Move over granite—there’s a new winning countertop in town. Quartz continues to be a favorite trend in kitchen countertop surfaces in 2020.
These days, homeowners look not only for visual aesthetic for kitchen design but also durability, easy maintenance, and design flexibility. While natural stones such as granite have long been considered the standard for stylish kitchen designs, quartz is more and more becoming the go-to material for gorgeous kitchen counters.
Manufacturing of Quartz Countertops
Although it’s possible to use quarried slabs of natural quartz for your countertops, the majority of what you’ll see used in kitchen construction isn’t quarried stone. Rather, most quartz countertops are manufactured from a mixture of 95% quartz and 5% resin binders and pigments.
Homeowners find a number of benefits when choosing engineered quartz over more traditional countertop materials.
Color and Pattern in Quartz Counters
Because the quartz is engineered rather than quarried, homeowners will enjoy an almost endless variety of color and pattern options. No more searching and wishing and hoping to find the right color slab, as you’ll experience when using granite or marble. The quartz countertop manufacturer controls the size, color, and pattern of the quartz crystals, making your selection process much easier.
Whether you prefer fiery red, moss green, or earthy neutrals, you’ll always be able to find the perfect color to match your dream kitchen design. Other options include speckling, veining, and other patterns that make your quartz countertops nearly indistinguishable from natural stone.
Unmatched Durability
Engineered quartz counters are actually stronger than granite. Quartz ranks 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness—this means extreme durability in your kitchen countertops. They are highly resistant to chipping, cracking, and scratching, so you can expect your quartz countertops to last as long as you have your kitchen. Engineered quartz manufacturers will generally warrant the material anywhere from 10 to 15 years—to lifetime—depending on the company.
Easy Maintenance
Quartz countertops are not only beautiful, they’re non-porous. This helps you keep one of the busiest areas of your home free of germs and bacteria—and looking great. Simply wipe up any spills with soap and water, and you’re good to go.
Did you know granite counters need to be resealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and bacteria growth? No sealing schedule required with quartz. The chances of stains from coffee, wine or fruit juice are almost zero with a non-porous surface, meaning your quartz countertops do not need any periodic resealing to preserve their beauty and function. Granite countertops, on the other hand, must be resealed and maintained regularly.
Choosing quartz for your next kitchen remodel
Many of our customers look for unique, colorful kitchen countertops that will stand the test of time. Whether your priority is having a one-of-a-kind design style, or keeping to a strict budget, our highly skilled design and build team is dedicated to making sure you can enjoy your beautifully remodeled kitchen for years to come. If you are interested in exploring your options for kitchen countertops, give us a call at (650) 287-4202 or fill out our easy contact form.
