In the past, engineered stone, like quartz, was a rarely used option compared to marble and granite. However, in recent years they have become much more popular. Quartz countertops are different from other solid stone countertops because they are engineered in a factory. This allows you to get any color you want with many options for add-ins and streaking. The sky is the limit with quartz countertops. They are created from a mixture of quartz, stone, glass, and resins to keep them all together, making them very durable as well. Here are some things about quartz that you should know before using it in your home.
Price
You might assume because these counters are created in a factory and not hewn out of a mountain somewhere in Italy that they are much cheaper than marble or granite. It is true that some options of quartz are much cheaper than some options of marble or granite, but overall the prices are pretty comparable.
Durability
One might wonder if the durability of the countertops is comparable to marble and granite since the price is similar. The answer is “yes”—quartz is arguably the most durable option for solid countertops available. It is much more resistant to etching and it is a denser material than other options. While marble and granite can be cracked if not handled correctly, quartz is much more durable. Unlike soft stones that absorb liquids and are prone to staining, quartz is non-porous. They are much more resistant to spills than stones like marble.
Variety
Quartz is the countertop material that has the most variety available. You can literally pick the exact look that you want and get it. With marble or granite, you can visit a warehouse and find a slab that will work for you and your kitchen or bathroom. With quartz, you can actually have a countertop that matches exactly what you have in your mind. You can pick them out of a catalog and know exactly what you’re getting. You can also have just about any color you want when you go with quartz, so you have more options available for your kitchen and bathroom design.
Slabworks of Montana partners with several outstanding suppliers of engineered stone. Contact us today to learn more about how to use this amazing material in your next project.
