5 Great Advantages of Quartz Countertops
While granite remains the most popular countertop material among homeowners, there's a new contender: quartz. Engineered quartz offers many of the same benefits as granite, including strength, durability, and beauty. However, it also offers some unique perks. Here are five reasons you may want to consider quartz for your kitchen or bathroom countertops.
1. Quartz Countertops Are Almost Indestructible
There are some quartz countertops made from quarried stone, but most are an engineered material made from natural ground quartz and polymer resins. This manufacturing process creates an ultra-durable countertop that is as close to indestructible as you can get. In fact, quartz countertops often come with a warranty from the manufacturer.
2. Quartz Is Nonporous
Most stone products are porous to some degree, which means the stone can absorb liquid. However, some types of stone are more porous than others. For instance, granite is less porous than marble and some types of granite are more porous than others. Engineered quartz is different than natural-stone products because it is nonporous thanks to the manufacturing process.
3. Quartz Is Incredibly Durable
The durability of quartz is one of its greatest assets. Engineered quartz countertops resist corrosion and stains from household cleaning solutions, liquids, and oils. However, high heat can still damage quartz, and it can become discolored when exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
4. Quartz Offers Excellent Design Possibilities
If you want to get creative with your kitchen countertops, quartz is a good choice. Unlike natural-stone, engineered quartz is a flexible product that can be held in place with epoxy instead of screws. This means it can be used for shower enclosures, backsplashes, and walls without visible seams. However, engineered quartz is much heavier than other stone products and installation can be complicated. Quartz countertops are usually installed by certified distributors. In addition to its design flexibility, quartz comes in a huge array of colors, whether you want something that looks like a natural slab of quartz or you want a solid color. When engineered quartz is manufactured, pigment can be added to the resin and crushed quartz to match the design of your bathroom or kitchen perfectly.