Quartz Countertops
A Stronger, More Durable Alternative To Granite
Quartz countertops are a less expensive alternative to granite. They have the appearance of natural stone without the upkeep, and they even compete with granite. Quartz countertops, which are composed of one of the most durable minerals on earth, are perhaps the most long-lasting kitchen worktops. They’re also some of the most noticeable. They come in a range of hues, including fire-engine red and apple green, as well as earthy browns, blacks, and creams with sparkles and veining that mimic granite or marble. Unlike natural-stone slabs, which are dug out of the ground, these slabs are manufactured in a factory.
Is quartz more beneficial than granite?
Quartz is the main component, and polyester resins (about 94 percent) are used to bind and color it. Small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks are sometimes included in the mix for some designs. Staining and scratching are prevented by the resins, which also make these counters stain and scratch resistant. They’re also nonporous, so they don’t need to be maintained.Granite, the dynasty king of high-end countertops, requires a new protective coating at least once a year.
Authenticity
The disadvantage of quartz in the past has been that it does not have the patterns and color variations found in natural stone. That’s not an issue now, with all the producers providing multicolored slabs that are nearly indistinguishable from real granite countertops. They also come with the same warranties as other countertops, usually 25 years for residential use. Manufacturers will tell you that quartz is nearly indestructible and has an infinite number of choices; it’s one of those rare products where you can almost pick out any color or pattern you like.
Whats the Cost? What About Production?
Expect to spend about the same as natural stone, between $60 and $90 per square foot for installation, depending on the size of your project. Natural quartz crystals are quarried, crushed, and ground into a dust or aggregate, which is then fused with resin binders under high heat and pressure to create a solid slab.To the countertop, mineral pigments are added during the manufacturing process.