[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’ve never heard of quartz countertops, then you’re not alone; with marble and granite dominating the industry for the past few decades, quartz is a newcomer to the stone countertop world. Fortunately, quartz also offers a number of benefits that differentiate it from every other stone on the market, natural or engineered. Before we discuss stone in-depth, it’s important to understand that although quartz is often compared to granite, these stones technically don’t belong in the same category. Stones like granite and marble are totally natural, and can only be obtained through mining; quartz, on the other hand, is a man-made stone, assembled from leftover natural stone, combined with a resin, and manufactured into a slab. With this point in mind, let’s dive into what makes quartz special.

Questions About Quartz

Many clients that we speak to are surprised to learn that quartz is actually more durable than granite; while some varieties of quartz do vary from sample to sample, generally speaking quartz is one of the most durable countertops materials out there, and is resistant to scratching, chipping, acidic substances, and bacteria. Because quartz is partially made up of resin, it’s totally non-porous, and very resistant to staining. Engineered to be low-maintenance, quartz slabs can be easily cleaned with soapy water and never need to be re-sealed. Quartz also comes in a wide variety of colors not available to any other stone, and boasts customization that you won’t find in any other stone.

Lean and Green

Durability and beauty are fine and good, but just how eco-friendly are quartz countertops? With the green building movement becoming a nationwide phenomenon, environmentally responsible architecture has become a hot topic for renovators seeking to modernize their home while also streamlining their carbon footprint. If you’re considering quartz countertops for your home but you’re unsure of their overall impact on the environment, then you’ll be happy to learn that engineered stone like quartz is actually more ecologically responsible than natural stone.

• While the manufacturing process is more involved during the fabrication of a quartz slab than that of natural stone, the carbon emitted during stone production is fairly limited. Quartz slabs also forego the mining process entirely, reducing carbon emissions drastically.
• On the subject of quartz manufacturing, it’s important to note that most quartz slabs contain a high percentage of leftover stone from pieces of granite, marble, and other natural stone countertop materials already at the factory; this use of extra stone greatly reduces waste and energy consumption.
• Most homeowners are happy to learn that quartz countertops are virtually indestructible; quartz can stand up to any general wear and tear, and never needs to be thrown out or put into a landfill.

A new set of quartz countertops are a great way to make a stylish, personalized investment in your home in an environmentally responsible way. If you’re ready to take the next step to a better set of stone countertops, then AA Marble & Granite would love to help with our turnkey countertop fabrication and installation package. To schedule, call us at (770) 872-4066, email us at info@andrewsassociates.net, or fill out our Quick Contact Form.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]