BENEFITS OF QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Quartz countertops are becoming increasingly popular making their way in the kitchen specs even by most discerning architects and designers. It now graces the real estate sales listings as a desirable feature in the kitchen adding value to entire house. It is also recommended by salespeople as the practical choice for kitchens.
This modest material, originally designed to imitate natural stone, has finally become the perfect choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops in its own right. Let’s see why.
What are the advantages of Quartz Countertops?
Quartz countertops are man-made and tailored to the ideal specifications for the material to serve as perfect countertop. If you think about the countertop that you need it simply ticks all the boxes:
- Non porous
- Stain resistant
- Hard to crack or break
- Easy to match the pattern
- Resistant to acids
- Comparatively easy to work with
- No maintenance
These features are achieved as a result of controlled production process.Quartz, essentially the crushed quartz particles, and other decorative inclusions that are sealed in by resins, or epoxy binder with the addition of pigment. The process allows to create consistent material that does not require any further sealing, binding, or any type of maintenance, as a matter of fact.
Environmentally friendly material
As an added benefit the process is considered to be environmentally friendly, as there is no material mined commercially to create quartz countertops. Quartz is one of the most common minerals in nature that you can possibly use. No natural deposits are being destroyed as a result
Even the inclusion of other minerals and stone fragments are simply leftovers used to enhance the look. Once Quartz countertops are sealed in they do not emit any harmful toxins or odor.
Endless Design Possibilities
The Quartz countertop manufacturers have moved away from the practice of simply imitating the natural stone. Originally it was the granite look that they were after. Not anymore!!! The modern kitchen design is all about strong and bold colors and smooth polished textures. And it is all possible to achieve with the Quartz countertop slab production technology.
Any pigment without limitation can be used for the coloring and any type of hard materials for the decorative inclusions – marble, granite, mirrors, even copper or aluminum shavings. It is simply defined by kitchen and bathroom design market.
Every year we see more and more exciting colors and patterns – the material simply calls for innovation and creativity.
Is there any shortcomings to Quartz countertops?
There are, indeed, a few limitations to quartz application, but it is important to know them:
- Quartz countertops can not be used for outdoor kitchens, or in any place with the direct sunlight exposure. It is known to fade in the direct sun.
- The width of the slab is limited to 56”, or maximum 64”, so if the area exceeds this in width, quartz can not be used.
- Can not withstand temperature over 204 C.
Although Quartz countertop slabs are man-made the cost of the production is comparatively high. It does compare in price to mid range natural stone.
Quartz kitchen countertops are really exciting material to work with, moreover, it is truly an ideal choice for modern well designed and functional kitchen that you will enjoy.