What You Need To Know About Quartz Countertops

If you're in the market for new countertops then you may want to take a look at quartz. Quartz countertops offer the best of both worlds, merging the beauty of granite with the functionality of laminate. By knowing what makes quartz countertops special, you'll be able to know if these counters are right for you.

They're Visually Appealing

Quartz countertops have the visual appeal of natural stone. In most cases, quartz countertops are composed of mostly small quartz shards and only a small percentage of polymer resin. In contrast, granite is only composed of a small portion of quartz, the rest is made up of varying minerals. This composition makes granite countertops structurally weaker than quartz ones. Additionally, the way quartz countertops are made allows them to be highly customizable. These counters are available in a vast array of colors that are sure to complement your home.

When compared to dyed slabs of natural stone, colored quartz countertops are dyed more evenly. This is because when a natural stone slab is dyed, the dye is applied directly to the slab. The dye on the natural stone slabs changes over time and may not always wind up the color you were expecting. Quartz countertops on the other hand, have the dye mixed in during the manufacturing process so the dye is consistently applied within the countertop.

What Nonporous Means For You

Due to their nonporous nature, quartz countertops are exceptionally strong and resistant to many of the issues that plague natural stone countertops. Being nonporous means that quartz countertops don't absorb moisture and bacteria can't seep into them. Being less absorbent than many other countertops also allows quartz to be stain resistant, so you don't have to worry about wine, oil or cleaning products staining the surface of your countertops.

Thankfully, being nonporous also helps quartz countertops on the cleaning front. Due to the fact they absorb less, they need less maintenance than their more porous counterparts. Quartz countertops don't need to be resealed or polished to maintain their appearance. In order to care for these countertops, all you need is a little soap and warm water.

Structure And Installation Needs

Quartz countertops are best when professionally installed. While they only require glue to be held down adequately, quartz countertops are heavy, and they require special structural considerations to ensure the countertops are properly supported. Quartz countertops also have fewer seams than natural stone. This makes these countertops suitable for use in backsplashes and other large installments that may be more difficult using natural stone. If you have questions about quartz countertops, consider contacting a specialist in different types of stone countertops, such as Artisan Granite & Marble.