made. If you’re still considering which material to use, let us help you. Here are a few factors you need to consider when trying to figure out which is best for your home.
Start with industrial artificial materials that are in circulation on the market. Next, consider wood, and then stone. Two popular choices are quartz and wood. Deciding between these two very different options can be surprisingly difficult. There are a few factors you need to consider when trying to figure out which is best for your home. What you will learn is that everything goes in favor of artificial stone as the most ideal material for a kitchen worktop.
Why should you buy Quartz countertops?
Quartz is located in quarries worldwide, from Brazil to India and even in lots of places in the USA. After granite blocks are reduced right into granite pieces, the pieces are delivered off to manufacturers. When they come to the fabrication facility, they are formed and finished according to the requirements of your countertop.
At Savona Kitchen & Bath Design we offer you premium granite countertops with multiple granite colors. We have the best granite countertop for your remodeling project whether you require a countertop for your kitchen, shower room, or an additional surface area. All of our granite countertop slabs are in-stock and prepared for prompt distribution. Yours is only to contact us and we will make it happen!
FROM SAVONA BLOG
LET’S GET TO KNOW QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Fully 10-percent of the material volume in a quartz countertop isn’t stone at all, but rather a polymeric or cement-based binder. And the other 90 percent? Crushed up waste granite, marble and natural stone or recycled industrial wastes such as ceramic, silica, glass, mirrors, etc. However, what makes quartz so attractive are its textures, which is why this material has found application not only for worktops, dining and club tables, but quartz is increasingly used on floors as well as for interior walls and stairs. More accurately, a quartz countertop should probably be called engineered stone or compound stone—terms that more accurately describe the way these products are created. The industry, in fact, is increasingly using the term engineered stone to refer to this type of countertop.
Many are confused by the fact that quartz agglomerate is considered a stone of artificial origin, because quartz is found in nature, which means that it is a natural material.
The fact is that the quartz agglomerate is produced from crumbs of quartz, which really has a natural origin. This stone is considered to be one of the most durable. Worktops made of this material are considered artificial because of the production method used. Quartz needs to be crushed and then other components and pigments are added to it.
WHY IS QUARTZ BEST MATERIAL FOR A KITCHEN WORKTOP?
Quartz stone has a high durability of the surface layer. The durability of these countertops allows them to last for many years. You’ll be able to enjoy your quartz countertops for years without worrying about fixing chips, scratches, or cracks. They will keep their original value while adding a great asset to your home if you decide to sell in the future. The low maintenance of quartz countertops means that you won’t have to put a lot more money into the project once the countertops are installed. They need little cleaning or fixing because of the nonporous surface and the durable quality of the surface. This means you won’t have to put more money into the countertops through the years, making it a great investment. Lastly, the increasing popularity of quartz countertops means that investing in them for your kitchen or bathroom will add great value to the home. Having quartz countertops installed will be a great addition and selling point for your home, but also:
- It is resistant to all mechanical shocks and scratches
- There are no pores in which moisture comes. Because of this feature you shouldn’t be afraid to wash the quartz countertop with a lot of water.
- The product does not swell or collapse.
Quartz countertops are easy to maintain. Homeowners should also ask themselves how much time they have available for routine care and maintenance. Certain materials are much harder to care for than others. Quartz, for example, requires very little intervention to stay beautiful. You should wipe it down after use, never using anything stronger than warm soapy water. Stains and other minor imperfections are easily removed using a plastic putty knife. Wood, on the other hand, is much harder to maintain. Since it retains bacteria, it is crucial that you keep wooden counters in pristine condition. Many homeowners find this to be an onerous task, making quartz a much better choice for busy families.
- Lack of favorable microclimate for the development of fungi and bacteria. If it is important that the room has an adequate level of sanitation, then quartz will provide it.
- Has high resistance to all chemical agents. During cleaning, sometimes too aggressive substances are used which can damage the surface of the work surface made of wood. The quartz is not exposed to the negative effects of chemicals. Neither acid nor solvent will harm the work surface.
- Matches all types of kitchen design. The wide variety of options you get with quartz countertops is great if you want to match your home’s decor in a particular way. It’s also great if you want a particular color or pattern. You can get anything from lime green to a natural brown to a dark black.
- Stable shade. Of course, if the choice fell on the production of white products, then there is no reason to worry about the fading of the shadow. But if owners choose a rich tone, then they want to see it for decades. The color of countertops often fades in the sun or the paint washes away. The pigment used in the production of quartz countertops will not fade over time, even if exposed to high temperatures.
- In accordance with high environmental standards
- Require less maintenance compared to other countertop materials, they are very easy to clean and maintain
Whether you need it for a worktop, island or counter, the artificial stone is a long-term solution that you will be satisfied with. Unlike marble or granite, artificial stone has been advanced with advanced technology, so that the characteristics related, above all, to durability and longevity, have been raised to the maximum. It is an antibacterial surface, clean and dry, without dust, which allows you to store food safely, because hygiene in the kitchen is the most important. In addition, maintaining an artificial stone worktop is so easy that the time you spend in the kitchen after cooking or dining will be kept to a minimum.
HOW ARE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS MADE?
To make a table out of quartz material, it is necessary to perform measurements. After the specialist determines the size and shape of the material, he orders the production of the board. The board is made of quartz chips (at least ninety percent) and a special resin that binds the chips.Then a pigment is added that will color the product in the color chosen by the customer. The plate is pressed, hardened at high temperature. Workers grind, adding a characteristic shine to the work surface. It usually turns out that a countertop is created with seams that are not noticeable. So, this is a wonderful option if you need to make a product for installation in the corner of the room or an object of non-standard shape. When installing worktops, professionals must fill the seams with a special glue. Next, you need to wait for the substance to dry completely and then gently polish the compound. Thus, experts achieve a practically invisible seam for the eye.
Experts advise to order quartz worktops from reliable contractors. The process of making these countertops require special qualifications .Workers must make careful measurements, because they will not make changes later if the product is already ready.
Hiring professionals will significantly reduce the risk of improper installation and ensure that you will not be injured when you try to install the surface yourself.
QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS VS WOOD
There are a few things that you need to know about countertops made of wood. Sensitivity to stains and scratches, especially when it comes to soft home wood worktops. In addition, wooden kitchen countertops do not withstand contact with high temperatures, change color, and are flammable. Over time, the wooden top darkens and changes color when exposed to the sun which is as we know opposite of Quartz countertops that require less maintenance. Besides that, wood is a cheaper option but because of high maintenance that it requires, it can add extra costs over time.
QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS VS GRANITE
Granite is composed of up to 60% quartz and other softer minerals and impurities unlike Quartz countertops that contain up to 93% quartz beside other components which makes it stronger than granite countertops. Also, an important thing to mention is that granite absorbs liquids and stains unlike quartz (which as we mentioned many times before is maintenance free). Granite countertops need to be sealed and polished regularly. In addition, quartz can be fabricated for use in many unique applications that are not possible with granite or other stones.
QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS VS MARBLE
Quartz countertops are much more durable than marble countertops. Marble scratches and stains easily, while quartz countertops resist scratching and staining. Marble countertops require frequent maintenance, but quartz countertops never need to be sealed or polished. Unlike marble, quartz is nonabsorbent, so staining liquids and harmful bacteria are never absorbed. In addition, acidic foods like lemon can cause etching on marble countertops, which is never a concern with quartz.
QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS VS CONCRETE
Quartz is a natural stone and concrete on the other hand is not. It’s actually a mixture of water, cement and an aggregate of sand or gravel. They are susceptible to stains, porous and require sealing. Quartz countertops do not absorb liquids, do not stain, and never require maintenance. Concrete countertops are sometimes touted as a DIY project, but they are extremely heavy and difficult to install. When purchased from reputable companies and retailers, quartz countertops are installed in a smooth, expert process by professionals.
QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS VS SOAPSTONE
Soapstone countertops must be oiled regularly and can change or darken over time plus have a soft, powdery feel to the touch unlike Quartz countertops that are scratch resistant and do not require a lot of maintenance so we can say for sure that Quartz countertops are more durable than Soapstone countertops. High-quality quartz countertops will maintain the same appearance over time without any upkeep.
ARE THERE ANY CONS?
Although from all the things that we’ve mentioned earlier you may think that this is the perfect solution for your kitchen, of course like all things there are some things which we consider as cons. Those things are:
Quartz countertops are scratch resistant, but due to their hardness they may dull a knife that is used directly on the surface.
Like all natural stone countertops, quartz can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature. Pot holders and trivets should be used to protect a quartz countertop from anything hot.
Though quartz countertops are not approved for outdoor use, quartz may be used in outdoor kitchens with full overhead coverage from the elements.
