Customers have many options to choose from when looking for a countertop. Natural stones like granite, marble, and soapstone are all popular, as are engineered options like ceramic tile, laminate and stainless steel. Every type of counter surface has advantages and disadvantages that customers should consider before making a decision. One of the most striking of these is quartz countertops.
The most current trends in countertops are all things stone such as granite, quartz and marble and they are probably here to stay. However, as a staple in home design and décor, quartz seems to be the star at the moment and for good reason.
So, what are the pros of quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops are durable, stain resistant, and easily customizable, especially when compared to some of the other choices for stone counter surfacing.
Perhaps you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or weighing the different options as you shop for your first home. Regardless of the reason, it’s worth learning all the benefits of quartz countertops before moving forward.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are actually a manmade or “engineered stone” and are not a naturally occurring stone cut from a quarry like marble or granite. Quartz counters are made by mixing finely crushed rock with plastic polymers and fusing them together under high heat to produce smooth slabs. The resulting product mimics the appearance of natural stone but its synthetic nature gives it many advantages.
Stain Resistant
One of quartz’s unique properties is its resistance to stains. Live rock countertops like granite are porous and spills need to be wiped up quickly to prevent liquid from seeping into the stone and discoloring it. Natural stone surfaces need to be cleaned daily to disinfect them and prevent bacteria or stains from seeping into the rock.
Homeowners are limited in the products they can use to clean natural stone, since some common cleaners will damage the stone’s grain and color. Natural stone counters also need to be resealed every year to further protect them from stains. No such procedures are needed for quartz: the polymer-bonded material means that it is effectively permanently sealed.
Environmentally Friendly
Since it uses crushed rock, quartz may be seen as a green alternative to the energy-intensive process of cutting and transporting fresh deposits of granite or marble. Quartz countertops are between 90 and 95 percent ground stone, with the remainder being bonding materials like plastic and resins. Stone content may include not only quartz itself but also recycled natural stone and industrial materials such as ceramics.
Durable
Many popular stone options carry the risk of being cracked, chipped, scratched or otherwise damaged. Quartz is durable and can withstand more wear and heavier objects. It is also much more heat resistant. In addition to improved heat and stress resistance, quartz is also far less likely to contain the small imperfections that plague natural stone countertops like pitting, cracks, fissures and discoloration.
Customizable
Customers shopping for quartz are not as constrained as they are when shopping for cutting granite or marble. Quartz can be made to order and technicians can meet demand for specific dimensions, including single corners, and waterfall edges.
The waterfall edge is the feature where the quartz covers the countertop and wraps the edges at 90-degree angle. Quartz countertops offer both natural looks and a choice of colors and finishes to match a kitchen’s decor.
Easily Repaired
Unexpectedly, a quartz counter can be damaged. In this case, a new piece of quartz can be produced with relative precision. Replacing natural stone countertops is much more difficult. Because the new boards need to match the color and grain of the counter almost perfectly.
Summary
Quartz countertops offer many advantages to the customer. Quartz counters are durable, stain-resistant, and easily customized to customer specifications. Of course, as with any material there are negative aspects as well as positive. When all information is considered, quartz countertops are a great choice for any kitchen.
Our vast experience in countertop fabrication includes working with marble, granite and quartz in all colors, patterns, and thickness. Visit our showroom and speak with a design specialist about your countertop replacement today!
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.
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