Choosing the Best Kitchen Quartz Countertop
When you are looking for new countertops in the kitchen, one popular material is quartz. The phrase “quartz countertop” is a bit of a misnomer, however, as though quartz is a natural stone, the material used to make these countertops is manmade. The makeup of this material is about 90 percent ground up quartz along with other materials. This makes the countertop strong and durable along with extraordinarily beautiful.
Since quartz is a high-end material, before choosing it for your kitchen countertop, there are several things to learn. When you examine the following facts about quartz, you can make an informed decision on whether or not it is right for your home.
Quartz Countertops Do Not Require Upkeep And Are Made to Meet Homeowners’ Needs
One of the reasons people choose quartz over other materials is because this material does not require upkeep. To clean quartz, all that is required is a soft cloth and water, along with a mild cleanser. Homeowners also love quartz countertops as they have all of the features they are looking for in the perfect countertop. This is possible since it is made by man. Some of these features include resistance to heat, mold, scratches and chemicals. Since this material is also non-porous, it also resists staining from materials such as wine, tomatoes, juice and coffee.
Quartz Countertops Are Available in Any Color And Style
There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of colors and styles when it comes to quartz countertops. Some of these colors are outrageously bright and colorful; others look similar to natural stone such as marble or granite. This means that a homeowner, no matter what decor or color scheme they may have, can find the perfect quartz countertop to meet their needs from purple and black to pink or orange, and everything in between.
The Look Of Quartz Is Consistent
If you have ever taken a look at a natural stone, you know that there is a wide range of colors and veining. In some cases, as when the stone is sold without the homeowner seeing the actual slab, there can be an unwelcome surprise when the homeowner sees the finished product. Though some homeowners love the wild looks of natural stone, many do not want to install a countertop in their kitchen that is so dynamic. With quartz, what you see is what you get, and any pattern, movement or color is consistent throughout the slab.
There Are Several Popular Quartz Brands to Choose From
People planning a kitchen remodel like to have a choice, and since there are a number of quartz brands on the market, this is an excellent material to choose. Some of the brands include Zodiaq, Caesarstone, Cambria and Silestone. Though all of the brands have different products, all of the quartz countertops are designed and produced in the same way. However, it can be well worth it for homeowners to look at the products from each manufacturer, just to further open up their countertop material options.
Quartz Countertops Last for Many Years
It is also important for homeowners to understand that a quartz countertop will last a lifetime. Depending on the manufacturer, the warranties may range from 15 to 20 years all the way up to a lifetime.
Quartz is Difficult to Install, And Not a DIY Project
Installing a quartz countertop requires precision, and careful measurements must be done before installing the piece. Though you can buy quartz countertops without professional installation included, this project is not one that a DIY-er should attempt. Instead, a licensed quartz contractor is the best option for installation. These experts get exact measurements of the area before placing the order for quartz, and this helps to get the most accurate and longest lasting results. This also helps to save homeowners money on costly reworking, which often occurs when people attempt to install these countertops on their own. Professional installation is also recommended, as it is important to hide seams as much as possible. Since there are several pieces of quartz that must be applied to a single countertop, this is important when it comes to the looks of the slab.
Quartz Countertops are Environmentally Friendly
Homeowners also like quartz countertops because they are environmentally friendly. First, quarts is the second most abundant material in the crust of the earth, which means there is plenty to go around. Also, there are several major brands of engineered quartz, such as Silestone and Zodiaq, which are certified as low-emission products. For those who like American made products, there are also brands that are mined and manufactured in the United States, such as Cambria.
These are only some of the considerations that people should look into when it comes to choosing quartz countertops into the home. Quartz is beautiful, can be honed to a sheen, and it is smooth and hard to the touch. If you are interested in a high-end countertop, quartz may be perfect for you.
