Have you ever admired the sophistication of premium kitchen and bathroom countertops? Frequently, these surfaces showcase the enduring allure of quartz, and with good reason. Renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, surpassing even granite, quartz stands out for its minimal porosity. This distinctive characteristic not only simplifies maintenance but also acts as a robust defense against household bacteria. Now, exploring the essence of this remarkable material—what distinguishes quartz from other countertop materials?
Discover what quartz is, how it’s made, and explore its benefits for your home in this concise and user-friendly guide..
So, What is Quartz?
The technical, scientific answer is that quartz is a type of igneous rock composed of both silicon and oxygen atoms. Each oxygen atom combines with two tetrahedra silicon atoms forming the mineral compound quartz (Si02).
While it’s nice to know the scientific answer, you’re probably still wondering how quartz is made into countertops and backsplashes! The process is fascinating and might actually surprise you.
How are Quartz Countertops Formed?
After mining quartz minerals, they’re ground and fused with a hardening resin. Once heated and pressurized, a stunning new countertop is born.
What household applications does quartz have, and what benefits does it offer compared to alternatives like granite?
Why Choose Quartz for your Home?
Still deciding between quartz vs granite countertops? It’s certainly a tough call, and one you should take your time to make. The natural, one-of-a-kind appeal which only granite has may be tempting enough to sway you into choosing granite countertops for your home, but you may want to consider a few interesting things about quartz before deciding.
There are a few key advantages of choosing quartz for your kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Let’s delve into understanding quartz and its advantages for homes and offices!
1. It is Engineered
Unlike granite, hewn from natural stone slabs, quartz stands out for its extraordinary flexibility. This highly versatile material can be effortlessly molded and shaped into virtually any desired form, providing you with the creative latitude to design your ideal kitchen or bathroom. Liberated from the constraints imposed by the predetermined dimensions of granite slabs, quartz opens up a rich tapestry of possibilities. Its distinctive attributes empower you to craft spaces that intricately reflect your unique vision, offering a personalized touch that goes beyond the limitations of conventional materials.
2. It is Easy to Repair
In the event of damage, repairing countertops made of quartz is a straightforward process due to their engineered nature. Connecting with a trusted local installation company that specializes in this material is key to seamlessly addressing any issues that may arise. These professionals possess the expertise and skills needed to effortlessly rectify any potential damage, ensuring a smooth and effective solution for your countertops.
Comparatively, repairing a granite countertop can be challenging as finding a replacement with the same natural color may prove troublesome.
3. It is Available in Different Colors
There are hundreds of different types of quartz countertops. Quartz is available in all shapes, sizes, and colors. With granite, you would likely need to source your countertops first and then design your cabinetry and interior design scheme accordingly.
Quartz, however, can be colored to suit any space, making it a much more versatile design choice, especially when a total rebuild is not an option.
4. It is More Durable
Quartz stands out as an almost indestructible countertop material. The heating, pressurizing, and resin mixing process makes quartz exceptionally durable and a longer-lasting option compared to other materials.
5. It is Antibacterial
Selecting quartz offers a significant advantage due to its non-porous nature, naturally resisting bacteria. This inherent quality distinguishes it from alternative materials. The non-porosity of quartz contributes to a hygienic surface, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fostering a healthier environment. Beyond its microbial resistance, quartz’s enduring nature enhances the longevity and cleanliness of surfaces, making it a favored choice for those valuing both durability and hygiene in material selection.
Granite, although an excellent choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops, is porous. This means that granite countertops can collect and build up potentially harmful bacteria, leading to the need for occasional resealing, which can, at times, be costly.
Want to use Quartz for Your Next Project?
Selecting quartz for your kitchen and bathroom countertops is a smart decision due to its remarkable attributes. Not only does quartz boast exceptional durability and antibacterial properties, but it also provides a wide range of customization options to suit your preferences. In addition, the ease of repairs ensures that your countertops will remain in top-notch condition for an extended period. Beyond its functional advantages, quartz’s captivating aesthetics contribute to making it the perfect choice for elevating the style of your new kitchen or bathroom countertops.
Affordable Granite Concepts is a premier granite installation and fabrication company located in Altamonte Springs. We offer one of the biggest selections of granite, quartz, and natural stone to the Orlando area at our 12,000 square foot showroom.
We prioritize satisfaction, quality, and timeliness. Our ultra-fast granite fabrication process for custom granite countertops takes only 3-business days. If you’re in Central Florida, you can count on us to make your vision come to life at the best price!