Quartz countertops are engineered from approximately 93% natural quartz, blended with advanced polymer resins and colourfast pigments to create an elegant, durable work surface. Once the quartz block is baked, it is loaded into a gang saw to be sliced. Then the slabs are polished on one face and prepared for shipment. Once at the stone fabricator, the quartz slabs can be finished with any custom countertop edge, based on customer preference. Quartz countertops come standard in a polished finished, and can be customized with a honed finish as well. Additionally, some quartz manufacturers offer a leathered finish for some colors.
Quartz is extremely solid, making it resistant to acids that may cause stains or etching in other materials. Quartz countertops generally do not need sealing and minimal maintenance will have them gleaming for many years. You also want to avoid using cleaners with wax, oils (like Murphy’s Oil Soap), and polish or high-PH formulas. If you do spill liquids such as wine, tea or lemon juice, take action quickly to clean stains. When chopping, use proper cutting boards to protect your quartz. As quartz is not recognized as a highly heat resistant product, you want to always place hot dishes on a trivet.
When comparing different countertop materials, it’s helpful to look at the pros and cons of each. Quartz countertops are similar to granite in terms of durability, and both will last for many years with regular cleaning and little maintenance. They also share such qualities as tolerance to scratches and protection from stains, so they’re ideal in kitchens and bathrooms. Where marble has its own beauty and appeal, it isn’t typically compared to a granite or quartz for durability.
Quartz countertops may be costly compared to laminates, ceramic tile, or solid surface countertops. When compared to granite and marble, quartz is typically a little higher in pricing. This is dependant mostly on the color, pattern, or slabs selected.
