The many advantages of Quartz Countertops make them a popular resurfacing choice for home upgrades and remodels. The quartz molding process provides the ability to put color and other materials into the countertop, allowing homeowners to match kitchen color schemes more closely. Quartz Surfaces are not only attractive, but are also durable, and make a healthier and longer-lasting alternative to other surfaces. In addition, the non-porous nature of quartz surfaces eliminates the need for sealing or other treatments, and does not require special cleansers.
Creating Quartz Countertops
The process for creating a prefabricated quartz countertop is the same across the industry, with minor variations among manufacturers. In this process, quartz crystals of varying sizes are selected and combined with a resin, pigments, and any desired fillers or additives. The resultant mixture is put into a mold, and heat and pressure are applied. During this process, air is removed from the slab using suction, and the mold is vibrated to ensure that the quartz mixture settles completely.
Durability of Quartz Surfaces
Quartz countertops are waterproof and virtually stain-proof, and their perfectly smooth surfaces have no fissures for bacteria to lodge in. Only diamonds, topaz and sapphires are harder than quartz, so pure quartz is extremely hard and difficult to scratch. While the molded quartz countertop is not composed of pure quartz, it is still highly scratch-resistant.
Composition of Molded Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops have a composition of over 90% quartz, while granite countertops are typically composed of about 50 percent quartz and 50 percent other materials. The other materials in granite tend to be softer and more porous than quartz, which makes granite more likely to stain, chip or scratch than a pure quartz countertop. Porous materials are also more likely to retain bacteria or food particles, which makes quartz a healthier alternative.
Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops
Despite the many positive attributes of quartz countertops, there are a few disadvantages. Quartz countertops do not provide the same positive equity value for an upgrade as granite surfaces. While many homeowners appreciate smooth and modern molded countertops, the look of granite seems to provide the best upgrade value for the investment. In addition, while quartz countertops are tough, they can be damaged by chemical spills, or discolored by extended exposure to sunlight. Finally, quartz countertops are extremely heavy in comparison to other surfaces, including granite.
The smooth and molded look of a quartz countertop is a durable alternative to granite and other natural surfaces. Despite the excess weight, a trained professional can install a quartz countertop with a minimum of breakage and waste.
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