Because the quartz countertop is different from other countertops. Quartz is the most popular countertop for the modern home. The main reasons for this are cleanliness, resistance to quartz stains, beauty, affordability, and price.
Quartz is one of the finest materials on the planet, making it ideal for your new counter. The durability, customization, and beauty of quartz make it a designer and homeowner’s dream. Quartz starts as crystals in the ground and goes through an interesting process to become a countertop – read on to find out more.
Basics of quartz countertops:
Quartz is the second most common mineral on earth, and some varieties are semi-precious stones. It forms a crystalline structure that is usually hexagonal and this structure makes it one of the hardest minerals on earth. Quartz comes in many different colors, but the most common quartz used for countertops is usually whitish or clear.
Quartz versus other countertops:
Compared to granite countertops:
The biggest difference between granite and quartz countertops is maintenance. It is neither difficult nor expensive, but it is an ongoing obligation. Another advantage of quartz is that it is less porous than granite. In other words, quartz is more stain-resistant and much more resistant to bacteria, making it a healthier choice.
Compared to marble countertops:
Marble is a much less popular choice than granite and this is because marble has even greater maintenance problems. Some people will choose marble for the opulent look, but marble wears out faster than granite and much faster than quartz. Marble requires immediate and frequent cleaning and, even with proper maintenance, it won’t last as long as quartz. Polished quartz is almost as good as marble, and the drawbacks make marble a poor choice overall.
Compared to stone countertops:
Many buyers make a comparison between lava rock and quartz, as lava rock has a unique style and is as resistant to stains, scratches, and heat as quartz. The biggest problem with lava rock is that it is expensive and lava countertops are much more expensive than Quartz countertops. Lava rock isn’t a bad option if you don’t factor in the cost, but the quarter offers much greater value.
Compared to concrete countertops:
Concrete can be painted, colored, and stamped, so granite countertops are aesthetically a little more versatile than Quartz countertops. Concrete is also very strong and relatively inexpensive, so for the most part it is a solid alternative to quartz. The main advantage of quartz is that it is non-porous, which makes it much easier to clean and more hygienic. Sometimes homeowners choose concrete to match an existing style, but a 30 under-mount kitchen sink or countertop is also an option.
Compared to wooden counters:
Butcher block counters are made from hardwoods such as maple, red oak, and teak. These peaks are also beautiful and respectful of the earth. Conversely, wood countertops are not as durable as quartz. They burn and scratch and can even warp due to moisture.
Compared to laminate countertops:
Laminate countertops come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and are one of the most affordable countertop options on the market. On the other hand, they are not resistant to nicks, scratches, and heat and maintenance and repair can be very expensive.
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How is quartz made?
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, which is why Mother Nature does the heavy lifting. In an open-pit mine, called a quartz quarry, miners extract the material.
How are quartz countertops made?
The producer takes the quartz crystals from the mine and grinds them. The sizes vary from small as sand to as large as gravel. They then mix a bonding agent and then shape it into the shape of the necessary Quartz countertops.
Enhancement:
Unlike other stone countertop materials, quartz doesn’t come in large sheets. So, some artificial processing is required to make it a solid slab. Once the crystals are collected, they are shattered to create tokens. A fine grind allows for a more even look on the counter, while a wider grind allows the counter to have more shine and depth.
Mix with resin:
The crushed quartz is now mixed with a dye and a small amount of resin to create a hard countertop surface. The amount of colour and resin is minimal – only about 3% of a Quartz countertop is anything other than pure quartz. Yet colouring can make a difference; you can have a Quartz countertop in almost any colour imaginable!
Formation:
After mixing is complete, the quartz material into a mould and then cured in an oven. The moulding can be customized to allow the consumer to determine a border style and countertop size. After hardening, the countertop has time to harden and cool down. At this point, it already has a glossy finish and only needs the holes for the sink, tap, or lamp made before installation.
Installation:
Most quartz manufacturers only guarantee professionally installed work, so it recommends that you have the new quartz worktop professionally installed. When the adhesive has dried and the lamps have been mounted on the countertop, it is ready for many years of happiness in your home.
Conclusion:
Natural stones such as quartz are suitable for use on fabricated countertops such as Formica and Corian. Quartz countertops will meet the needs of your kitchen even better than granite countertops.
Quartz surfaces combine the best qualities of laminate countertops and natural stone surfaces into one state-of-the-art product. In recent years, quartz surfaces have begun to appear in craft projects, but their popularity is starting to overflow. The market share of natural and artificial quartz has grown so rapidly that the granite quarries are petrified. Granite has been the preferred countertop of interior designers and architects for decades.