Quartz countertops are sometimes referred to as quartzite or engineered stone. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or building a new one from scratch, choosing countertops is one of the most exciting steps in the process, and in addition to the durable surface they provide for cooking, eating, and entertaining, they’re also the primary focus of your kitchen. kitchen. the point that everyone notices immediately.
Choosing the right material for your kitchen counters is essential. These are all great choices; however, the material that has surpassed the rest in popularity in recent times is quartz. If you are considering using quartz for your countertops, but aren’t sure if it’s the right material for your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place.
About quartz countertops:
Quartz Countertops, such as the one shown here, is sometimes referred to as quartzite or engineered stone. They are made by combining crushed quartz with synthetic resins and dyes under heat and high pressure.
Before we get into the pros and cons, it’s important to understand exactly what quartz is and how manufacturers make countertops. Many people believe that quartz is a man-made material, but this is not true. Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral made up of silicon and oxygen and, according to Geology.com, is the most abundant mineral on Earth.
Pros of quartz countertops:
Quartz in countertops has many advantages, from their attractive appearance to their durability. Here is a comprehensive list of its benefits to help you decide if countertops are right for you or not.
1. Variety:
Many people find it difficult to distinguish high-quality countertops from granite, marble, and other natural stones. For a contemporary look, some countertops include recycled glass and metallic flecks.
2. Durability:
One of the main reasons people buy countertops is because they are ultra-durable. If you’re looking for a material that won’t crack, scratch or chip easily, quartz is the way to go.
When the Italian firm Breton invented the engineered quartz stone creation process in 1963, their goal was to harness the natural abundance of quartz to create a more durable material than stone.
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3. Not porous:
Unlike natural stones which have microscopic pores throughout, engineered countertops are non-porous. Worse still, germs and bacteria can enter the pores, making cleaning and disinfection difficult. For this reason, homeowners with natural stone countertops are required to keep them properly sealed.
4. Low maintenance:
As factory-made composites, countertops are homogeneous and non-porous. This clears them of the types of stains that can weaken natural stone slabs and eliminates the need to seal the surface. Quartz are more hygienic, making them an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
5. Ease of design:
Designing with countertops is easier than with natural stone because the tile samples are real representations. The material you see online or in-store looks exactly like what you will see at home. This is generally not the case with natural stone, as no two stone slabs are alike.
6. Cost:
Quartz countertops supplier always mention that the cost of installing natural stone and quartz is about the same. Depending on the quality of the material and the complexity of the work, expect to pay $ 100 to $ 200 per square foot. (For comparison, the average cost of a plastic laminate countertop is about $ 50 per square foot.)
Cons of quartz countertops:
While quartz offers huge benefits, you should first consider its drawbacks before making your decision.
1. Weather and heat resistance:
Although countertops resist stains better than natural stone. They should not be using for outdoors as long-term exposure to sunlight will cause damage. Also, countertops are more sensitive to heat. So it should be placing hot spots in the kitchen or hot styling appliances in the bathroom.
2. Size limits:
Standard quartzite slabs are 65.5 inches wide and 132 inches long, so large countertops require a seam. Granite and other natural stones have no such size limitations. Use these pros and cons as a starting point and make your work plan decision based on what works best for your lifestyle and budget.
Conclusion:
When comparing the pros and cons of quartz countertops, its pros seem to outweigh its drawbacks. While expensive and stylish for indoor use only, it is very durable, requires little or no maintenance, and can be the perfect countertop that complements your design and artistic aspirations.
