Natural quartz and resin bonding materials are used to make quartz countertops. The manufacturing process can be customized to suit your needs and design preference.
Resin-bonded Quartz is non-porous and great for households with small children or pets, as it’s more stain and scratch resistant than Granite or Marble due to the particular material used in its production.
The wide selection of colors and finishes makes finding the right match for your room’s style easier. The quartz countertops have many benefits, including being non-porous, strong, heat resistant, scratch-resistant, and having antibacterial properties.
What are the Advantages of Using Quartz in Construction?
Maintenance Free for Many Years
Unlike wood, laminates, or other surfaces that are prone to wear over time, Quartz is intense, and its non-porous nature means spills are easily wiped away. The surface will not fade in sunlight, so you don’t need to worry about it getting ruined even after years of use.
Easy to Clean and Resistant to Germs
The non-porous nature of Quartz means it is exceptionally resistant to germs and bacteria. It requires little maintenance, making it an ideal surface for use in a household with small children or pets. It can be easily wiped and doesn’t need harsh chemicals that might damage the surface.
Fire Resistant
Quartz is a fire-resistant material, making it an ideal choice for construction in places with a potential fire risk.
Durable and Scratch Resistant
Quartz has been known to have one of the highest abrasion and impact resistance of any stone used by man. It can not be scratched easily and can be chipped only by rigid objects. Its high hardness makes it resistant to heat, scratches, stains, mold, or mildew.
What are the Different Types of Quartz Countertops Available?
Quartz is available in many different colors, which offer a wide range of styles to choose from. The surface finish can also be customized to suit your needs. There are a few different types of finishes available:
Silestone
Silestone is a quartz surface with minimal natural variations. The finishes allow easy maintenance and create an elegant look with neutral tones that fit into any room design scheme. It is available in a wide range of colors and is scratch-resistant.
MixStone
MixStone is a quartz surface with a unique visual texture created by various patterns. MixStone offers the best quality, durability, and design. The finish also makes it easy to clean and maintain the countertops. It’s available in a vast palette of vibrant colors designed to be versatile enough to work with different room styles and design schemes.
Black Galaxy
Black Galaxy is a quartz countertop with a unique black color, which gives it a stylish and luxurious look. The finish has a high resistance to heat and scratches, making it durable enough for any kitchen use.
Silver Gray
The silver-gray finish on Quartz offers a sleek and elegant appearance that can enhance the look of any kitchen or bathroom. The finish is scratch-resistant and makes it easy to clean and maintain the surface.
What is the difference between Quartz and Granite Countertops?
Granite comes from igneous rock that’s been formed underneath the ground. It can be found in various colors and grains, making it easy to find a color and design scheme that will complement your room. It is more stain-resistant than Silestone but not as scratch-resistant. It is also more expensive than Silestone.
Quartz comes from metamorphic rocks, which are created by intense heat and pressure. It’s formed when layers of sandstone or limestone are subjected to these conditions over thousands of years.
The unique material can be dyed in numerous colors, with no variation between the different stones used. It is the ideal choice for building projects with consistent design schemes and larger orders. Quartz countertops are considered more affordable than granite countertops.
What is the difference between Quartz and Marble Countertops?
Marble comes from metamorphic rock, which has been formed by intense heat and pressure. It takes thousands of years to form, while Quartz can be created in a few hours. Quartz is more scratch-resistant than marble which makes it easier to clean and maintain.
Quartz has a higher heat resistance than marble, which means it will not get damaged when exposed to the high temperatures often used in kitchens. In contrast, many kitchen appliances can damage marble countertops if they’re left on them for too long.
What is the distinction between Quartz and Silestone Countertops?
Both Quartz and Silestone tops are engineered stones that can be used as countertops. These types of stone offer high durability and resistance to scratches, stains, mold or mildew, heat, and impact damage due to their composite materials.
Silestone is an ideal surface for heavy-use areas and families with children and pets. It’s more stain and scratch-resistant than Quartz but not as heat-resistant.
Quartz countertops offer a variety of colors to choose from with a matte finish which can be used as a primary material or as an accent color in the kitchen. Silestone is available in a limited number of quartz-like colors, and it’s more expensive than Quartz.
What is the difference between Quartz and Engineered Stone Countertops?
Engineered stone countertops are generally less durable than Quartz. They’re made from natural minerals like feldspar, kaolin, calcite, or mica, ground into a fine powder. This is mixed with resin, pigments, and various additives to create the final countertop.
Engineered stone has a lower heat resistance than Quartz, which can be damaged by hot objects left on it for extended periods. It also takes longer to install than quartz countertops because it requires more support underneath the surface.
Is Quartz better than Granite?
I’m not sure if there is a simple answer to this question because quartz and granite countertops have unique pros and cons. Granite is an ideal material for heavy-use areas in the kitchen like the countertop or island.
It’s more scratch-resistant than Quartz but can be stained in some cases when it comes in contact with acidic substances like lemon juice or tomato sauce.
Quartz countertops are more affordable than Granite. They can be dyed in a more significant number of colors, making them ideal for homeowners that want to add some diversity to their kitchen design schemes. Quartz is also easier to clean and maintain because it doesn’t get stained as easily as Granite.
There is no single countertop material that will be perfect for every homeowner. You should carefully consider your needs and how you want to use the kitchen before deciding on this sensitive issue.
Can I clean my Quartz countertop with Clorox?
No, bleach and other household chemicals should never be used on Quartz because they can damage the material. You should avoid using harsh abrasives on your Quartz countertop as well. Harsh chemicals and abrasives will strip the surface of its color and shine.
Instead, you should use special products designed for Quartz countertops to maintain their beauty and shine. You can buy cleaning solutions from your local hardware store or online suppliers, or you can use a mild dishwashing liquid mixed with room temperature water.
Quartz countertops are designed to be low-maintenance surfaces that require minimal care, but they have limitations. They should never be used as cutting boards because they can be scratched and stained by knives or other sharp objects.
It would be best to avoid using harsh chemicals on them, as they can damage the surface. Quartz countertops are a popular option for kitchen remodeling in Denver, CO, since they are low-maintenance surfaces that require little maintenance.
You should always check your manufacturer’s installation instructions before you buy quartz countertops for your kitchen.
What are the negatives of quartz countertops?
There are some potential drawbacks of choosing quartz countertops. Some homeowners have noticed a slight difference in color between the end caps and the surface of their countertop.
This usually only occurs when the stone is not mixed with pigments at the time of production, in which case it can’t be dyed in any other colors either. This is a rare problem that usually happens when the supplier hasn’t used enough dye.
Another disadvantage of choosing Quartz over other countertops like natural stone or engineered stone is its higher price tag. Quartz will cost more than Granite, engineered stone, or laminate countertops which can be another obstacle if you’re on a tight budget for your kitchen renovation.
Is it possible to repair Quartz countertops?
Not all quartz countertop problems can be repaired. If you accidentally chip your quartz surface, using an epoxy filler compound is the only way to fix the problem.
The other damage that cannot be repaired easily is caused by staining or mold, and mildew. If these substances are left untreated for an extended period, then the damage might be permanent.
If you recognize any of these issues in your Quartz countertops, you should contact a professional installer to resolve the issue. The better job they do with repairing or replacing your countertop surface, the less likely it is that the problem will reoccur in the future.
Can the weather in Denver, CO, affect Quartz countertops?
Yes, Quartz countertops can be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. If the climate is too hot or dry, it might damage your countertop surfaces by cracking them.
Suppose you’re going to install quartz countertops in a home that has a freezing winter with lots of snowfall. In that case, you should consider using a protective sealer to prevent the surface from being damaged by sub-freezing weather conditions.
The heat can also affect your countertops if it is too close, making them expand and contract with changes in humidity levels. The only way you can prevent Quartz countertops from changing temperature too quickly is by installing a backsplash that protects them from direct sunlight and heat.
