Quartz Countertops a Durable, Easy Care Alternative
If you're looking for beautiful, durable countertops, Quartz might be a skillful option. In fact, it is becoming the hot option to add mode to a kitchen. These countertops can look like natural rock but offer some benefits that stone cannot. That said, they do not have to resemble rock. Because the fabric is "engineered," it's bachelor in all sorts of colors that nature cannot provide. If you're shopping for countertops, y'all'll want to consider not but the costs, but as well the pros and cons of quartz countertops.
View in gallery What is a Quartz Countertop?
Both quartz and quartzite are popular countertop materials that come from the same mineral: quartz. While both expect the same, quartzite is a natural rock textile and needs to be treated like other rock surfaces. What we are discussing here is engineered quartz.
View in gallery It's a bit of a misnomer to telephone call engineered quartz countertops stone, because they really are not. The material is not cutting from a quarry like natural countertop materials. Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on earth that is a component of stone. If you've shopped for granite countertops, you lot volition take noted mineral patterns in the stone, and one of those minerals is quartz. You might encounter some products touted equally "natural" quartz. While the mineral is natural, don't think that the entire countertop is natural.
View in gallery Actually, a quartz countertop is not going to be 100 percent quartz. The textile is human-made, combining quartz with other materials. Information technology is actually ninety% ground with 8-ten% resins, polymers, and pigments. The quartz minerals are mixed with the resin then treated with pressure level and oestrus to form the countertop material, which very hard and granite-like. How finely the quartz is ground will determine the appearance. Coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance and finely footing quartz gives a smoother look. Countertop thickness ranges from ½ inch to i-¼ inches, depending on style, brand, and size.
View in gallery Half-dozen Benefits of Quartz Countertops
Exceptionally Durability
Diamonds are known for their hardness and and so is quartz.
Nonporous
Because the resin binds all the quartz crystals together, the end product is nonporous, making it exceptionally sanitary. There are no cracks or crevices for bacteria and germs to settle in and information technology serves as a perfect work surface. You can even buy quartz countertops that are certified as food safe. It'south likewise waterproof so it tin be used with an under-mounted sink.
Maintenance Gratis
Unlike natural rock countertops, quartz counters exercise not need to be sealed. Nonporous surfaces like quartz as well assistance resist stains. They are easy to clean using mild soap, water, and a soft cloth.
View in gallery Uniform Colour Patterns
When buying natural stone, you take to choose the specific slab you desire to use thanks to the variations in color and design that Mother Nature provides in a single slab of stone. This is non the case with quartz countertops. Considering they are manufactured, you won't have wide variations in color and pattern and tin can have a more than consistent wait.
A Rainbow of Hues
The do good of existence manufactured ways that you lot take a total range of colors to choose from and aren't limited to the typical hues of natural stone. You can choose countertops in bright colors to friction match your decors if you wish.
View in gallery Pick of End
Quartz countertops can be ordered with a shiny or a matte finish, depending on your personal preference.
View in gallery 
View in gallery A Few Drawbacks of Quartz
Not indestructible
Yes, we noted that quartz countertops are difficult and durable just they tin can still be damaged. They stand up up very well the regular, everyday usage, but tin can chip if you hit them very difficult. Moreover, one time damaged, they can be extremely difficult to repair, reports SF Gate Home Guide. Also, Udemy points out that while your coffee, tea or wine might not stain the countertop, long-term exposure to UV sunlight can crusade discoloration. "If your countertops are in front of big windows, you might think twice before spending thousands of dollars on a quartz countertop," they note. They also cannot exist used outdoors.
View in gallery Can't Take the Rut
As with other man-made countertops materials like solid surface choices, yous can't plop a hot pot straight on quartz countertops and expect it to be undamaged. Master builder Bob Vila cautions that a sudden change in temperature or leaving a hot pan the countertop may even cause it quartz to crack. Information technology can also melt in heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Trivets or pads are necessary to keep quartz countertops in tip-top shape and looking good.
Limited in Size
Quartz countertops are manufactured in sheets that are by and large nearly four.5 feet wide by 10 feet long. If your kitchen plan calls for very large expanses of countertop, you will likely need more than one piece and will have seams. Generally, seams are less noticeable on dark-colored quartz simply can be very obvious on calorie-free-colored or multicolor countertops with obvious marbling patterns.
View in gallery Clean With Caution
Choose you lot cleaning products carefully when caring for quartz countertops. Products that are acidic or alkali metal can damage the surface of the cloth. The chemical in rust removers, heavy duty cleaners, bleach and other compounds can be harmful. Make sure you read the care literature your manufacturer provides.
Tin can Scratch
Home Style Choices points out that the small percentage of resin material in your countertop means it'due south not totally a mineral surface. While some sellers say that you can cut correct on the surface, regularly cutting on the surface can lead to scratches.
View in gallery How Much Do Quartz Countertops Toll?
These countertops are equally every bit pop – and expensive – as natural stone options. Every bit with any countertop material, the price of quartz varies co-ordinate to the style, design and colors you choose. The more sink and apparatus cut-outs you lot need, the more slabs you use and the fancier the edge treatments y'all cull, the more the cost volition go up. Quartz is not a bargain choice. A general range is $60 to $100 a foursquare pes installed. Other sources like Home Advisor cite higher prices, such as $150 to $280 per foursquare foot.
View in gallery Caring for Quartz Countertops
For everyday care, a balmy dish detergent and soft fabric are really all you lot need. Drinking glass cleaner, a degreaser, Goo Gone, a nonabrasive sponge and a plastic putty pocketknife are also helpful tools, according to Bob Vila.
Although quartz resists stains from liquids similar wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice, and soda, or fruits and vegetables, it's still important to wipe spills upward correct abroad, before they dry. If you have a dried spill or heavy stain, try using a drinking glass or surface cleaner, a nonabrasive sponge. Keep a plastic putty pocketknife handy to gently scrape off gum, nutrient, smash shine, pigment, or other messes that harden as they dry.
For tougher grease make clean-upwards, use a degreaser that will help loosen the grease from the surface. Follow the cleanser manufacturer's instructions for use. Should your quartz countertop be marred by a permanent marker, utilise a soft cloth and a product like Goo Gone to safely remove the mark. Rinse well.
Quartz doesn't need to exist sealed, but an overall deep cleaning is also recommended. experts also recommend a periodic overall deeper general cleaning. To do this, spray a a nonabrasive surface cleaner over the entire countertop and let information technology sit down for ten minutes. Wipe it upwardly with a soft sponge.
Never apply abrasive cleansers or scouring pads on a quartz countertop considering it tin can dull the surface. Products that can harm your counter include things like nail smoothen remover, drain cleaner and dishwasher rinsing agents. Even concentrated bleach and oven cleaners can cause harm. Certain chemicals can disintegrate the bail betwixt the quartz and the resin.
The installation process
The procedure for installing quartz countertops is much like any other. A professional will demand to visit your abode to measure the cabinets and create a template. Manufacturing fourth dimension averages near 2 weeks. Supports may exist necessary in areas such as to a higher place the dishwasher, where in that location is no cabinetry. Adjacent, the installers will put the new countertop directly on the base of operations cabinets with adhesive. Home Advisor notes that information technology takes from a few hours to a full day to install a typical quartz countertop. After they are in identify, the plumber can go started.
View in gallery Quartz Edge Treatments
Custom edge profiles add together to the character of your design and brand the countertops extra special. In most cases, an eased edge, which provides a smooth end, bevel, and bullnose edges are standard and do not cost extra. There are a quite a few edge options to cull form, depending on your gustation and budget. These are the most mutual ones:
Bevel – A 45-caste cut confronting the edge that exposes more the pattern of the stone.
Bullnose – Rounded and smooth edge. Information technology's a classic selection that looks dandy in most kitchens.
Half Bullnose –a half-round edge that shows off more of the rock.
Bevel Bullnose – a smooth edge with a 45-caste cut for a slight gradient.
Double Radius –similar to eased cuts, they have a more pronounced curved profile on the edge.
Ogee –a small "South" shape cut into the front, followed past a directly and flat edge at the bottom.
Double Ogee – The double-ogee handling features a curved-bullnose border as well as a decorative inward dip above the curve.
Ogee Bullnose –a more pronounced "Southward" shape that is slightly elongated.
Triple Pencil – More than decorative, these feature iii pencil-shaped edges that cascade down the front edge of the countertop.
View in gallery Can I DIY a Quartz Countertop?
Granite is heavy and quartz can be fifty-fifty heavier. Professional installation is highly recommended for quartz countertops in kitchens for a long list of reasons that go across its weight. They are a big investment and installers should be certified to mountain the specific brand of quartz you lot purchase. Many countertops come with a warranty, but ofttimes if installed past a certified professional. Even though some home stores sell the material equally a DIY, most experts don't recommend going it lone – except for those who sell information technology that way.
Quartz is a wonderful choice for those who want the await of stone with less maintenance hassle. Or, if you want the immovability of quartz in a brighty hued version, quartz can do that likewise. Just make sure you lot upkeep appropriately for this beautiful and durable kitchen countertop pick.
Source: https://www.homedit.com/quartz-countertops/
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