A Premium Alternative
to Granite
Quartz countertops are quickly
becoming a popular option for homeowners looking to improve the look of their
kitchen or bathroom. Quartz is considered a premium building material because
it is able to rival
the benefits of granite while also adding additional advantages that appeal to many homeowners.
Quartz is one of the most
plentiful minerals found on Earth and it is readily available. Quartz
countertops are man-made and offer flexibility in the sense that they can be
fabricated in a number of different shapes, thicknesses and unique dimensions.
Quartz countertops are made using crushed quartz and a
high-quality polymer resin that binds the quartz together. There is also
usually a pigment added to the mix to produce the desired colour for the
countertop. After the countertop is shaped it is exposed to extreme heat and
pressure to form a dense slab that is almost as hard as granite.
Beautiful and Durable
The major selling points of
granite countertops are the timeless beauty and exceptional durability that
they offer to homeowners. Quartz countertops are able to offer the same major
benefits of granite by offering dramatic colours, luxurious patterns and similar
durability ratings.
Since they are fabricated using
pigments, quartz counters are
available
in a much wider selection of colours and patterns than granite. Each piece
of granite is totally unique in appearance; the sample you see in a store will
differ from the product that is installed in your home. Quartz countertops can
be uniformly produced and the sample that is chosen in-store will be virtually identical
to the product that is installed.
Granite has a hardness rating that is second only to
diamonds, but quartz countertops are almost as hard as granite. This hardness
rating is the reason why granite and quartz countertops both last a very long
time. Quartz is also able to handle extreme heat and can have pots placed
directly on the counter without burning or damage. Quartz countertops have a
luxurious sheen that increases the beauty and also serves to protect the
countertop from scratching, stains and bacteria.
Reduced Maintenance and
Increased Enjoyment
One of the major benefits that
quartz countertops have over granite countertops is reduced maintenance. The
finish that is put on quartz is designed to last the lifetime of the product,
but granite is porous and should be resealed on an annual basis for the
lifetime of the product. The additional cost of resealing granite should be
taken into consideration if you are trying to decide between granite and
quartz.
Quartz can be easily cleaned
using just a wet cloth and mild detergent. Tougher spills can almost always be
cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. Over the lifetime of the
countertop this results in significant savings from expensive cleaning
products.
Whether you decide to go with a
new quartz or granite countertop, you can expect a lifetime of enjoyment from
your new countertop.
A quartz
countertop offers unique advantages that work to heighten the enjoyment of
the product. Check with a stone dealer today to see how quartz counters can
improve the look and enjoyment of your home today.