When it comes to kitchen worktops, homeowners often want the look of marble along with the durability of granite. Engineered materials such as quartz provide a solution to this request. While you can never replicate the unique look of natural stone, the combination of beauty and function provided in a quartz countertop creates a superior product.
Homeowners who love the beauty of marble but do not want to deal with the extra effort needed to care for natural marble can use quartz countertops exclusively as their worktop surface. Instead of using large sheets of stone as you would with quartz and granite, quartz surfaces are constructed by mixing together ground-up quartz crystals with polymer resins and synthetic pigments. The final product is a beautiful, solid, highly durable, non-porous surface that offers uniform colour and pattern.
Why Quartz Countertops Are a Popular Choice?
Quartz does not require sealing due to its manufacturing process. Quartz is also less susceptible to staining or absorbing moisture when compared to either natural marble or granite. While natural quartz minerals are one of the hardest materials found in nature, quartz countertop surfaces receive their strength from the combination of quartz and the polymer bond created during the manufacturing processes.
Quartz has the added advantage of being manufactured and finished to specified dimensions rather than cut from slabs. Therefore, quartz countertops are simple to maintain and provide a cost-effective option for modern kitchen worktops.
Features of Quartz Countertops
- They are solid surfaces, created from a combination of natural quartz crystals plus resin and pigment, and thus are very strong.
- These surfaces are extremely tough, designed to withstand the rigour of everyday kitchen/bathroom use.
- They do not contain any holes, which means that they are non-porous and will therefore not absorb any liquid spills or stains.
- Unlike many types of natural stone, quartz has no need for a protective sealant to maintain its quality.
- They are available in a broad spectrum of colours, ranging from White to Grey and many marble effect worktops.
- Every slab will be generally similar in colour and pattern, which allows them to be installed with a consistent, clean finish.
- Quartz resists stains, scratches, and water damage.
- Quartz countertops are suited for very high use, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
How to Care for and Maintain Quartz Countertops
- Clean quartz kitchen worktops on a daily basis with warm water, soap, and soft cloths.
- Always wipe up spills (especially those that contain alcohol, coffee, or any oils) immediately so that your countertop remains free of stains.
- Avoid cleaning products that use harsh chemicals or are abrasive, as both will dull the surface of the countertop.
- Should not be scrubbed with scouring pads or rough sponges - both of which may scratch the surface.
- Place trivets or heat pads under hot pots/pans to protect the quartz from thermal damage.
- Do not cut directly onto the countertop to avoid abrasive wear on the Quartz Surface and damage to your knives.
Are Quartz Worktops Worth Investing In?
When it comes to interior design and choosing what to spend your money on as a homeowner, you want to find something that will last. The answer for most homeowners will be yes! Quartz worktops offer great long-term value because they are durable, require little to no maintenance, and have a timeless appearance. While the initial price of a quartz worktop may be higher than some other options, the reduced amount of ongoing care and repairs typically makes a quartz worktop's long-term price much less than other surfaces.
For families and kitchens that have a lot of use, quartz surfaces will be appealing because of their resistance to stains, scratches, and moisture. In addition, quartz surfaces are becoming an important item if you plan on selling your home; as more and more buyers look for modern and easy-care surfaces, having a quartz surface will increase your property's resale value.
In addition to being able to use quartz surfaces in different ways to achieve whatever look you desire, including minimalist styles, marble-inspired, or bold contemporary colours, they also offer flexibility in design.
A Smart Choice for Modern Living
Investing in a countertop made from quartz provides an opportunity for your home or business to have a countertop surface that looks great and will continue to look fantastic after years of day-to-day use. The great features of quartz make it simple to maintain, along with its long-term value, therefore, investing in quartz worktops should be a smart and sound decision when you are deciding on a countertop for your kitchen or bathroom.