The History

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.

The Benefits

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:

They’re attractive

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.

Quartz is a hard material

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.

Very little imperfections, if any at all

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.

The Cost

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 Upkeep

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.

Your Quartz Countertop

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.