They’re not exactly natural stone, not exactly laminate. They’re made from a mineral known as “rock crystal,” but can also be manufactured in nearly any color. They’re considered the new kid on the “countertop block,” yet everyone seems to recognize the beneficial qualities of this unique material.
We’re, of course, talking about quartz countertops. There’s a lot to love about quartz countertops, which is why they’re increasingly being installed in homes throughout St. Louis and across the nation. If you’re in the market for new countertops, consider quartz and all it has to offer.
Source: houzz via Abodwell Interior Design
The durability:
Quartz countertops are manufactured products made from a mixture of 95 percent quartz mineral and 5 percent polymer resins. This mixture produces a material that’s every bit as durable as granite and concrete, but a little more forgiving, so it’s less likely to chip or crack. Quartz countertops are also non-porous, so it’s virtually stain-resistant even when juice, oils, wine or coffee is spilled on it.
The look:
Even though natural quartz is translucent and looks like crystal, dyes are often used during the fabrication of quartz countertops, so they’re available in a wider range of colors than most other natural stones. Once finished, quartz countertops look like natural stone, with the same rich, luxurious look you’ll find in granite.
The maintenance:
Caring for natural stone countertops is critical to protecting them from scratches, scrapes, dull spots and chips. Countertops made from quartz are engineered to be stain-resistant, strong and incredibly sanitary. Their non-porous nature makes quartz countertops easy to clean and impervious to stains. In addition, countertops made from quartz never need to be sealed. You can clean them with a simple solution of soap and water.
There’s a lot more to learn about quartz countertops, including the design and fabrication process, installation and how long it takes for your order to arrive. For answers to your questions about the “new kid on the countertop block,” contact an expert at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc.