While many countertop materials hit only a few positive points, quartz countertops hit them all.
Quartz countertopshave developed a reputation over the last few decades as a high-endsurface material.
But the process of gaining respect has been slow.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Minerals comprise the majority of quartz countertops.
This contributes to quartz’s hardness, solidity, and visual depth.
Well-known quartz counter brand names include Caesarstone,Cambria, and Silestone.
Quartz is an agglomerate (or mixture) of stone-like materials bound with resins and pressed into sheets.
It excels over stone counter materials because it needs no sealing.
Its resins are the sealant.
Of those stone-like materials, quartz is only one of many substances.
Some manufacturers also combine antibacterial substances to help keep the counters cleaner and more hygienic.
For a similar look but at lower prices, try solid surface.
One benefit of solid surface over quartz countertops is that minor scratches in solid surface can be sanded out.
Some homeowners like the softer feel of solid surface, too.
Solid surface can be fabricated to a matte texture, if desired.
Tip
The Italian company Breton patented the process of forming solid surfaces from quartz and resins.
Allquartz counter brandsemanate from this single company.
This single company was started by one man, Marcello Toncelli.
Other materials found in quartz countertops include granite,marble and natural stonein general.
These materials come from either crushed waste stone from quarries or recycled industrial waste.
Waste includes fragments of ceramic, silica, glass, mirrors, or more.
Quartz countertops consistently bring in high resale values.
For example, DuPont’s version of the quartz countertop is called Corian Quartz (formerly Zodiaq).
Silestone’s quartz is simply Silestone (since this is their flagship product).
Should You Buy a Quartz Countertop?
For anyone who wants a granite countertop, it is worth investigating quartz counters as an alternative.
Few imperfections in quartz materials show because its manufacture is controlled.
When natural stone has imperfections, the stone is either culled out or the imperfections are filled in.
Because quartz counters are made from a slurry of materials, natural imperfections are engineered out.
How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?HomeAdvisor
