Want Quartz Countertops? Know These 5 Things Before You Buy
Are you remodeling your kitchen and have the opportunity to select new countertops? If so, you are likely considering all your options so you make a decision you are happy with for a very long time. Here are a few things to know about quartz countertops.
Quartz Is Manufactured
Be aware that quartz is quite different than materials like marble and granite because quartz is a manufactured material. It's constructed by combining loose quartz with resin and pigment, which creates a look to the material that is much more consistent than natural stone when mass-produced. You don't necessarily have to look for the exact slab of quartz that you want to use, which is a common practice when shopping for granite since every slab is unique.
Quartz Is A Low-Maintenance Material
The manufactured nature of quartz countertops means that they are going to be relatively maintenance-free when compared to natural stone materials. When it comes to cleaning the material, you can use soap and water to wipe down the surface. You do not even need to seal quartz countertops, because they are a non-porous material. However, you want to avoid using harsh chemical cleaners on your quartz countertops because they can ruin the finish.
Quartz Does Not Harbor Bacteria
One huge benefit of quartz being non-porous is that bacteria is not going to seep inside the countertop. This can give you peace of mind that your countertops are going to be clean and not lead to contamination if you did not clean the surface properly. Instead, you can trust that your counters are bacteria-free.
Quartz Is Stain Resistant
Another advantage of being a non-porous material is that quartz is stain-resistant. If you spill red wine or a dark liquid on your countertop material, it is not going to absorb the color of the liquid quickly and cause the surface to be stained. This is one more way that quartz is going to last a long time in your home before it needs to be replaced.
Quartz Is Not Heat Resistant
One downside to using quartz countertops is that they are not heat-resistant like granite and other natural stones. If you were to put a hot pot or pan directly on the countertop material, there's a chance that it could cause the surface to crack. The solution is to simply use trivets to place hot pans on the countertop to prevent any damage from happening.
