Everything You Need to Know About Quartz Countertop ...

Quartz countertop slabs appeared on the market as an alternative to stone that wouldn&#;t easily crack or break. They are created by mixing ground quartz minerals with resins and pigments and then molding it into a slab. Early quartz countertops were only available in cream and brown colors, despite the versatility of the pigments added to make it look appealing.  

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Caesarstone has been manufacturing quality quartz countertop slabs (composed of as much as 93% loose quartz), available in a variation of beautiful colors, patterns, and finishes since . 

In this article, we discuss why a quartz countertop is worth the investment if you&#;re considering remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. 

Making of Quartz Countertop Slabs 

Quartz is a less expensive alternative to conventional stone countertops like marble and granite. In addition to quartz minerals, quartz countertop slabs include up to 15% resin (an artificial type of plastic). Contrary to common opinion, poor quality quartz will inevitably lead to scratches and burns on the surface. 

Advantages of Quartz Countertop Slabs 

To determine if quartz countertops are worth the investment, you must first realize the advantages of quartz over other materials. 

• For more than 50 years in the industry, this product has earned the confidence of its customers. It has proved to be a tough and durable material across a wide range of applications. 

• The quartz countertop slab is prized for its opulent shine. It brings elegance and value to your home. Its beauty is almost identical to that of a naturally formed stone. 

• Quartz countertop slabs are made of durable synthetic material. Why is it so tough? It is comprised of 70-90% pulverized minerals and 10-30% cement-based resin binders. As a result of the manufacturing process, it is known as an engineered or compound stone. 

• These quartz countertop slabs have resin binders, making them less brittle and more scratch-resistant than granite. Quartz countertops are non-porous and require no additional sealants. 

• Quartz countertop slabs, like many stones, add to the resale value of a home. 

• These countertops are much more non-porous compared to marble, concrete, or granite. This is a huge plus in terms of hygiene. The non-porous nature makes it highly difficult for molds, viruses, and bacteria to develop.  

• As compared to granite, this mineral offers more layout and customization options. As quartz countertops are chemically made, they have fewer imperfections, resulting in less waste. 

Sanitation and Maintenance Tips for Quartz Countertop Slabs 

Quartz countertops are especially easy to clean and maintain, owing to their resin-based composition. They need little to no upkeep and can be washed simply with soap and a damp cloth. When it comes to quartz countertop treatment, there are a few things to bear in mind. 

• Acid-based spills, such as ketchup, lemon juice, champagne, coffee, and so on, must be cleaned up quickly. 

• For difficult-to-remove stains, a damp cloth and a mild cleaner will be required. 

• It is essential to stay away from harsh chemical cleaners. They can break down resin attachments and compromise the purity of the product. 

• Dish soap should not be used excessively because it can dull the slab&#;s luster. 

• Quartz is extremely hard, but it is easily scratched. A cutting board is recommended at all times. 

• To avoid temperature disruption, use a hot pad or trivets. 

Factors to consider while buying Quartz Countertop Slabs 

Given the proliferation of various products on the market, these countertops seem to be more accessible and affordable. Several brands claim to sell the best quartz countertops so it is necessary for buyers to consider important factors like prices, warranties, slab sizes, and styles that each brand offers.  

In order to finalize and purchase the best quartz countertop slabs for your house, consider the following factors. 

• Pricing and Cost of the Quartz Countertop Slabs 

Different products have different prices, which is influenced by a number of factors. The sophistication of the model, slab size, distribution, and other associated expenses are some of these variables. 

• Warranty Period of different brands 

Each brand&#;s after-sale service is unique, and it represents the brand&#;s promise. Similarly, the manufacturer warranty and terms of exchange warranty services are distinct. Caesarstone offers a lifetime warranty for all its design but the Outdoor Collection (10 years). 

• Quartz Countertop Slab Sizes 

Quartz slab seams can be noticeable and should be repaired so that they aren&#;t prominent. Always use a slab broad enough to cover all or most of your surface with minimal seams. 

• Modeling, Design, and Styling of the Quartz Countertop Slabs 

Each brand has its look, feel, and pattern. At the end of the day, what brand you choose is largely determined by your personal preferences. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Quartz Countertop Slabs 

Is quartz a natural stone? 

No, quartz is engineered. Around 90-95% is ground quartz and the rest is made up of resins, polymers, and pigments. It is formed into large slabs. The quartz minerals are derived from the earth but the resulting slabs are not natural.  

Do quartz countertops need to be sealed? 

No, quartz countertops are non-porous, and sealing them is not mandatory. It has a built-in seal thanks to silicon dioxide, coloring agents, and bonding resins. 

Where can you use quartz in your homes? 

Your home can benefit from a quartz countertop in the kitchen and bathroom. Quartz can also be used on vanity tops, bar tops, desks (both office and home), etc. It can be used anywhere and now you can even take the luxury of quartz outside with Caesarstone&#;s Outdoor Collection.     

Conclusion 

The key benefit of quartz is the wide range of design and color choices available. Depending on your preferences, these designs can be a solid color or a more intricate pattern with flecks and veining. This mineral also has numerous applications. Countertops, backsplashes, over-hung, wall-hung, and vanity tops are all viable options.  

Caesarstone provides 53 designs and eight edges. Our slabs come in many finishes and textures, including natural, polished, honed, concrete, and rough. Visit us today to learn more about our quartz countertops for your home.   

   Quartz Counters Solid Surface Counters Stone byproducts or similar 93-percent 66-percent Binders 7-percent 33-percent TOTAL 100-percent 100-percent

Even if you are not familiar with quartz as a name for this material, you may be familiar with its more prosaic name: engineered stone counters. 

In simple terms, quartz counters are 93-percent made up of stone-like materials and 7-percent of binders that are either plastic-like (polymeric) or cement-based. Of those stone-like materials, quartz is only one of many substances.

These stone-like materials provide quartz counters with the solidity, durability, and lack of porosity needed for the heavy demands of cooking. Some manufacturers also combine antibacterial substances to help keep the counters cleaner and more hygienic.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Attractive appearance: For many buyers, the chief benefit of the quartz countertop is its natural luster. Unlike laminate, quartz has a deep, almost three-dimensional appearance, much like natural stone. While quartz and solid surface look similar, solid surface tends to have a slightly more dull appearance than quartz and doesn't have as much of quartz's 3D quality.
• Hardness: Quartz is extremely hard and makes for a good work surface. It is largely composed of minerals (contrasted with solid surface counters which are about 33-percent inorganic binding resins and 66-percent natural minerals). Laminate in no way rivals quartz in this area, because of laminate's particleboard wood base layer, which gives it a hollow feeling.
• Few imperfections: Slab granite is a natural product, taken straight from the earth and sliced into sheets, so it is expected that the slab will have imperfections. Installers have an easier time dealing with quartz than they do with granite because it is a predictable material and produces less waste product. Any imperfections in quartz would have occurred during the manufacturing process.

Cons

• Cost: Cost is the greatest hindrance to installing quartz counters in your home. At its very lowest, quartz counter materials start at $50 and $75 per square foot but can rise as high as $200 per square foot.
• Heat deformation: Though quartz is a very hard, majority-mineral product, it still can scorch or deform if subjected to extremely high temperatures.
• Professional installation, not DIY: While it's debatable if DIYers can install some types of countertops, there is no debate with quartz materials. Do-it-yourselfers rarely, if ever, install their own quartz countertops.

Quartz Countertops vs. Other Countertop Materials

Quartz's closest rival is solid surface countertop material, as both employ stone-like materials. Quartz is not to be confused with laminate, a material mainly composed of paper and plastic and applied to a particleboard base.

For a similar look but at lower prices, try solid surface. One benefit of solid surface over quartz countertops is that minor scratches in solid surface can be sanded out. Some homeowners like the softer feel of solid surface, too. Solid surface can be fabricated to a matte texture, if desired.

Tip

The Italian company Breton patented the process of forming solid surfaces from quartz and resins. All quartz counter brands emanate from this single company. This single company was started by one man, Marcello Toncelli. His company's name, Brevetti Toncelli (roughly meaning Toncelli Patents), was condensed to Breton (Bre = Brevetti, Ton=Toncelli).

Quartz Countertop Appearance

Since quartz countertops are engineered, almost any type of color can be brought out on the surface by means of pigmentation. Not only that but other types of materials such as stone and glass can be incorporated into this quartz-resin slurry.

Other materials found in quartz countertops include granite, marble and natural stone in general. These materials come from either crushed waste stone from quarries or recycled industrial waste. Waste includes fragments of ceramic, silica, glass, mirrors, or more.

Cost of Quartz Countertops

Quartz counters are rarely inexpensive, even compared to other high-cost alternatives such as natural slab granite. Expect prices to begin at $50 and $75 per square foot, with some costs rising up to $200 per square foot.

Though quartz countertops have a higher upfront cost, this cost is usually balanced out by quartz's tendency to last for years longer than other countertop materials and with fewer maintenance issues.

Quartz countertops consistently bring in high resale values. Quartz countertops are valued by homebuyers, and they are generally considered to be a plus in any kitchen or bathroom.

Quartz Countertop Brands

Numerous companies such as Cosentino (Silestone), DuPont, Cambria, and others used Breton&#;s patent for their own type of quartz countertops. For example, DuPont's version of the quartz countertop is called Corian Quartz (formerly Zodiaq). Silestone's quartz is simply Silestone (since this is their flagship product).

• Cambria
• Caesarstone
• Dupont Zodiaq
• Silestone
  

Should You Buy a Quartz Countertop?

For anyone who wants a granite countertop, it is worth investigating quartz counters as an alternative. Quartz has as much of an attractive chaotic appearance as does natural stone, but without stone's physical unpredictability.

Few imperfections in quartz materials show because its manufacture is controlled. When natural stone has imperfections, the stone is either culled out or the imperfections are filled in. Because quartz counters are made from a slurry of materials, natural imperfections are engineered out.

As a more premium product than solid surface, quartz material is considered a step up in furnishing your kitchen or bathroom.

Want more information on quartz stone? Feel free to contact us.