There was a time when the go-to material for luxury countertops was granite, but that seems to have changed in recent years. Granite is still very popular for its durability and its beauty, but many homeowners are opting for quartz countertops instead. Not only can quartz mimic the look of granite, but it has many advantages that make it perfect for kitchen countertops.
Although quartz is a natural stone surface, quartz countertops are manufactured. They are comprised of 90 to 95 percent stone and 5 to 10 percent polymer resin. The resin acts as a binder and is often mixed with pigments to add color to the countertops. This gives manufacturers greater freedom to customize the countertops to suit a kitchen’s decor. The fabrication process of quartz countertops has also improved greatly over the years to produce something that is almost identical to the look of natural granite.
Quartz countertops also have the advantage of being nonporous, unlike natural granite countertops. Not only does this make quartz countertops much easier to clean with soap and water, but they are far more stain-resistant than other stone surfaces. A finished quartz countertop is also sealed, so there is no need to apply a sealant to protect your countertop from stains and spills. Darker colors in quartz surfaces can fade over time if they are exposed to too much sunlight, so you might want to opt for lighter colors if your kitchen has a lot of large windows.
Another reason quartz countertops have become so popular in 2020 is that they tend to be more environmentally-friendly than other stone surfaces. For example, granite countertops are made from solid slabs of granite that need to be mined from a quarry and cut down to size. This takes a lot of energy and isn’t always environmentally sustainable. On the other hand, quartz countertops don’t require nearly as much stone as granite countertops. Some quartz countertops have even been made from recycled material, making them an even “greener” option than other stone countertops.
Quartz countertops are among the most versatile, durable and low-maintenance luxury countertops on the market, which is why they have become so popular over the last several years. If you’re interested in installing new countertops in your kitchen or bathroom, the experts at Marble Unlimited will be happy to help you find what you need. Contact us today for more information about our stone countertops.