Have you ever wondered how quartz countertops are made? Unlike marble or granite, these countertops aren’t retrieved from one of the many quarries worldwide. Although quartz is made from a natural material, it is classified as an engineered countertop, meaning it was manufactured.
One of the benefits of quartz being manufactured is that customers can customize it much more than granite or marble.
Another benefit is that it is typically cheaper than granite or marble. Continue reading to learn more about how quartz countertops are made and how it becomes part of your kitchen or bathroom decor.
How Quartz Countertops Are Made
Quartz isn’t cut out of the ground and brought to the surface like marble and granite. But quartz is mined similarly to these natural stones. The quartz minerals are retrieved from underground near the earth’s crust.
The minerals may come out of the earth in varying sizes, but they are all ground down into a fine powder. The powder is mixed with a binder and pigment with a ratio of approximately 93 percent quartz and seven percent of the binder material and pigments to color the quartz.
The ingredients get whipped together in an industrial mixer and laid into rubber molds. The quartz is then placed in a machine that vibrates and levels it. Additionally, all the air is removed, making it non-porous, unlike marble and granite. Making quartz non-porous makes it less likely to absorb stains and bacteria.
The quartz is finally put into a high-heat oven until it forms the hard slabs that most people see in their kitchens or bathrooms. The hardness of quartz makes it less likely to scratch. After making the quartz countertop, manufacturers then cut it, edge it, and perform quality checks to ensure that it’s ready for installation.
Can I Customize Quartz Countertops?
One of the wonderful things about quartz countertops is that they are much more customizable than marble or granite. Quartz is naturally white, but it’s mixed with pigments during the creation process to give it color. So, if customers want quartz customized to their liking, they pick different colors. As a result, there is a myriad of color choices ranging from pink to blue.
Another way that customers can customize their countertops is by changing the edging. There are several edges to choose from, including straight edge, half bevel edge, quarter round edge, and ogee, to name a few.
Finally, another way that customers can customize their quartz countertops is by the finish. Many choose to get a polished finish which is a shiny look. However, not all customers want a glossy look. Therefore, they opt for a matte finish that is honed or textured. Or they may choose a more rustic leather finish.
What to Expect with Quartz Installation
After choosing the perfect piece of quartz for your bathroom or kitchen countertop, the next step is installation. First, the slab you select for your space has to be fabricated. This means that your stone will need to be cut to fit your space.
During your initial consultation, a design consultant will gather all the measurements for the slab. They will use these measurements to know how to cut the slab down to size and where to cut openings, such as the opening for the sink. On the day of installation, the team will carefully bring in each piece of quartz and affix it to the cabinets. In some cases, the existing cabinets may need reinforcements to withstand the weight of quartz.
Installation may take several hours, with good reason as it needs precision for a perfect installation. About 24 hours after installation, your countertops will be ready for use.
A Few Tips on Keeping Quartz Countertops Looking Their Best
One of the advantages of quartz countertops compared to natural stone is that they don’t require much maintenance. Quartz countertops won’t need sealing like marble and granite.
To clean them, you can use a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Make sure that the detergents don’t have acidic or abrasive ingredients. You should clean them as soon as you spill food or drink on them to avoid staining or other damage. Otherwise, cleaning them once daily is enough.
Although quartz is hard, this doesn’t mean it is indestructible. Whenever cutting on them, it’s best to use a cutting board. Additionally, you should avoid allowing hot items to contact your quartz countertops since this can scorch them. It is a good idea to use a trivet to keep the hot item from directly getting on the surface.
Quartz Countertops for Your Remodel
Are you considering getting quartz installed in your kitchen or bathroom? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover why we are one of the most trusted countertop fabrication and installation companies in the Richmon, Virginia area.
Based in Oak Creek, Alpha Stone has been exceeding customer expectations with the most beautiful countertop renovations in kitchens, bathrooms and more. We specialize in granite countertops, quartz and marble with the highest quality work and products. We make it easy, housing everything you need for your kitchen countertop remodel in one place.
Visit our countertop store and speak with a design specialist today. Our countertop selection is second to none!
Alpha Stone is the best Quartz Granite Marble Countertop fabricator in Richmond, Virginia. We offer customers many options to choose the best match for their countertop projects with a contemporary style.
Alpha Stone serves in Manchester, South Richmond, Montrose, Williamson Farms, Varina, Highland Springs, East Highland Park, Sandston, Mechanicsville, Atlee, Dumbarton, Lakeside, Chamberlayne, Glen Allen, Laurel, Henrico, Innsbrook, Short Pump, Tuckahoe, West Broad Village, Stony Point, Lorraine, Bon Air, Midlothian, North Chesterfield, Rockwood, Afton, Chester, Bensley, Bellwood, Ampthill Virginia.
Get in touch with us today to receive a free estimate for your custom kitchen countertop!