An authentic quartz countertop is made up of 94% quartz and 6% resin. Quartz is a natural mineral but the production process of the countertops and the addition of resins is industrialized. Therefore the final material is considered a synthetic material.
The material is rigid, so quartz countertops are shock resistant. It is also completely waterproof, bactericidal and resists stains or marks from cutlery metals.
However, it is not advisable to use knives on the corners as they can make small. Temperature resistance is not the highest either requiring dish supports between very hot pans and the countertop.
Appearance
The quartz countertop finish can be totally smooth and visually homogeneous, or it can have small points of shine, which are made by adding vitrified particles.
The colors most used for differing greatly from granite are the most vivid shades, such as red or orange, or the very light colors like white or cream.
Durability and maintenance
Quartz countertops can last for many years if proper care is taken, which is just avoiding the use of knives in the corners and not supporting hot pans.
Cleaning is very easy and the countertop never needs to be waterproofed. But at the time of installation, it is important to use epoxy grouts that do not turn yellow over time.
The resin is not resistant to sunlight or any other type of UV emission. Therefore, quartz countertops should not be used in uncovered outdoor areas that are in direct contact with the sun. They can be used in kitchens and bathrooms, and can have tubs of the same material.
In addition to the countertops, it is also possible to use this quartz-resin mixture for floor and wall covering with reduced joints. The price of quartz countertops is higher than many other materials, such as most granite.
And tubs carved from the same material or smooth finish add to this price even more. But it is one of the few materials that has a homogeneous finish and great stain resistance, even in the lighter colors.
Some suppliers may make countertops with more resin in composition and less quartz, so the piece gets lower. But along with the value also falls the quality of the material, which is much less resistant. So it is important to be careful, and only buy quartz countertops if you can invest a little more.
Informed decision
Before deciding whether your new kitchen will get a granite, quartz or marble countertop, you need to understand the difference between them, and moreover, which one fits your need.
Undoubtedly a planned kitchen project will require one of these stones, which, whether or not combined with the chosen wood, will add charm to the environment.
But when it comes to cooking, a place where we prepare food and the largest circulation of the house, some criteria must be taken into account, such as using a less porous stone that does not scratch easily.
Marble differs from granite in that it has in its composition a greater number of veins, making it less resistant. Marble stones may not be used under any circumstances in the kitchen,
They have no resistance to pans at high temperatures and are very porous. By having a smaller grain size usually have greater uniformity in color.
Like marble, granite is a natural mineral rock composed of quartz, feldspar and mika. Granite compared to marble and quartz has the best value in the market.
Its porosity is related to its grain size and having a more rigid composition usually smears less, and is less porous than the others. Another striking feature is the variation of stains and veins, which differs in each piece.
Quartz falls into the category of major options, such as silestone, Limestone and also those made in China. It is a mineral composed of micro crystals that resemble broken glass, so its strength and durability.
