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One of the hardest decisions homeowner’s make when building or remodeling their kitchens is the countertop they’re going to have contractors or designers install. Most people aim to select a countertop that takes little maintenance, has high durability, and looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye. What option fits the bill?
Quartz.
Quartz requires minimal upkeep. Its durability reputation is near perfect. The appearance that it showcases can come in a variety of shapes and sizes; you can even purchase surfaces that resemble granite. Quartz is technically considered a ‘green product,’ and the way the countertop is manufactured guarantees a long shelf life. Pricing is excellent for the quality you get. What more can you really ask for?
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to dive into the details. If you’re not convinced that you should go with quartz for your new countertop yet, you will be by the time you’re done reading this article.
Without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this popular countertop option.
What's Inside
Maintenance of a Quartz Countertop
Even though granite countertops are mostly selected above all other surfaces, that doesn’t make it the easiest to work with. Granite needs constant sealing and re-sealing, but do you know what option doesn’t need sealing and re-sealing? Quartz.
Homeowners never regret installing quartz in their kitchen simply because the sealing process is not something they ever have to think about. Why? Because the surface is non-porous, meaning liquids cannot easily seep into the thick surface. If there’s no seeping, there’s no staining.
Quartz maintenance benefits don’t stop there, though. The surfaces are nearly impossible to scratch, they don’t chip easily, and they’re resistant to hot temperatures. However, that doesn’t make the countertop invincible.
Keep in mind that there are still cleaners out there on the market that contain chemicals that aren’t compatible with quartz surfaces. Some substances can even discolor the pigments on the countertop, resulting in an unwanted chemical stain. If you want a safe cleaning method, use some mild soap and water on a paper towel and wash the quartz down.
Durability is Key
If you’re looking for the countertop that’s #1 in durability, quartz is your go-to. Like we mentioned before, quartz surfaces are not susceptible to scratches and stains. Technically, they’re engineered to handle just about anything, and even manufacturers will offer a warranty with that statement.
So, this engineered stone is non-porous with the ultimate strength that natural stone has. That means that you can brush a lot of your worries to the side (especially if you have kids in the house).
Variety in Appearance
First things first, quartz countertops are unlike all other countertops when it comes to appearance. Every quartz countertop has an even pattern present throughout; that means that there will not be any unwanted anomalies like in granite surfaces. Don’t worry, though, that doesn’t mean your selection is bound to be boring, because it won’t be.
Quartz countertops provide the buyer with a wide range of options to choose from. You can browse through catalogs or look at in-person countertops that are generally light, resembling an earthy tone, or you can check out darker surfaces, bringing a modern look to the kitchen. You don’t have to stick to basic colors while shopping, though. Other styles provide veining, to look more like granite or marble countertops, and still, others showcase vibrant and bright colors. The choice is yours.
The actual personality of the engineered stone can also range, from traditional to modern, rustic to the farmhouse, white to black, etc. The options are quite literally endless.
Quartz: The Greener Product
Quartz initially needs to be mined before installment (that’s just how the construction of the material goes). No, the mining process is not environmentally-friendly, but the byproduct technically is.
Listen to this: Quartz countertops are made using quartz that’s already been mined. Quartz is never mined specifically to make such surfaces. Mining can occur in the United States, and it’s often mined in several other areas of North America. So, the next question you’re probably waiting to ask is, “How are quartz countertops the greener product?”
The answer to that question is simple, with the help of a little explanation. Granite, another countertop option, comes from international countries, like China and Brazil. The cost of transportation and the emissions sent out into the air during transit do not make granite countertops environmentally-friendly. However, seeing as quartz is primarily made in North America, it has the jump start on being eco-friendly; by cutting out costs and distances in transporting the materials, you cut your household’s carbon footprint down. What’s more, is that these countertops let out very few carbon emissions during its construction period, making it an overall greener product for you and your family.
Pricing is a Plus
Some countertops are pricier than others, and if you and the people living in your household are on a budget, you may want to consider cost-efficient, durable surfaces. Quartz is the perfect match for you if you’re in this boat.
Typically, costs for quartz countertops can range from $45 to $200 per square foot. The majority of options stick around the $65-$75 range. Depending on your stylistic preferences will depend on the amount of money you’ll be paying for this surface.
Quartz is Perfect for Any Household
If you’re looking for durability, affordability, functionality, and more great perks, quartz is the perfect countertop to install in your home. Really, you can be a couple owning their first home, a family with many children running around, or an elderly person/couple looking for a surface with an excellent reputation. Either way, you won’t regret your choice if you go with quartz.
Have we won you over yet? With the perfect maintenance regimen, the durability that promises to last decades, countless appearance options, green product information, and great pricing, is there anything more you’d need in a countertop? Manufacturers guarantee you’ll fall in love with these surfaces, so go out there, select your perfect match, and set up an installment date! You’ll be happy we told you to do so.
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