In recent years, quartz has become a widely popular countertop selection for homeowners and business owners. Its elegance, beauty and durability are among the many reasons why it is so highly praised.
Below are 10 of the most commonly asked questions about quartz countertops, with answers from top professionals in the industry.
Are quartz countertops seamless in design?
“Whether or not your quartz countertops will be seamless completely depends on the size of your kitchen and the layout of your lower cabinets. Like granite, quartz is sold in slabs; however, all slabs max out at a certain length.
The most common maximum slab length for both granite and quartz is 125” L x 65” W. This means if your lower cabinets are longer than 125” in length that your countertops will have to be seamed. Otherwise, you can achieve seamless quartz countertops.”
-Savvy Studio Kitchen & Bath
How do I care for my quartz countertop?
“Quartz countertops are easy to care for, and because the surface is non-porous, they are hard to stain. Use mild dish soap and water for everyday cleaning and stay away from harsh, abrasive cleansers, and cleansers that contain bleach. You can gently scrape hardened material off with a plastic putty knife.”
-PF Custom Countertops
How is quartz different from marble and granite?
“Quartz countertops which are sold under brand names such as Zodiaq™, Hanstone™, Silestone™ and Cambria™ are man-made stone surfaces. Quartz products offer consistency in patterns and colors that natural stone can not. Quartz surfaces do not offer the uniqueness and varied random patterns of natural granite and marble.”
-Hatton Granite Countertops
Is quartz less expensive than granite or marble?
“No, not necessarily. Depending on the level of granite or marble and the particular company or pattern of quartz; granite can be a significantly more cost effective material. However, if you are considering a level 3-4 granite/marble, or an exotic stone; quartz is most likely going to be a more affordable way to go.
Some factors that change the cost of granite are the extraction of the stone, and the shipping of the material which consumes a lot of time, money and energy. Factors that change the price of quartz are company, pattern or color of material, demand, labor rates, thickness and edge treatment, among others.”
-Indoor City
Can I heat my quartz countertop to avoid leaning on such a cold surface every morning?
“Yes, the easiest, safest and least expensive way to remove the cold feel of this material is to apply a stick-on countertop heating mat underneath your quartz overhang. If you are installing new countertops without an overhang, your contractor can easily lay out the heating mat under the stone.”
-FeelsWarm Technology
Can quartz chip?
“Under normal use it is very unlikely that your quartz countertop will ever chip. Edges are usually more susceptible to chipping than the middle of the surface, and if hit with enough force, chipping can occur. These occurrences are generally not covered by any manufacturing warranty, but would usually be repairable, depending on the size and scope of the chip or damage.”
-Selective Countertops
Will quartz products vary in color?
“Quartz countertops are composed of 93% natural quartz. Variation in the natural stone (quartz) color, pattern, size, shape, and shade are inherent and unique characteristics to be expected with quartz products.”
-FLOFORM Countertops
What special precautions should be taken when cooking near quartz?
“Quartz can be affected by extreme heat, so manufacturers recommend using cutting boards, trivets and hot pads while preparing meals. Quartz is very durable, but remember that any material can be damaged if not cared for properly.”
-Natura Quartz
Will quartz countertops stain?
“The hard surface of Quartz is non-porous and very resistant to staining, even better than marble. Quartz counters can resist oil, coffee, wine, juice and most other common kitchen spills. It is not 100% stain resistant though and is susceptible to stains from solvents, sodium hydroxide, and permanent markers.”
-Graniterra
What are the advantages of Granite Countertops?
“Maintenance free, non-porous, requires no sealing, food safe, large color selection, stain resistant, scratch and chip resistant.”
-Contour Countertops