Quartz

Quartz Countetops:

As a homeowner, choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen is an important decision. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which material is the most suitable for your home. In recent years, quartz countertops have emerged as a popular choice among homeowners, contractors and builders. In this article, we will discuss what quartz countertops are, their benefits, how they compare with other countertop materials, how to choose the right quartz countertop for your kitchen, their maintenance and care, installation process, cost, and popular brands.

Benefits of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are comprised of natural quartz minerals that are bonded with resin and pigments to create a durable and attractive surface. One of the primary benefits of quartz countertops is their durability. They are resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, making them a long-lasting investment for your kitchen, bathroom or other counters. Unlike other natural stone materials, quartz is non-porous, which means it does not require sealing to prevent stains or bacteria buildup. This makes quartz countertops easy to clean and maintain, as they are resistant to spills and stains.

Another advantage of quartz countertops is their versatility. They come in a wide range of colors, patterns, finishes making it easy to find one that fits your kitchen decor. Unlike natural stone materials like granite or marble, quartz countertops can be engineered to have a consistent pattern and veining throughout the slab, which can create excellent booked matched seams. This makes them ideal for larger kitchens or countertops with complex designs.

Below is a list of the key benefits of quartz countertops:

1. Quartz countertops are highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains and heat.
2. They are non-porous, making them highly hygienic and easy to clean.
3. They are low maintenance and require no sealing or polishing.
4. Quartz countertops come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, allowing for customization to fit any design aesthetic.
5. Quartz is an eco-friendly option, as it is made from natural materials and requires minimal energy to produce.
6. They are cost effective and easy to fabricate in the shop.
7. Overall, quartz countertops are a superior choice for their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal.
8. Investing in quartz countertops can increase the overall value of a home; it is consireded an investment.
   
   

Comparison of Quartz Countertops with Other Countertops

When compared to other countertop materials, quartz countertops stand out in terms of durability, versatility, and maintenance. Granite countertops, for example, are also a popular choice for kitchens, but they require sealing and are prone to chipping and cracking. Marble countertops are elegant, but they are soft and porous and not as durable as quartz and require sealing and cleaning daily to avoid stains. Other solid surface countertops, such as Corian and laminate, are also a popular choice, but they are not as heat-resistant as quartz and can be prone to scratches.

How to Choose the Right Quartz Countertop for Your Kitchen

When choosing a quartz countertop for your kitchen, consider the overall design of your kitchen which includes cabinet colors, flooring and paint color.  Quartz color, pattern, veining and thickness, and edging are also part of the selection. Quartz countertops come in a range of colors, from neutral to bold, and can be customized to fit your specific design needs. The thickness of the countertop can also impact the overall look of your kitchen, with thicker countertops (3cm) providing a more substantial appearance. Edging options, such as O-gee, beveled or bullnose, can also impact the look of your countertop.

It is also important to consider the quality of the quartz countertop. Higher quality quartz countertops such as Cambria or Silestone will have a higher percentage of natural quartz minerals and will be more durable.  These quartz manufactures have the latest in technology, the best purity and quality control when making the slabs.  These brands also offer a warranty or guarantee on their products, as this can provide added peace of mind.  Less well known brands have low quality slabs of quartz and do not provide warranties.

Maintenance and Care for Quartz Countertops

One of the primary benefits of quartz countertops is their low maintenance requirements. To keep your countertops looking their best, clean up spills immediately with a mild detergent and warm water.  Avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads, as these can scratch the surface and do not cut on your slab countertop as it will dull your knife and will live micro scratches into the counter making it look dull.  Quartz countertops are also heat-resistant, but it is recommended to use trivets or hot pads to avoid damage from hot pots and pans.  Quartz countertops can “burn” by leaving a dark stain if hot pots are place repeatedly on same spot over long periods of time.

Fabrication and Installation Process of Quartz Countertops

The installation process of quartz countertops involves digital templating.  Sunset Granite uses “The Proliner” to make accurate, reliable, efficient and flexible digital templates.  This template gets imported into our robot-inter face for adding the sink cut outs, faoucets and other edits.  During this time we nest and book much the pieces into our computer system.  After the kitchen pieces are nested then it is send to our Robot-Saw Jet for cutting.  After the quart pieces have been cut, we polished, test the seam and do quality control before install.  We then load the slabs into an A-frame ready to be delivered and install.  It is recommended to hire a professional to install your quartz countertop, as they have the necessary tools and expertise to ensure a proper installation. The installation process can take several hours to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the countertop design.

Cost and Brands of Quartz Countertops

The cost of quartz countertops can vary depending on the brand, quality, and design options. On average, quartz countertops can cost between $50 to $150 per square foot, including delivery and installation.  Quartz countertops cost have been decreasing due to improvements in manufacture technology and are generally less expensive than other granite, their durability and low maintenance requirements make them a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.

There are several popular brands of quartz countertops, including Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone. These brands offer a range of colors and patterns to choose from, as well as varying price points and warranties. It is recommended to research different brands and to visit our showrooms to view samples before making a final decision.