Quartz is one of the most sought-after countertop materials due to its sleek appearance, durability, and low maintenance. While quartz’s stunning visual appeal could be enough to win you over, it’s worth learning as much as possible about its advantages and disadvantages before making the final decision over other materials such as granite or marble. In this comprehensive guide, the experts at Castorena’s Granite and Quartz will explore the pros and cons of quartz, comparing it relative to other countertop materials, and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision for your home. What Are Quartz Countertops? Made from natural stone particles bonded together with resin and other polymers, quartz is one of the most durable materials available for countertops. While it is technically a man-made product, quartz countertops are created by combining natural quartz (approximately 90-95%) and minerals with chemical resins, polymers, and pigments - the final product looks entirely like natural stone, but it also allows for extensive creative options for style and color. Quartz countertops are extremely durable, stylish, easy to clean, hygienic, and relatively eco-friendly. Where Are Quartz Countertops Usually Installed? At Castorena’s Granite and Quartz, we have seen many exciting and creative uses for quartz countertops. Wherever you need countertop space, quartz countertops can be the perfect solution. That being said, it is extremely common to install quartz countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, but it’s also commonly used for shower walls. During the manufacturing process, natural pigments can be added to the combination of quartz crystals and resin, which is why quartz worktops come in a broad range of colors and designs. Because of this, quartz countertops can work great for practically any setting, color scheme, and aesthetic theme of a home or business. Pros of Installing a Quartz CountertopQuartz countertops have gained a reputation for their impressive list of advantages. Quartz worktops are stylish, hygienic, durable and easy to clean. They’re also more eco-friendly than many alternatives. Here’s everything you need to know about the pros of quartz worktops in more detail: Durability and ResistanceQuartz is one of nature’s most resilient materials, and quartz countertops benefit from being composed of 90-95% quartz. With its addition of resins, quartz is also highly resistant to stains, scratches, chemicals, chips, and impacts, and it does not require regular sealing like marble and granite. Finally, quartz has double the impact resistance and four times the flexural strength of granite. That being said, quartz is not indestructible, and it is still possible for quartz to incur chips, stains, and scratches. It’s a very strong surface and generally low maintenance, but it’s important to know that things can still happen and that it’s not impervious to damage. Aesthetic QualityOne of the most impressive features of quartz is its aesthetic beauty and design versatility. Due to its manufacturing process, quartz comes in practically all colors and can therefore match your style and design preferences. It can also be made to have a smooth or flecked appearance. It is a sophisticated and polished countertop material, and the massive range of patterns and colors makes it an intriguing option compared to alternatives. Low MaintenanceAnother benefit of quartz countertops is that they need little to no maintenance. Other natural stone countertops require regular sealing in order to keep them non-porous and protected from damage. Because quartz is an engineered stone with resins built into its construction, it never requires sealing, needs very little polishing, and is thus very easily maintained. Long LifespanDue to the fact that quartz countertops are highly durable and resilient, they are built to last 20 years or more. Its ability to withstand degradation and normal wear and tear from frequent use makes it a long-lasting and worthwhile investment. Hygienic and Non-PorousQuartz countertops are non-porous which makes them impervious to fine solids and liquids. This means that quartz countertops are both very easy to clean, sanitize, and disinfect, but it also means that they are not easily damaged or stained like other countertop materials that are porous. Cons of Installing a Quartz CountertopDespite the extensive benefits of quartz countertops, there are a couple of downsides to quartz that you should consider before investing in them for your home or business: Heat and UV DamageQuartz countertops are generally heat-resistant, but they can be damaged by excessive heat or very quick changes in temperature, such as a hot pot or pan being placed and left directly on the surface, which can lead to cracks or discoloration. It’s advisable to use hot pads to protect your quartz countertop from extreme temperatures. Similarly, the resin used in the manufacturing process of quartz countertops is non-UV resistant. Quartz countertops can be used outside, but not in strong direct sunlight. Some UV-resistant quartz countertops are available, but the majority of them can fade and lead to discoloration if exposed to intense sunlight. CostQuartz is not the least expensive countertop material. Compared to materials such as laminate or wood, a high-quality quartz countertop will be more expensive; however, the significant long-term advantages and superior aesthetic quality of quartz countertops are well worth the additional cost. Are Quartz Countertops Worth It? If you’re looking for a premium countertop material, quartz countertops are well worth considering as your top choice. Not only do they bring a superior aesthetic quality that will emanate a timeless, luxurious charm, but they are also built to last with high durability and resistance in order to stand the test of time. There’s no doubt that you’ll love your quartz countertop and that it will increase your property value when it’s finally installed in your home.
To learn more about quartz countertops or to secure a custom quartz countertop for your home, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Castorena’s Granite and Quartz!
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If you’re looking to renovate your home with a new countertop, you’ve likely come across the three most common stone materials used: granite, quartz, and marble. While there are significant differences between these three types of stone, we will confirm right away that there isn’t one that is substantially better than the others. In fact, it will primarily come down to what matters most for you. In this article, we aim to provide you with a detailed guide to these different countertop surfaces, including the difference between them and the advantages and disadvantages of each. One thing is for sure - nothing helps the decision-making process quite like seeing these materials for yourself in person. So if you’re looking for custom countertops in the Fort Collins or Cheyenne, Wyoming area, come take a look at our showroom for yourself after reading this article! Countertop Materials - Things to Consider Countertops are one of the most important elements in your home - they provide stability and day-to-day practicality while enhancing your home’s aesthetic quality with a timeless, luxurious charm. Nowadays, there are a plethora of different countertop surfaces to choose from, all with fantastic qualities and looks. For those going for quality, stone is inevitably the top choice, but it still leaves you to decide between the likes of granite, quartz, and marble. Before making this important decision, it’s wise to consider a few variables in order to ensure you get the perfect product for your needs. Namely, you will want to consider the layout, budget, materials, intended use, and color quality. As an example, if you’re considering a new custom countertop for your kitchen, you should think carefully about the size of the kitchen and the layout of the future countertop. On one hand, this will help you gauge the amount of material and relative cost, but it will also help you understand just how much stone material will be resting on the cabinet structure underneath and whether it will be able to withstand a heavy material such as granite. Furthermore, you will need to think about the location of the countertop and the relevant design considerations such as the color of existing cabinets (how the countertop will match aesthetically) and whether you will require a sink cutaway or other modification. Finally, by considering the intended use of the countertop, you will more easily be able to choose a countertop that can meet your needs - but more on that later. With these considerations in mind, it’s time to take a look at granite, quartz, and marble to see how they differ from each other. Granite Granite is a naturally occurring rock that is coarse-grained and normally appears in white, gray, tan, black, and even pinkish hues. At the heart of granite’s enduring popularity is its uniqueness and the fact that it can be used in so many innovative ways. Because of this, it is unlikely that granite will ever go out of fashion. This is a classic choice for custom countertops, and it has the advantage of being less porous and very strong. While it is impressively beautiful, some individuals discount it for having a slightly monotonous color appearance. It works fantastic in contemporary designs and its durability is a wise choice for kitchens, though it tends to need sealing at least once a year. QuartzQuartz is technically a man-made product that normally appears in white hues with natural black accents, but it can also come in many different colors due to its manufactured origin. Quartz countertops do consist of natural quartz stone (approximately 93%) which is one of nature’s hardest materials, but they almost always include added resins, colors, and other materials in order to enhance its strength and aesthetic qualities. The primary advantage of quartz is that it is incredibly durable and strong. It is fully non-porous, which means it’s highly resilient against spills and stains and it does not need to be sealed. This is particularly advantageous for use in the kitchen where spills are frequent. Finally, it is scratch-resistant, easily cleaned, and one of the most hygienic surfaces available - great for busy homes! MarbleMarble is a naturally occurring stone that begins as limestone but is transformed under intense heat and pressure. This process creates a durable, hardwearing, and stunningly beautiful material for custom countertops. Its uniqueness is perhaps its biggest advantage - the classic, elegant marbling designs that are unique to every slab of marble make it very luxurious and quite aesthetically pleasing. It comes in hues of white, green, and black, and although it will never go out of style, it is not quite as strong as granite or quartz, mainly due to it being a porous material. Accidental spills of red wine or lemon juice can cause some damage if the countertop is not thoroughly sealed, and they can be expensive to fix. Finally, marble is somewhat susceptible to scratching, chipping, and cracks from heavy impact, and its porous surface can be unsanitary (again, if unsealed). The Best Custom Countertop For Your ProjectHigh-quality countertops are a significant investment, both in their cost but also their impact on the utility and aesthetic enhancement of your home. If you’re looking for the best custom countertops in Fort Collins or Cheyenne, look no further than the countertop experts at Castorena's Granite and Quartz. We specialize in countertops of practically all materials, including granite, quartz, and marble. If you’re still unsure which is best for you after reading this article, stop by our
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