Kitchen countertops must be sturdy, appealing, and simple to keep clean. Quartz countertops provide all the advantages, unlike many countertop materials with only a handful.
Millions of households have quartz countertops in their kitchens, bathrooms, vanities, and other areas. Quartz countertops have developed a reputation as a high-end surface material over the last few decades. Yet winning respect has been a complex process.
Even today, quartz worktops compete for space in bathrooms and kitchens with solid surface products like Corian and genuine stone. Quartz countertops are still somewhat pricey but have recently become more affordable, putting them on par with their more expensive counterparts.
Continue reading to learn the basics of quartz countertops in Oak Creek so you can make a worthwhile purchase!
- Quartz Countertops: The Basics
- Materials Used in Quartz Countertops
- Quartz Countertops: A Brief History
- Advantages of Quartz Countertops
- The Price of Quartz Countertops
1. Quartz Countertops: The Basics
The hard, synthetic quartz countertop is primarily used in bathrooms and kitchens. Since both products use components that resemble stone, solid surface is quartz’s main competitor. Quartz should not be confused with laminate, a substance added to particleboard mostly made of paper and plastic.
Quartz is a mixture of elements resembling stones bonded with resins and pressed into sheets. It is superior to stone counter materials because it doesn’t require sealing. The sealant is made of its polish. Several customers prefer it over solid surface counters because of its natural appearance and feel.
2. Materials Used in Quartz Countertops
Even if you’ve never heard of quartz, you may be familiar with its more popular name: engineered stone counters.
93% of quartz countertops are composed of materials that resemble stone, and 7% are binders consisting of cement or plastic-like (polymeric) materials. Quartz is just one of many of these stone-like materials.
These materials are made from either crushed quarry waste stone or recycled industrial waste. Waste can include ceramic, silica, glass, mirrors, and other materials.
Quartz counters benefit from the solidity, durability, and lack of porosity these stone-like materials provide. To further aid in keeping the counters hygienic and clean, several manufacturers incorporate antibacterial substances.
Also read: 5 Reasons to Use Allstone Countertops for Your Bathroom Countertop Installation
3. Quartz Countertops: A Brief History
Breton, an Italian company, patented the process of creating solid surfaces from quartz and resins. This single company is responsible for all quartz counter brands. Marcello Toncelli, the sole owner of this company, founded it. Brevetti Toncelli, the name of his business, was abbreviated to Breton (Bre = Brevetti, Ton = Toncelli Patents).
4. Advantages of Quartz Countertops
- Beautiful Appearance: The quartz countertop’s inherent shine appeals to many purchasers. In contrast to laminate, quartz has a rich, nearly three-dimensional appearance similar to natural stone. Solid surface and quartz have a similar appearance; solid surface tends to be flatter and lacks some of the quartz’s 3D qualities.
- Hardness: Quartz is incredibly tough and provides a great work surface. Most comprise minerals (contrasted with solid surface counters, about 33 percent inorganic binding resins and 66 percent natural minerals). Laminate’s hollow-feeling base layer of particleboard wood makes it impossible to compete with quartz in this regard.
- Little or No Imperfections: Because slab granite is a natural product cut into sheets directly from the soil, the slab is expected to have flaws. Quartz is more predictable than granite, and because it generates less waste, installers find it easier to work with it. Any weaknesses in quartz would have developed during the production process.
5. The Price of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are rarely affordable, even with more pricy choices like genuine slab granite.
High-quality brands like Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, or Dupont Zodiaq can be purchased for between $60 and $100 per square foot.
Quartz countertops cost more upfront, but their propensity to survive years longer than other countertop materials usually makes up for this. Moreover, quartz countertops always have excellent resale value. Homebuyers value quartz countertops, typically positive in any kitchen or bathroom.
Tip
Try a solid surface for a similar aesthetic at a reduced cost. Solid surface countertops have one advantage over quartz: minor scratches on concrete surfaces can be removed with sanding. Sure, property owners also prefer the softer feel of a solid surface. If required, a solid surface can be created with a matte texture.
Also Read: Different Styles of Kitchen Countertops Trending
Conclusion
The fact that quartz countertops are engineered means that practically any hue may be brought out on the surface through coloring. This quartz-resin slurry can also be used with other materials, such as glass and stone.
It is essential to look at quartz counters as a substitute for granite for everyone who desires one. Similar to genuine stone in its appealing chaotic appearance, quartz lacks the unpredictable nature of the stone. To shop the high-quality quartz countertops in Oak Creek, visit Badger Granite for the finest quality cabinets at a reasonable price!
