This just in: Quartz has edged out granite when it comes to countertops. And with good reason.
For years, granite was the material of choice when it came to custom countertops. If you have bought, sold, built, or rented out a house in the past 20 years, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Does it have granite countertops?”
But just like everything else, all good things come to an end and now it’s time for quartz to take over the market.
Quartz is becoming increasingly popular in American households. Read on to learn how quartz kitchen worktops can make a statement in your home.
What Exactly Is Quartz?
While granite and marble are basically big slabs of stone, quartz is actually a man-made fabricated material.
Quartz is made up of 90% ground quartz and 10% resins, polymers, and various types of pigments. After it is mixed, it is poured into a mold to get uniform pieces of engineered slabs.
This process creates a very durable artificial countertop without pores or cracks. Which as I explain below, it actually a game changer when it comes to having and maintaining a natural looking workspaces.
Here are the top 7 reasons why you should consider for your next project.
1. Stronger than Stone
One of the main selling points for quartz is that it doesn’t have the same weaknesses as natural stone surfaces.
Quartz kitchen worktops won’t scratch or stain no matter how hard you try. Want to cut some bread on it? Go ahead. Your kids spilled red punch? Not a problem for quartz. It is incredibly durable.
Which is why so many busy families are considering quartz. No one has time for scratches and stains that can show up on other natural worktops.
2. Easy to Maintain
Your countertops should be like a good relationship: easy to maintain.
Because of the resin that binds the quartz, the countertops have an added layer of protection. There is no need to seal the surface. Ever.
Other materials require regular resealing, polishing, oiling, and even sanding. Not quartz. Quartz is ready to go as soon as it is installed and there is no need for future maintenance.
All it takes is a simple wipe down of warm water and mild soap. No chemicals or oils needed.
3. Safety First
When it comes to food preparation, quartz is the safest choice for a few different reasons.
Since there is no reason to treat it with chemicals, you don’t need to worry about chemicals from cleaning solutions getting into your food.
But the biggest reason is that unlike granite or marble, quartz kitchen worktops are nonporous and non-absorbant. Meaning they won’t draw moisture from raw or leftover food, which can cause harmful bacteria.
Besides being used for food, kitchen countertops are also a resting place for groceries, purses, and even the family cat. Quartz adds an extra layer of protection for your family.
I don’t know about you, but I like my food without the harmful bacteria.
4. Custom Fit
Since quartz is engineered, the choice of styles, colors, striations, and veins are endless. There are over 130 different choices of looks to choose from.
Remember the various types of pigments used in the creation process? That is what gives quartz its various colors and patterns.
Quartz has come a long way since its early days when it looked uniform and speckled. But now quartz can either be a solid color or have a very natural look to it.
Love marble but don’t want to pay more for it? We’ve got a quartz for that. Want a strong, solid color to make a statement? We’ve got a quartz for that too.
Basically, you can find a quartz countertop for whatever look you have in mind for your dream space.
5. Environmentally-Friendly
Believe it or not, quartz is considered the environmentally-friendly choice for countertops because it is made up of smaller leftover minerals and not huge slabs of rock.
Granite and marble actually take a lot of energy to mine and then have to be shipped around the world.
Because quartz is man-made, it can be manufactured locally and use less natural resources.
6. Perfect Price Point
To be completely honest, quartz is actually a little more expensive than granite, but not as expensive as marble.
On average, granite is about $75/foot and Marble is around $85/foot. Quartz usually ends up being somewhere right in the middle.
Of course, actual price determines on what finishes you choose.
But when you are building your dream kitchen, you want to make sure you are getting exactly what you want. The peace of mind that comes from getting a solid countertop that looks exactly how you envisioned it is worth the extra cost.
The idea of quartz is to buy a quality product that you love, and then never having to think about it again.
7. Rave Returns
Quartz is extremely popular right now. It is a huge selling point if you ever decide to put your home on the market.
When you build a home or do a renovation you want to use products that will eventually give you a good return on your investment.
This means spending where it counts. Countertops are working surfaces which mean they get a lot of use and tend to get beat up. The cuts, hot pans, and spills all take their toll.
But quartz kitchen worktops will hold up better than anything else on the market. If you pick a classic color and texture, you would never need to replace your countertops.
And that’s a big selling point.
Consider Quartz Kitchen Worktops
So whether you are building your dream home, or renovating the home you already love, consider quartz.
It really has all the advantages of the beautiful look of natural stone, plus the added durability from man-made products. In all reality, it is a win-win.
With its easy maintenance, endless options, and superior function, we know you would be happy adding quartz to your kitchen. So don’t hesitate any longer. Give us a call and let us help you pick the exact countertops you’ve always wanted. We’ll even come to you and help you design your perfect space.