[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’re thinking about installing a kitchen countertop, quartz may have already crossed your mind. Quartz countertops are a go-to option for most homeowners because of their stylish perfections. You get fewer imperfections because these countertops can curve into various shapes to fit different spaces.

You might want to install quartz countertops because they are non-porous and low-maintenance. You’ll hardly need to worry about stains and corrosion. They are far better than granite or marble countertops. However, there are other benefits of choosing quartz countertops you probably haven’t considered. Nine of them include:

1. Quartz is an Engineered Countertop

While most people think that Quartz countertops have a 100% quartzite mineral construction, it is an engineered stone, mixed with many materials. Quartz stone concentration in a countertop will vary by manufacturer. For instance, about 80% of the Quartz countertop material may be composed of other stones like pulverized granite, ceramic, marble and/or glass. About 10% of the material may be a binder, which in most cases is cement or resin.

Quartz countertops will contain varying pigments that will determine the overall color. Other components include hardening materials and antimicrobial additives to prevent bacteria from growing on the surfaces. Some manufacturers will also add recycled materials like mirrors.

2. Quartz Countertops Are More Popular Than Granite

As noted, quartz countertops are durable and fairly easy-to-maintain. They come in varying colors to match different interior design schemes and home décor pieces. Such features make quartz countertops a great alternative to granite. Granite is 100% stone and prone to be porous without treatments. Some Quartz countertops also offer granite material in the composition which will give you the overall look of granite with a non-porous finishing. For maintenance reasons alone, many homeowners are switching to Quartz countertops.

Consumers love to interact with products that promote a greener, more eco-friendly world. A large chunk of quartz’s construction consists of recycled materials. Thus, it is an eco-friendly product that you can feel good about adding to your home. 

3. Quartz Has Multiple Applications

While quartz countertops are mainly seen in kitchen countertops, they have many uses. Engineered stones are more durable than natural stone without the constant upkeep. Thus, quartz countertops are ideal in places where hygiene is a significant concern, such as bathrooms. Commercial applications of quartz countertops include bars, restaurants, conference rooms, and reception desks. Non-porosity makes this countertop easy to clean and some even resist bacteria growth.

(Image Credit: HanStoneQuartz)

The application of quartz engineered stone in flooring is also becoming popular. Large indoor spaces with many visitors like malls and airport lounges will often have quartz floors. Different colors and aesthetic options make quartz a go-to option for various home decorating schemes.

4. Quartz Brands Are Nearly the Same

Before buying a quartz countertop, you’ll probably do preliminary research to establish the best, most trustworthy brand in a price range you’re comfortable with. You’ll find several brands with various claims about their countertops. However, the truth is that the manufacturing process is the same. They may differ in color, sizes, shapes, and even binding, but their overall performance is nearly the same, IF manufactured well. Manufacturers may work from the same patent or have their own unique flairs.

All modern quartz designs draw their manufacturing process from the original Bretonstone technique. Breton company pioneered this technique in 1963. The process entails:

• Proportionate mixing of natural stone aggregate with polymers
• Mixture heating
• Air expulsion
• Natural stone-like slabs

5. Cheaper Quartz May Not Last for Long

There are various suppliers for quartz countertops who offer competitive prices. While lower prices may entice you because you want to save as much money as possible, underpriced countertops may not last for long. The standard process of manufacturing quartz requires intense labor, and that is reflected in its pricing. Thus, a cheaper countertop may not complete the entire manufacturing cycle, hence the low price.

For instance, the manufacturers may cut corners trying to avoid using the more expensive quartz material. Instead, more binding material like resin or cement will go into these places. In the end, you will end up with a weak, thinner slab that may not perform like a high-quality countertop.

6. Quartz Wasn’t Originally Engineered as a Countertop

Modern applications of engineered quartz are prevalent in kitchen and bathroom surfaces. However, the Breton company didn’t this use when they developed the first quartz slab in 1963. Marcello Toncelli, the inventor at Breton, saw this material as ideal for flooring. Most Italian homes constructed within that period have quartz floors. The manufacturer would hand-pour them and then cut them into 12 by 20 mini-inch slabs.

(Image Credit: Houzz)

7. No Need to Seal Quartz Countertops

Most natural stone countertops will require sealants to prevent staining or corrosion by spillages. Sealants also help to prevent scratches and/or pitting that may shorten the lifespan of a countertop. On the contrary, quartz countertops will function well and last for many years without expensive sealants. The manufacturing process of quartz involves a lot of heating and pressurization to create a compact substance, resistant to harsh damage like scratches.

Installing a quartz countertop is relatively affordable compared to a countertop made of natural stone. However, you’ll need professional installation services because, similar to natural stone, they are bulky.

8. Quartz Is Not Quartzite

A quartz countertop is not the same as quartzite. While the former is a man-made product, the latter is a natural stone. Cleaning natural stone is challenging as it is susceptible to stains and dampness. Quartz stacks up to quartzite in better ways to enhance your experience.

9. You Can Get Multiple Finishes

Lastly, most websites love comparing quartz to granite. What you may not know is that the finishing options of quartz are varied. Moreover, you have endless choices for colors and patterns because the resin can blend with stone in many ways. Other popular quartz countertop finishes include Italian marble, bright color, and concrete. You can access various customizable options if you shop directly from a manufacturer.

(Image Credit: MSD)

Wrapping It Up

As you can see, quartz countertops are unique with various characteristics. Their versatility makes these countertops the best option for a budget-friendly kitchen finishing. Different shapes, sizes, and top finishing give you overwhelming options to match your house's interior décor, aesthetic preferences, and needs. Don’t forget that you’re promoting a greener world when buying quartz countertops. For intricate details and specifications, you can always talk to experts before making a buying decision.

Learn about the pros and cons of quartz countertops, from selection to installation and maintenance, by clicking here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]