29

Sep

Pros and Cons of Quartz Kitchen Counter tops

Over the years quartz kitchen countertops have gained prominence and although granite countertop remains at the top of the ladder, quartz countertops are quickly catching up. Quartz which is a manmade engineered countertop is made of 94% ground quartz minerals and 6% resins, polymers and pigments.  In this article, we look at why you should consider using quartz for your kitchen countertop.

Pros of Quartz Kitchen Countertop

  • Non-Porous

The polymer resins that are placed between the crushed quartz fills the spaces in between and ensure there are no gaps in between making it nonporous. Unlike natural stones, the pores of the countertop are sealed making it durable, resistant to stains and liquids. The nonporous nature of quartz makes it highly anti-microbial making it more hygienic to use especially in the kitchen. The closed pores inhibit the growth of moulds and bacteria that produce toxins and cause food poisoning. Pores can also track liquids which can harbour bacteria, and that makes quartz one of the best kitchen countertop.

  • Multiple colours available

Quartz countertops are available in many different colours. Its, therefore, a good colour to match with your kitchen cabinets, backsplash, and floor tiles. If you are remodelling your kitchen, consider using this countertop for your kitchen there are many colours you can choose from and perk up the value of your home.

  • Low maintenance

Quartz is durable and almost indestructible. Due to its nonporous nature, it’s easy to maintain and clean. If you are looking for a countertop for your busy kitchen, quartz is low maintenance and will be perfect for your restaurant. To clean the countertop you need warm water and mild detergent.

  • Stain Resistant and Corrosion resistant

You don’t need to keep resealing quartz to protect your countertop from stains and corrosion. Quartz countertops resist stain and corrosion without any need to seal the top.

  • Heat Resistant

Quartz Countertops can withstand heat up to 250 degrees Celcius and compare to other surfaces its best heat resistant countertop material. If you run a restaurant and you are wondering what materials won’t bend or warp when it comes into contact with the hot pan, a quartz countertop is the most ideal material.

  • Scratch Resistant

Quartz is made of hard minerals and its therefore not easily scratched. It’s however important that you take care of the countertop. Make sure you place any items you want to cut on a plank. Quartz is one of the most durable countertops and unlike other surfaces doesn’t scratch and cut easily.

  • Impact Resistant

Compared to other countertops, quartz countertops will absorb a lot of impacts and still be durable. The polymer increases compressibility and makes the quartz more strong and flexible. Resin is a shock absorber which makes quartz hard and brittle. If you run a restaurant then you want a countertop that can handle pressure and a little weight. Quartz countertop will handle the pressure and weight without crumbling or breaking.

The above advantages of quartz countertops and below some disadvantages of the quartz countertop.

Cons of Quartz countertops

  • Cost

The cost of quartz countertop ranges from one quartz countertop dealer to another. It’s therefore important that you visit the quartz dealer and get a quotation. However, in comparison to other countertop materials such as laminate quartz is more expensive.

  • Not Suitable for Outdoors

Quartz countertops are perfect for your indoor kitchen but will fade due to prolonged exposure to elements. Polymer resin reacts to continued exposure to sunlight and rain and the colour pigment fades. There are other better options to use when it comes to outdoor countertops such as granites.

  • Not completely Heat Resistant

Quartz is only heat resistant up to 250 degrees Celsius and if you place anything hotter than that there is a chance that your countertop will melt up.

Quartz is one of the best countertop material, it’s however important that you confirm both the pros and cons before deciding to use the material. In spite of the great qualities taking care of the countertop will ensure it last longer. Visit the granite countertop company and let the expert advise you on the best material for your kitchen countertop. The kitchen countertop you choose should bring out style and make your house more beautiful. To get the best out of your countertop make sure the installation is done by the quartz countertop installers Rockville for the best outcome.

29

Aug

Reasons Why Should Use Quartz in Your Kitchen Countertop

When it comes to countertops you should consider using a quartz countertop. In this article, we tell you why we love quartz and why over the years quartz has become the ideal kitchen countertop for most people. Most people have over the years turned to quartz making it a trend and we can confidently say that they have made the right choice. We hope to convince that as you choose your kitchen countertop during that remodel that you will seriously consider using a quartz kitchen countertop.

How to Choose Kitchen Countertop

Before you settle for any countertop consider the following;

  • Cost

Get a quotation from the granite company on the various kitchen countertops available and choose the one that fits in your budget

  • Style

Granite countertop or quartz countertop, which one brings out your style. Choose the countertop that will bring out your style.

  • Where to use the countertop

Each material works well in different areas, talk to the quartz countertop dealers on the most suitable material for your workspace.

  • Maintenance

There are different maintenance practices for each countertop, choose the one that best suits your lifestyle. Granite countertops require constant resealing and may not be busy for high traffic areas.

Why We Love Quartz and Why You Should Join Us

Below are reasons why you should quartz countertop for your kitchen remodel

  • Low Maintenance

The kitchen is a key room in every home and if you are running a business, it’s definitely the core of your investment. Quartz doesn’t require constant sealing making it low maintenance and ideal for busy kitchens like in restaurants. You will not need to interrupt your busy schedule to seal, wax or polish your kitchen countertop. To keep the countertop clean, all you require is warm water and a mild detergent.

  • Stain Resistant

Quartz is stain resistant and you don’t have to worry every time liquid spills on your kitchen countertop. Use mild water and soap to clean off the spill and you don’t have to worry about the spill as the countertop is resistant to stains. You can be sure that your quartz kitchen countertop will be easy to clean and maintain

  • Heat resistant

Quartz is able to withstand heat to a higher and won’t crack in case of dramatic temperature changes. Although it’s advisable not place hot items on the countertop, quartz is able to withstand heat from pans without altering the beauty and appearance.

  • Patterns available for modern to the traditional style

The manufacturers are able to produce stones that mimic natural stone and its therefore ideal for a contemporary, traditional and a modern look and will give your kitchen the aesthetic appeal you want.

  • Non-Porous Nature

Quartz is nonporous in nature and therefore will not harbor any germs making it ideal for the kitchen. The hygienic nature of quartz makes it especially ideal in restaurants and high traffic kitchen and all you need to do is use a clean cloth, warm water, and soap to clean the countertop.

  • Variety of Colors

Quartz comes in a variety of colors, whether you want dramatic colors or soothing colors, making it the perfect choice for whichever color you want. Because Quartz is man-made there are easily customizable and thus they are available in more than 70 colors and you will definitely get the one that matches or complements your cabinets.

  • Durable

Once you remodel your kitchen you can be sure your quartz will last a lifetime. With proper care, a quartz countertop will last forever and you will not need to change your kitchen countertop.

  • Cost

Home remodeling can be an expensive affair and Quartz is less expensive and will give you value for your money.

While we don’t dispute the popularity of natural stones such as granite over the years Quartz countertops have become one of the trendiest countertops in the market. The color variety will help you style your space, whichever way you want and that makes it more ideal. The low maintenance, flexibility while designing and durability has made quartz catch up with granite countertops. Let the quartz installer Rockville do the installation work for a more and professional outcome. Choose colors that bring out style and give your kitchen space the much-deserved beauty and elegance.

19

Jun

Is Your Quartz Kitchen Counter top Heat Resistant?

Your Quartz kitchen countertops go through a lot in their kitchen lifetime and anyone who wants to replace their countertops wonders whether they will withstand. It’s important that you get the countertop that will stand the test of time and in this post, we review what the quartz countertops can bear. Hot pans are placed on them, they get wet, knives scratch their surface and exposure to various substances that may cause stains. The kitchen countertop material you choose should depict style, good in appearance, durable and heat resistant. When it comes to quartz countertops most people wonder whether its heat resistant and up to what level it can resist the heat. Over the year the debate whether quartz is heat resistant rages on and we indulge to find out whether you should place that hot pan on your Quartz kitchen tops.

How Quartz Countertops are Made

Before you choose your kitchen countertop, you need to understand the mineral composition of the top. Quartz is a naturally occurring material composed of silicon and oxygen and to make kitchen countertops resin is added to bond the minerals.

Is Quartz Heat Resistant

Quartz has over the years gained prominence in our kitchen and Over and over the question, whether a quartz countertop will be affected by heat is flouted. When it comes to heat there are two qualities that we need to differentiate, Heat Resistant and Heat Proof

Heat resistant means the ability to be able to resist heat and remain unaffected while heatproof means the ability to withstand heat. With that in mind let now. Quartz relates up to 150 degrees or more of heat and thus its actual heat resistant up to that level. That means that the quartz countertops can bear the heat from hot pans without causing the top to discolor. The beauty of your Quartz Kitchen countertop will remain for many years even after placing the hot pans on it and that makes quartz pass the heat test. That makes quartz the perfect deal when it comes to kitchen countertops.

On the other hand, is Quartz heat proof?

As we have stated above quartz can handle heat up to a certain level but beyond that, the binding polymer resins will be destroyed. As a precaution, the quartz installers recommend placing trivets on the quartz countertops to avoid damage. It might hard to tell the temperature of your pan and it’s therefore important to invest in the trivet or hot pads where you can place the hot items. Too much heat may cause irredeemable damage to your countertop. With the above, you can rest easy knowing how much heat the countertop can bear and how to protect your countertop.

What if the Quartz is damaged?

In the unfortunate event that the Quartz countertop is damaged, the first step is to contact the Quartz countertop contractor so that they can access the extent of the damage. Accidents may damage the heat and the quartz countertop installers from the countertop replacement companies will assess and advise the best option based on the damage. Quartz countertops will rarely get damaged and if they let the expert quartz installers do the repair and the replacement.

Care Tips for Your Quartz Countertops

  • Quartz is not porous but its good maintenance practice to wipe away any spills as soon as they happen
  • Don’t expose your quartz kitchen countertop to very high temperatures to avoid damaging it
  • Avoid powerful and permanent markers on the countertop as this may cause damage. It’s however important to note that quartz is stain resistant but not for very strong chemicals.
  • Use a cutting board to avoid marks and scratches on the countertop.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners as they will damage the shine and make the polish will inconsistent. Clean the countertop with warm water and a mild soap.

Quartz is one of the best kitchen countertop materials due to the various qualities it possesses. You need to seal the countertop often as its porous and therefore perfect low maintenance. It’s Durable making it suitable for all sorts of kitchen, especially high traffic, and busy kitchen. Ensure that when your countertop is damaged you let the quartz countertop installers Rockville assess the damage and do the repair and replacement.

14

Apr

Granite Vs Quartz Counter top: What’s your choice

Granite and quartz countertops are almost the same, and the debate about which is better than the other continues to rage on. Although it’s hard to tell the countertops apart, there are still differences that will help you settle on the best depending on your needs. We delve deeper into the differences and similarities to help decide which of the two countertops fits your space

The difference between Quartz and granite

  • Material

Granite is made of 100% natural stone. Granite stones are taken from the quarries and cut and smoothened to form the granite countertop.

Quartz is made of 93 % natural stone, and the rest 7 % is colors and resin to hold the particles together.

  • Maintenance

Granite is porous and needs to seal often to avoid stain and scratches

Quartz, on the other hand, doesn’t require any sealing

  • Durability

Granite has its flaws when it comes to busy kitchens. If you are looking for a countertop for a busy kitchen, then granite may not be ideal as it scratches and stains when certain substances like wine, coffee, tomato juice are poured on it

Quartz kitchen countertops are durable and less prone to stains, and it’s therefore, perfect for those hotels that are super busy kitchens

  • Eco-friendly

Granite is eco-friendlier as it emits less amount of radon and other organic gases.

Quartz has higher emission levels of radon than granite

Reasons to consider Granite

  • Granite is a pure natural stone and has unique colors which make it possible to personalize your kitchen.
  • Granite is slightly cheaper than Quartz
  • Granite countertops are durable if not subjected to heavy use.

Reason to consider Quartz

  • Quartz is more flexible than granite and is thus easier to install.
  • The non-porous nature of quartz makes it the best countertop for busy kitchens
  • Its stain resistant
  • If you don’t want to see seams, then you need to use darker quartz

What is your choice?

The kitchen countertop you choose will depend on several factors;

  • Preference

When choosing between you need to decide whether you want the unique natural stone or man-made stone. Granite countertops are more beautiful and unique as compared to quartz.

  • Purpose and ease of use

Quartz countertops will work well in the large and busy kitchen as they are easy to maintain as they don’t require sealing. Quartz countertops are easier to clean and can be used heavily. Choose one that suits the need at hand

Conclusion

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.It’s important to note that you can’t go wrong with either of the two countertops as they are both durable if used in the right place. Choose the kitchen countertop that will add aesthetic value to your house and if you feel lost talk to your granite-Quartz countertop installers for expertise on each of the countertops.