If you are in the market for new
countertops, granite and limestone are probably the first two options
that come to mind. However, quartz countertops, also known as
engineered stone countertops, are growing in popularity due to the
unique advantages of this material. Here are four reasons you should
consider quartz countertops for your kitchen or bathroom.
1. Stain Resistance
The materials used in countertop
construction have varying levels of porosity. The more porous a
material is, the more readily it will absorb liquids and allow stains
to appear. While most natural stone countertops are highly porous,
quartz countertops are less porous than many other materials you can
buy. The engineering process of quartz countertops makes them
virtually immune to staining.
Another advantage of the non-porous
nature of quartz is that it is less likely to harbor bacteria. The
pores of natural stone and other materials make excellent hiding
spots for colonies of bacteria. Bacteria will cling to these surfaces
for much longer, and can potentially be picked up by cloth, cutlery,
and food that comes in contact with the counter.
2. Wide Variety of Design Options
While all stone countertops have their
own unique beauty, natural stone countertops will have a limited
palette of colors in which they can be found. Luckily, quartz
countertops can have pigments added during manufacturing so that
virtually any color you can think of is available. Quartz countertops
can even be found with custom patterns that don't resemble natural
stone.
Quartz countertops are the best option
for coordinating the appearance of your countertops with the rest of
your home's interior. In addition to the color and pattern options,
you can choose a custom finish for your quartz countertops. Choosing
between a matte and shiny finish can completely change the character
of your countertops and how they interact with the rest of the room.
3. Low Maintenance Requirements
Quartz countertops require less
maintenance than virtually any other material. Simply wiping down the
counter with a cloth and soapy water once per day will satisfy basic
maintenance needs. For an occasional deep clean, or to remove light
stains, spray the counter with glass or surface cleaner and wipe it
down after allowing the cleaner to sit for 10 minutes.
While quartz is highly durable, there
are still a few tips every homeowner should know to avoid damaging
the material. You shouldn't use highly abrasive or acidic cleaners,
as these can dull the surface of the quartz. You should also avoid
exposing the countertop to extreme heat, such as from recently used
cookware, as the resin in the countertop could melt and expand to
cause cracks.
4. Minimal Imperfections
If you value a consistent look for your
countertops, there is no better choice than quartz. The engineering
process of quartz countertops allows every section to have exactly
the same pattern down to the finest detail. Natural stone and wood
countertops will have variations in their grain that may or may not
be aesthetically pleasing.
While the consistency of quartz is
unmatched, it will make the extremely rare imperfection very
noticeable. For example, if multiple slabs of quartz were used to
construct a countertop, the seam where these slabs meet will be much
more visible than with other materials. Any scratches or dings that
happen to the counter over its lifetime will be more visible as well.
The benefits of quartz makes it an
option every homeowner should consider when installing new
countertops. Contact Best
Marble & Granite Company
for a wide variety of countertop
materials, colors, and patterns that will accentuate the beauty of
any home's interior!
