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.

28

Feb

Quartz Vs. Laminate Countertops: Durability Vs. Affordability

If you’re considering engineered countertop materials for your kitchen, two popular options are quartz and laminate countertops. But which option is better? Let’s compare laminate and quartz countertops.

Differences Between Quartz And Laminate Countertops

Composition

Let’s first know what these materials are made of before going on and comparing their traits and costs.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is made of 90-95% of crushed stone crystals like quartz and marble fused with resin and added pigments to create a stone surface. It’s a popular kitchen countertop material, and a very durable one. There are various qualities of it determined by the percentage of crushed stone in it. High-quality quartz countertops have a higher percentage of crushed stone particles.

Laminate Countertops

They are basically a core layer of particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard), that has a decorative laminate layer on top of it. It’s a printed layer, so it can look like anything imaginable and printable. So, it can look like wood and natural stones as well. At the very top of this is a protective layer that offers moderate protection against moisture.

Appearance, Colors, And Variety

Quartz Countertops

It’s an engineered stone, so its appearance is genuinely exactly like a stone, far superior to laminate. Moreover, because of the use of resins, polymers, and pigments, you can find a huge variety of quartz colors and patterns.

There are many quartz slabs that appear like granite, marble, and any other natural stone, and they look like genuine natural stone because quartz actually is a stone, albeit engineered. That being said, quartz has its own appeal too. Its solid colors are preferred in modern kitchens for a sleek appearance.

In addition to that, quartz can also be made to look like wood, but that is not too convincing and not quite popular, as the surface may appear stone-like instead of wood-like. If someone wants a wood-like appearance, they prefer other options such as laminate.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate surfaces can mimic the appearance of anything possible, be it natural stones, wood, bamboo, or anything else. Newer laminate slabs use 3D printing so the print appears quite real, though you can spot the difference if you look closely.

Moreover, even if you don’t want the look of popular materials (natural stones, wood, etc.), there is a huge variety of colors and designs you can pick from.

Durability And Longevity

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is highly durable and long-lasting. It actually rivals granite, a popular natural stone, in overall durability, though some traits of quartz are better while some characteristics of granite win.

In comparison to laminate, quartz is miles ahead of it in durability. It can last from 25 to 50 years if maintained well.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are moderately durable and last from 10 to 20 years. That is because the top-most layer can wear over time, which leads to damage.

Scratch-Resistance

Quartz Countertops

Quartz counters are excellent when it comes to scratch-resistance. On the Mohs scale, which detects the hardness and scratch-resistance of a material, it scores 7. For comparison, granite has 6-7 score and diamond has a 10 score.

Now, even though quartz countertops are scratch-resistant, it’s still not suggested to chop food directly on the surface. Always use cutting boards to keep the quartz surface in good shape.

If you’re wondering what’s the use of this good scratch-resistance of quartz, then? The answer is that this trait will be helpful in preventing unintentional scratches, like putting keys on the surface, putting knives on the surface or occasionally using a knife directly on the worktop, etc.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops have a protective layer on top, but it can get scratched over time. So, if you have a laminate counter, you must use a cutting board, otherwise, the surface will look ugly very quickly. You can fix minor scratches, but major problems can’t be repaired.

Water-Resistance

Quartz Countertops

Quartz surfaces are manufactured to be waterproof. So, you can wipe any spills without worrying about them seeping into the surface, causing stains and damage. Plus, quartz is non-porous, unlike natural stones, so you don’t need to seal it to retain its waterproofness.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops have a protective layer that is waterproof. However, the surface can be vulnerable to moisture around the edges. Therefore, try to avoid and limit spills, and use minimal water when cleaning.

Heat-Resistance

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is an engineered stone, but it’s still composed of a small percentage of resin. So, prolonged exposure to heat can stain the surface. Usually, it’s safer to put anything with temperatures around 150°F to 300°F, but you should never risk it and always use hot pads, trivets, or coasters for hot pans.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate counters have a plastic decorative layer, so it’s inferior in heat-resistance compared to quartz. It can be blistered or stained even with a short-term exposure to high heat. The top-most layer can even delaminate or warp. So, be careful and make it a habit to put pots and other hot items on hot pads, trivets, or coasters.

Maintenance And Repair

Quartz Countertops

Cleaning and wiping quartz countertops is easy and stress-free. You only need to make sure you’re using the right cleaner and avoiding abrasive tools. As the surface is scratch-resistant, you won’t be dealing with too many scratches. And another great thing is that quartz countertops don’t need sealing.

When it comes to repairs, it’s a stone (though engineered), so you can have it professionally repaired in case of scratches, chips, and stains.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are also easy to clean, but you have to be careful and never expose them to a lot of moisture because they can be damaged by it. And avoid abrasive chemicals and tools too.

Moreover, preventing scratches is really important because scratches can expose the core layer of laminate countertops, leading to premature damage. Even if scratches and moisture don’t damage the core layer, the top-most layer will look bad. On top of it all, severely worn or damaged laminate countertops can’t be repaired, so you will need to replace them in case of damage.

For Outdoor Kitchens?

Both surfaces are not recommended for outdoor kitchens as the resin in quartz and the plastic layer of laminate can wear quickly when exposed to outdoor elements. Use granite, concrete, or stainless-steel countertops instead.

Cost

Quartz Countertops

Quartz slabs are more expensive than laminate. However, there are various qualities of quartz, so if you’re dead set on buying quartz but want something low-cost, you can pick a lower-quality quartz slab or prefabricated quartz countertops.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are cheaper than quartz. So, if you’re tight on budget and need a moderately durable surface that can last for 10-15 years, then laminate is a good option.

Installation

Quartz Countertops

Quartz should be installed by a fabricator because it requires special tools and skills. DIY installation could lead to improper installation or damage to the slab.

Laminate Countertops

Many types of laminate countertops are DIY-friendly so you can install them yourself and save labor costs.

Final Verdict

Both quartz and laminate countertops have their pros and cons, and cater to various buyers. If you need a beautiful and highly durable material, pick quartz countertops. On the other hand, if you need something budget-friendly that is also good to look at and moderately durable, then choose laminate countertops.

Consult a quartz countertop contractor Potomac to know more about different countertop options and which of them suits your budget and preferences.

13

Jan

Dos And Don’ts Of Choosing Quartz Countertops

Choosing a kitchen countertop material can difficult because it will stay in your kitchen for years so you want to choose the right one. A good kitchen countertop needs to be durable, beautiful, practical, and low maintenance. And many of these qualities do match with quartz kitchen countertops. If you’re considering quartz countertops, then keep these dos and don’ts in mind.

Dos And Don’ts Of Buying Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Do Consider The Variety

When it comes to quartz countertops, there are a lot of things that you need to consider. There is huge variety of quartz out there. So, you need to find the right quartz grade, color, and pattern for yourself. It is done by scouring through every single store you can find and then selecting the slabs you love the most. Looking at the slabs is crucial too because you need to see what you’re getting.

So, checking all kinds of quartz is important. Even though you may like a slab initially, you never know if you fall in love with another kind of quartz.

Don’t Go For Super Light Colors

Even though quartz is available in most color shades, you still want to go for something that is not as light. It is important that you go for muted but slightly deeper colors because that will make all of the difference.

Quartz can be stained by heat if it’s low-quality or if the heat is above 150 degrees Fahrenheit. To make the heat stains look less obvious, you want to choose a color that will camouflage the heat stains better.

So, this is only better for you because it will make the stains look less obvious and you will save yourself from huge repairs in the long run. So, you see, color selection matters.

Do Remember Cleaning

This doesn’t just go for quartz. It needs to be taken care of, regardless of what countertops you have, but if you have quartz, then you need to remember to clean it every so often. This will ensure that you have clean countertops to work on.

Cleaning doesn’t only keep the countertops spotless, it will also ensure sanitary working conditions because think about it – working on dirty countertops doesn’t sound appealing at all. So, if you’re considering quartz countertops, then you need to know about the cleaning requirements of the very material.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Even though quartz is a  durable material, nothing can stand up against harsh chemicals, not even natural or man-made stones. So, you want to keep it in mind to not use harsh or abrasive cleaners on quartz countertops.

This is something that a lot of people don’t keep in mind and then their countertops can get littered with scratches, which is not a pretty sight for anyone. So, you want to avoid using anything too harsh and chemical-based on quartz countertops because it might just do more bad than good and your countertops will be ruined.

Do Your Research

When it comes to choosing quartz countertops, you don’t want to jump in blindly. You want to do your research as much as you can. This will ensure that you know all of the ins and outs of the material and that you know what are the downsides and upsides of quartz.

So, if you want to get a countertop material that will last for a long time, then research is very important. You will know exactly what there is to know about it and you will make the best decision that will pay you off for a decent amount of time.

Don’t Put Hot Things On It

Quartz can withstand heat without staining up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and it warps or cracks above 302 degrees Fahrenheit. This is something you need to keep in mind  and you will have to protect the countertops from getting heat stains.

Heat stains are black and very much permanent that are difficult to remove. These stains are really ugly and they can leave the countertops looking just unpleasant, so you need to keep this tidbit of information in mind when you’re choosing quartz countertops. You will need coasters or trivets to put your hot foods and utensils on the countertops. This will only save them from ugly heat stains.

Do Check Samples

Samples are one of the most important things to look at when you’re considering quartz countertops. If there are samples, then you don’t want to skip the chance of taking a look at them.

Yes, samples can be a bit different from the actual slab, but it still gives you a general idea about how the slabs are, how they’re made, and how they feel when you run your hand over them. You want to check the samples before you commit to buying quartz because it will give you a very good idea about the material you’re going for.

Good quality quartz is consistent in color throughout the slab. Also, the polish has consistent shine. If you can test a quartz sample, then perform a scratch test. Use a knife to scratch the sample quartz surface. Good quality quartz will show a black line while a poor quality quartz will have a white line.

Don’t Forget That It’s A Man-Made Stone

A lot of the time, people mistake quartz for quartzite. Even though they sound very similar, they are completely different stones. Quartz is a man-made stone while quartzite is a natural stone.

Quartz is made out of crushed rocks and mixed with resin to give it that rock-hard appearance. Whereas, quartzite is a material that is made naturally deep inside the Earth’s surface just like other natural stones such as granite and marble. So, you need to know what you’re going for because it will make all of the difference in the long run. Don’t let the similar names fool you.

Do Keep Maintenance In Mind

When it comes to quartz, especially if someone has had it for a long time, it can lead to a lot of chips and cracks on the surface. Well, that is common and you need to get it fixed. Even though quartz is a durable material, you will want to make sure that it is well-maintained and spotless whenever you look at it.

This is not something majorly difficult, but it is part of maintaining the stone to ensure that it looks amazing for years to come. So always keep in mind that you will need to maintain the stone from time to time. Durability doesn’t mean no maintenance.

Don’t Seal It

Lastly, quartz is not a natural stone, so you will be happy to know that you don’t need to seal it. Sealing can be a very troubling process, and it is something that needs to be done for natural stones because they’re porous and they need to be sealed otherwise water would ruin them.

But because quartz is made out of resin, which is non-porous, it doesn’t let water in and beads the drops on the surface. So, quartz is an amazing material for countertops.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly what to do and not do when it comes to choosing quartz countertops. This will lead to you picking something that not only you’ll love but it’ll last for a long time too. For high quality quartz slabs and proper installation, consult quartz countertop installers Rockville.