Are you planning to change your kitchen countertop? If you’re considering quartz for your kitchen, you need to know all the 411 on this trendy topper prior to buying. Engineered quartz installation has been an increasingly popular option for kitchen remodel. This man-made stone has been a favorite by everyone with its advances in quartz technology. If you want to know more, continue reading all of the necessary information outlined below so you can make a smart decision and efficiently use your work surface for years to come.
Why Call It a Stone If It’s Man-made?
Unlike granite that is made with 100% natural stones which are quarried and cut into slabs, engineered quartz is a manmade integration of 90-95% natural ground quartz, apace with a small number of polymer resins and colors. Their engineered origins enable for slightly larger slabs than its natural stone competition, although this is not the primary reason quartz countertops are taking the spotlight.
Uses:
Engineered quartz is used for a wide variety of indoor applications:
● Countertops
● Backsplashes
● Vanity Tops
● Shower Walls
● Tub surrounds
● Tabletops
● Flooring
Reasons to Consider Quartz for Your Kitchen:
1. Unlimited Color Selection. Unlike natural stones such as granite, have a more limited selection. Quartz is more open and wider in a variety of colors. You can choose from patterned to plain, beige, black, white, brown or to bright red or brilliant blue. Nothing is off-limits. There are no restrictions, you can have natural stone doppelgangers varying from granite to marble, and even wood and concrete. This why homeowners are turning to quartz, it combines natural looks with man-made durability, with cutting-edge choices, adding sparkle and flair with metallic accents and even those that mirror geode-slices.
2. Heavy-Duty.
Quartz is very durable. They are not only versatile and beautiful, but they are strongly resistant to stains because of its nonporous feature which makes them the go-to choice for those who want white countertops. Quartz is harder than granite and is highly scratch resistant. However, it’s a bit weak to heat resistance due to polymers in the stone and can be damaged when exposed to excessive heat in the long run.
3. Bacteria-Free. This nonporous surface of this man-made stone is efficient of keeping a 99.9% bacteria-free that resists mold and mildew, making quartz as the perfect solution for kosher kitchens, restaurants, and healthcare environments. It requires no annual sealing, you can simply wipe clean the surface with a soft cloth or sponge and soapy water or pH neutral cleanser.
4. Flexible. Quartz is available in a wide selection of thicknesses and finishes. With its versatility, quartz can also be the ideal choice for bathroom walls, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and even flooring. They are more consistent in coloring as opposed to natural stone’s variations.
5. Reasonable Price. Typical quartz are more competitively priced than of granite, per square foot. But if both have more exotic finishes, you can expect they are both substantially higher. Granite selections have more limited warranties compared to quartz warranties that are inversely proportional to quality that range from five years to a lifetime. You may want to invest in a premium brand stone to ensure that you have a superior warranty.
How to Select the Best Look?
You might feel a little overwhelmed with how vast the selection is and it can be hard to come up with final decision! What you can do is to bring home a few quartz samples from a kitchen showroom before coming up with a final take on color or design. It’s better to test it first under your own lighting, and adjacent to the backdrop of your cabinets and walls. This will help you determine which pattern and design that will complement your kitchen decor. So, before you buy, you may want to have a good idea first of what you want your finished kitchen to look like.
Can I Install the Countertop by Myself?
Yes, you can. But a professional installation is much recommended for quartz countertops in kitchens. You may need multiple workers to get the job done due to the custom nature of cabinet configuration and the weight of the slabs. You may want to make sure the installers are certified for protection of your investment.
Take note that many quartz countertops include a 15-year or even lifetime warranties but only when installed by certified professionals.
This article was written by Ivandrea Ollero, a resident writer for PAAL Kit Homes Australia, one of Australia’s kit home leaders that offers a range of flexible kit house designs options. Ivandrea writes information for people who want to achieve confidence in building their own homes.
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