30

Apr

Why Are Quartz Countertops So Popular? Top 8 Reasons

When considering countertop options, a lot of homeowners and experts alike suggest quartz countertops. So, if you’re wondering why they are so popular and if they would be the right option for your kitchen, follow this guide.

Reasons Why Quartz Countertops Are Popular

They Are Highly Durable

Quartz countertops are made with 90-95% crushed quartz crystals and resin and polymer. They are engineered stone countertops and considered one of the most durable engineered countertop options out there.

This statement holds a lot of weight when you compare the hardness of quartz countertops with other popular options, like granite and marble. Quartz countertops score 7 on Mohs hardness scale while granite scores 6-7 and marble 3-4. So, this man-made stone is equal or better in hardness (scratch-resistance and durability) than granite, a popular natural stone option.

This turns heads and makes people consider this option. But that’s not the only reason people choose quartz. There are more reasons, as well explained in this guide.

Quartz Countertops Are Non-Porous Surfaces

So, quartz is more scratch-resistant and harder than granite? So what? Well, here’s an even better reason why quartz is popular. Quartz countertops are non-porous, which means any spills won’t seep into the surface and cause stains or hygiene concerns.

As spills are inevitable in kitchens, you need a surface that doesn’t stain or appear ugly after a spill. Quartz checks this box. One that almost all natural stones can’t because natural stones, like granite, marble, soapstone, quartzite, etc., are porous and allow water to be absorbed into the surface. This is why natural stone countertops are always sealed.

So, what about other engineered surfaces? They may be non-porous as well? You may ask. The answer is: yes, most synthetic or man-made countertop surfaces are non-porous. Popular ones include solid surface, laminate, and others. But what they don’t have is the kind of durability that quartz possesses.

Therefore, in that, quartz has the best quality of natural stones (durability) without the drawback of porosity, and it also has the best quality of engineered options (non-porous surface) without the drawback of lower durability.

They Don’t Require Sealing

This ties in with the above point. As quartz countertops are non-porous, they don’t require sealing. Natural stones require sealing every year or so. And as you apply a sealer to the surface, you have to care for the slab more mindfully. Because even if you have a durable countertop, like granite, the sealer is still not as scratch-resistant or heat-resistant as the granite’s surface. So, you will have to use protection, like cutting boards, trivets, and coasters. This applies to all natural stones.

Now, you do still need to use cutting boards, trivets, and coasters for quartz countertops as well, but they are more forgiving if you seldomly chop a food item directly on the surface. However, heat resistance is a whole another issue. You must use trivets and heating pads, otherwise, the surface may get heat stains or damage.

Design Versatility

Quartz countertops are manufactured in factories. This means that their design and colors can be controlled and made in as many variations as you can think of. So, you can find all kinds of quartz colors and patterns that will match perfectly with your kitchen’s color theme and style.

Moreover, quartz countertops can be made to look like natural stones, like granite or marble. This means you can get a surface that appears like natural stone without their drawback (porosity). This is a huge win for many people.

But some people may say that laminate and solid surface countertops can also mimic natural stones, so why are quartz surfaces popular? Well, because laminate countertops use sheets that have the print of natural stone, they don’t appear very real if someone looks closely.

On the other hand, solid surface countertops are softer and lighter, so they don’t have the heaviness associated with natural stones. Not to mention that both surfaces are not as durable as most natural stones and quartz countertops.

As quartz surfaces are as hard as some of the best natural stones, they take the cake for being the most preferred choice among engineered countertops that can imitate the look of natural stones.

However, keep in mind that this is not the only benefit of quartz countertops when it comes to appearance. Quartz surfaces have come a long way and they have many color, veining, and pattern options that can’t be found in natural stones. Many people also prefer solid color quartz countertops for a modern and sleek look.

In short, they are popular because the design versatility allows homeowners to use them in any style of kitchen, be it traditional, transitional, or modern. This is why quartz countertops are all over the latest kitchen trends.

Quartz Countertops Are Low Maintenance

Quartz countertops are low-maintenance because they don’t require sealing, and cleaning them is super easy. All you need is a mild detergent and water to wipe the surface.

Moreover, due to the non-porosity, there is a lower risk of stains from spills, so you don’t need to clean them intensively to remove stains. That’s a common problem with natural stones. However, remember that quartz countertops are not very heat-resistant, so heat stains can occur if you’re not being careful and not using trivets and coasters.

When compared to engineered materials, like laminate and solid surface, all these surfaces are low maintenance and don’t need sealing. However, quartz countertops have excellent scratch-resistance and durability that laminate and solid surface don’t have.

Moreover, concrete and paper composite are durable man-made countertop options, but they do require sealing. And then there are stainless steel countertops that are also easy to clean and are durable, and are the norm in commercial kitchens, but they are not much preferred in residential kitchens.

Scratches Can Be Fixed Easily

Not all countertop surfaces allow you to fix scratches, and the process can be difficult. There are materials like laminate, butcher block, recycled glass, stainless steel, concrete, porcelain, and others that can be hard to fix when scratched.

So, easier reparability of quartz countertops is a huge benefit. You can have minor scratches buffed, and for deep scratches, you can apply epoxy fillers. However, if the scratches are real ugly, you will need a professional’s help.

The Cost Range Of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are not very affordable and more expensive than options like laminate and solid surface, wood, and recycled surfaces, but they are still a good option, as quartz counters are more durable than cheaper options.

Moreover, the cost range of quartz countertops is similar to that of granite countertops, while they are actually cheaper than marble, quartzite, and many others.

They Boost Home Value

Quartz countertops are popular due to the above-mentioned reasons, so buyers perceive the property as more attractive. This increases the home’s value and helps you fetch a better price.

Downsides Of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops have many benefits, but they do have a few downsides you should know before buying:

  • Direct sunlight can fade the material, so they are not suggested for outdoor kitchens.
  • They are not heat-resistant. Therefore, always use trivets and heating pads.
  • High-end quartz surfaces can be expensive.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops are popular because they are durable, scratch-resistant, non-porous, low-maintenance, and have a lot of variety. If you want to know more or want to take a look at samples, get in touch with a quartz countertop contractor Potomac.

17

Apr

Granite Vs. Onyx Countertops: Durability Vs. Aesthetics

Both granite and onyx are natural stones, but they have stark differences. Granite is the most popular natural stone countertop option, while onyx is considered a beautiful but costly and soft countertop material. So, if you’re considering a natural stone countertop for your kitchen, here’s a comparison between onyx and granite countertops.

Comparing Granite With Onyx Countertops

Composition

Let’s first know what they are made of.

Granite Countertops

Granite is formed deep inside the Earth’s surface. As magma cools and solidifies, it becomes granite. This is why granite is one of the hardest natural stones used for countertops. This process takes from thousands to millions of years so other materials like quartz, feldspar, and mica also become a part of it, creating unique patterns and veining.

Onyx Countertops

Onyx is formed near or in the path of spring water, as it’s the crystallization of the minerals (calcium carbonate) in spring water. As layers of minerals keep forming on one another, a uniquely beautiful and translucent rock is formed.

Appearance

Granite Countertops

Granite is usually associated with traditional and transitional kitchens, but its variety and unique patterns, speckles, and veining can improve the appearance of any kitchen. As it’s formed inside the Earth’s crust naturally, all the patterns are beautifully random, so no two granite slabs are alike. However, the patterns and veining are still subtle compared to onyx countertops.

Granite slabs can be found in a wide variety of colors, from dark to light and bright colors. There are variations of black, white, brown, green, red, and so many more shades.

With granite countertops, you have the option of many finishes as well. You can pick from glossy, matte, and leathered finishes. There is also the option of specialized finishes, such as brushed, flamed, etc.

Onyx Countertops

The appearance of onyx countertops is bold and loud. They have very dramatic patterns and waves compared to granite, that have subtle patterns and veining. You will find vivid and bright colors that instantly make the countertops the center of attention. Common hues of onyx countertops are green, orange, yellow, brown, pink, and others.

However, the factor that really makes onyx countertops unique is that they are translucent. Onyx is a transparent material and you can use it wonderfully with backlighting. Plus, the most common finish for onyx countertops is the high gloss finish, which is a cherry on top.

This is the reason onyx countertops are preferred when homeowners are looking for a statement piece that would be the focal point of the room. They are commonly preferred in high-end kitchens where appearance matters more than durability. Which brings us to the next point: comparing the durability of these two materials. However, more than a functional countertop in kitchens, onyx slabs are mostly used for accents and decoration.

Durability

Granite Countertops

As stated earlier, granite is one of the hardest materials used for countertops. It scores 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it doesn’t scratch or chip easily. This makes it a favorable option for everyday kitchens and bathrooms where the countertops need to be sturdy and don’t scratch too easily.

However, even though granite is a hard rock, you should not test its limits. Always use cutting boards when using knives or any other pointy stuff.

Onyx Countertops

When it comes to hardness and durability, onyx is similar to marble. It’s a soft material and scores 4-5 on the Mohs scale. So, it’s a softer and more delicate stone, and it can chip, scratch, and even crack pretty quickly. This means you have to be very careful with it.

Not only do you always have to chop everything on a cutting board, but you also have to avoid dragging any metallic item on the surface to avoid scratches.

Heat Resistance

Granite Countertops

Granite is a highly heat-resistant material, as it’s basically solidified magma. It can withstand very high temperatures, but if we only state the temperatures it can withstand without damage, they will be 300°F to 500°F (150°C to 260°C). So, you can put hot pans and other items directly from the stove or oven on the surface… but it’s still not recommended, though.

Even though granite is heat-resistant, it has a sealant applied over it for water-resistance. That sealant can get damaged with hot pans and, then, allows water into the surface, leading to stains. So, you should still use trivets and heat pads when placing any hot items on it.

The heat resistance is still beneficial because if you unintentionally put a hot pan directly on granite, it most probably won’t damage the surface.

Onyx Countertops

Onyx is a softer material and is not as heat-resistant. If you do want to use it as your primary kitchen countertop, always use trivets, coasters, and heat pads for putting hot items, because a single incident of a hot pan placed directly on the onyx counter may stain the surface. And you know, onyx countertops are all about appearance. If that’s affected, then they will look really bad. So, know the pros and cons of onyx countertops before buying.

Maintenance

Granite Countertops

Granite counters are low maintenance when compared to onyx countertops, even though both require sealing. Granite is a natural stone, so it’s porous, but as much as onyx. So, once sealed, the sealant can last for 1-3 years, depending on the usage.

In addition to that, granite is a sturdy rock, so you can clean it with a mild soap and a soft cloth. If you need a rugged and popular material that requires a medium level of maintenance, then granite would be a good choice.

Onyx Countertops

As already established, onyx is more porous than granite. This means it requires more frequent sealing. Usually, you have to seal it every 3 to 12 months. Even then, there’s a risk of the surface etching or staining due to spills. Even lemon drops can etch the surface. So, they require a lot of care to keep looking striking and beautiful.

When it comes to cleaning, you should not use any other cleaner than the one made for cleaning onyx surfaces. Anything else could be too abrasive or too bad for the material, which will lead to scratches and damage.

Longevity

Granite Countertops

As a natural stone, granite can last for a century, but in practical kitchens, a granite countertop should last up to 30 years at the very least. The longevity depends a lot on maintenance.

Onyx Countertops

It can also last a century, theoretically. However, as it’s more fragile, there is a higher risk of damage. Still, you can expect onyx countertops to last for 15 to 30 years. However, if you’re using it as the primary prep surface for a busy kitchen, the lifespan will be lower.

Cost

Granite Countertops

Granite is considerably cheaper than onyx. The starting price of granite countertops may be 50% lower than that of onyx countertops. It’s because granite is readily available almost all around the world.

Onyx Countertops

Onyx is more expensive than granite. Sometimes, 50% or more. This is due to the fact that onyx is rare compared to granite and is sourced only from a small number of countries.

Conclusion

Granite countertops are durable, beautiful, and cost-effective, and perfect for kitchen and bathroom countertops as the primary prep space. On the other hand, onyx is all about aesthetics. It’s bold and beautiful, but fragile and costly, so it’s suitable for high-end homes or for decorative purposes. Get in touch with a granite installer Rockville for samples.