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A good countertop in the kitchen or bathroom should be beautiful, easy to clean, and durable. These are the boxes that many homeowners want to check – and the good news is that quartz checks all of them.
Over the years, quartz has been consistently gaining popularity with remodelers all over the nation, holding its own even against popular stones like granite and marble.
Quartz is a hard material that’s most often found used on kitchen and bathroom countertops. It’s a man-made material, composed mostly of natural quartz but with a small percentage of additives (polymers and resins) mixed in that act as permanent sealants. Because of these components that seal up the pores of quartz, you don’t have to worry about resealing periodically. It happens once during the fabrication process, then never again.
Because quartz is a man-made product, you’re much less likely to find imperfections in the slabs – this stone is known for its uniform, seamless look. Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz doesn’t come with that degree of unpredictability.
Additionally, we have written an article about quartz countertop brands, which you will find very interesting if you are looking for new quartz materials.
The process of forming these countertops from quartz and resins was coined in Italy by a company called Breton, which was started by a man named Marcello Toncelli.
Many companies that make quartz countertops use Toncelli’s patent to create their own version of quartz, which is where types of quartz like Corian and Silestone stem from.
There are many great things about quartz countertops, and if you’re interested in learning more, stop in and talk to one of our experts. But for a quick rundown on what people love about quartz countertops, here is a list of their impressive benefits:
Quartz has the ability to mimic the aesthetic of natural stone to a near-flawless degree. Unlike laminate, the appearance of quartz is three-dimensional and deep. Many people are drawn to it simply by looks alone, without knowing the other great benefits.
Because quartz is so hard, it makes a good work surface in the kitchen or in the bathroom. It’s composed mostly of minerals, which add to its hardness.
Quartz is easier for installers to work with because it’s a predictable material, meaning that it doesn’t have many imperfections. Iit also produces less waste.
If you’re working on a tight budget, quartz may not be the best option – since it is such a high quality material, the price tag will typically show it.
But even though quartz costs more up front, these countertops are a worthy investment. It’s very unlikely that they will ever need to be replaced, and you don’t have to spend much on their maintenance. Not only that, quartz countertops can also raise the resale value of your home should you decide to sell in the future.
The low maintenance factor is something that people commonly reference when talking about quartz. Here’s are the dos and don’ts surrounding the care and upkeep of your quartz countertop:
Do: Wipe up spills with a wet cloth as soon as they occur. Quartz may be nonporous, but substances like wine and coffee can stain the surface if you allow them to dry.
Don’t: Clean your countertop with abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can dull the surface of your quartz.
Do: Use an all-purpose cleaner or mild household cleaner for everyday countertop cleaning.
Don’t: Use or spill materials that are acidic or high-alkaline. Quartz can tolerate cleaners that fall into the mid-pH range, but cleaners that are on either end of the pH spectrum can dull its shine. Avoid substances like: drain cleaners, oven cleaners, acetone, paint remover, solvents, bleach, or dishwasher rinse agents. Our tip is that if you’re not sure if something is safe for quartz, choose something else!
Do: Use a sponge or non-scratch nylon pad to scrub off sticky food residue.
Don’t: Use a metal knife to remove hardened food, use a plastic putty knife instead.
Do: Use spray glass cleaner after wiping down your quartz countertop, then buff the surface with a clean towel.
Don’t: Chop and dice food directly on your countertop. Use a cutting board to prevent the knife from causing scratches in the stone.
Do: Use a kitchen degreasing cleaner to tackle tough grease stains, then wipe it away after 5-10 minutes with a damp cloth.
Don’t: Set hot pots and pans directly on the surface of quartz, as this could cause discoloration and cracking. Always use hot pads and trivets.
If you’re interested in investing in a quartz countertop in Chappel Hill, Marble Unlimited is the place to go. Contact us at (919) 596-2325 to schedule a consultation for more information.
