Engineered Quartz Countertops: All You Need to Know

When designing any kitchen space, there are limitless options. And selecting the best material is never an easy task. Many factors have to be considered. For instance, homeowners have to choose the countertop material, color scheme, backsplash design, and more.

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When choosing the best countertop material, many homeowners will opt for engineered quartz, and it&#;s no surprise why. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of this engineered countertop material and why it is the best option for any countertop project.

What is engineered quartz?

Quartz is a man-made product that is created using natural materials. It is composed of 90% ground quartz and 10% resins and pigments. When combined, they form a hard and durable surface. This hardness, among other properties, is what makes quartz unique among other countertop materials.

Being one of the hardest countertop materials, quartz is well known for its durability. As such, the environmental impact of engineered quartz is low since it is long-lasting and will not need to be replaced as frequently as other countertop alternatives.

Caesarstone manufactures premium quality quartz countertops that are both eye-catching and durable while providing numerous benefits to the homeowner. These countertops also offer the look and feel of many other sought-after countertop materials, such as marble, granite, and concrete.

What quartz colors are available?

As we mentioned previously, quartz is an engineered material. As such, it has limitless color options.

With a wide range of color options to choose from, including those from Caesarstone&#;s extensive catalog, homeowners can find the perfect selection to match their space. For instance, homeowners who are looking for grey engineered quartz countertops varieties can choose an option like Airy Concrete, Turbine Grey, or London Grey. Caesarstone also offers a variety of black, white, brown, and beige hues.

How durable is an engineered quartz counter?

Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the highest traffic areas in any home. For this reason, any materials used should not only serve their purpose but also last many long, fruitful years. After all, no one wants to keep replacing their countertops.

Of all countertop materials in the market, quartz is the most durable. It is one of the hardest materials, with a rating of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This durability can be attested to by the warranties offered by manufacturers. Caesarstone offers a lifetime warranty for all their indoor countertop options and a 10-year warranty for their outdoor countertop selection.

Are quartz countertops heat-resistant?

Quartz countertops are heat-resistant, which is another factor that makes them such a popular choice among homeowners. However, it is important to note that quartz is not heat-proof. This means quartz countertops can only withstand heat for a brief time. When exposed to extreme temperatures, engineered quartz can sustain burn marks. These cannot be repaired.

To ensure these countertops stay beautiful for as long as possible, it is advised that homeowners always use heat pads or trivets when placing hot cookware or appliances on their quartz countertops.

What about porosity?

When it comes to porosity, engineered quartz is a true champion. Porous countertops are not only less durable and hard to clean, but they also pose a health risk. The non-porous nature of quartz countertops creates a resilient surface which prevents the build-up of bacteria. Likewise, since quartz is non-porous it doesn&#;t require sealing, which saves on maintenance costs.

Are they easy to maintain?

Quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. All that is needed to clean engineered stone countertops is warm water and mild soap. And for stubborn spills, non-abrasive cleaners and approved cleaners are all that is needed.

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If dealing with dried spills, re-animate with water for a few minutes and clean with a damp towel. While rust marks are uncommon with quartz countertops, wiping the affected area with a Caesarstone recommended cleaner and a damp cloth will do the trick.

How versatile is quartz?

Quartz can be used to inject versatility into any renovation project. Quartz is the perfect material for walls, backsplashes, and countertops. Some people even capitalize on the material to satisfy their flooring needs. Because it is an engineered stone, homeowners will have no problem finding the perfect color and style to suit their space and make it feel like home.

For those looking for outdoor options, Caesarstone also offers an eye-catching outdoor collection, featuring three luxurious colors: 515 Palm Shade, 406 Clearskies, and 405 Midday. These striking countertops are strong and durable, and can withstand rain, sun, and snow.

What is the cost of engineered quartz?

Now that we have seen the benefits of quartz countertops, what is the cost of this engineered material? The cost of quartz countertops ranges between $40 to more than $100 per square foot. The price depends on the color choice, slab thickness, location, and configurations.

In recent days, quartz countertops fabricators are being sought after because quartz countertops have overtaken granite countertops as the most preferred stone countertops, and all for good reasons. This engineered stone is one of the most preferred alternatives to natural stone because of its brawn, beauty, and brilliance. However, this is a man-made material that is not cut directly from the earth, unlike marble and granite. Instead, the material is made from the combination of different minerals other than natural quartz, such as pigments and polymer resins that increase its durability, low maintenance and bring out its vibrant colors.

The surface of engineered quartz depends on the grounding of the quartz material. If it is coarsely ground, the surface will have a freckled appearance. Similarly, finely ground quartz will have a smooth surface.  Quartz countertops fabricators have also come up with methods of creating colors that mimic natural stone, such as granite and marble. They have even started producing cement lookalikes, which is an excellent idea because normal cement is prone to chipping, stains, and etching.

However have you ever wondered about the quartz fabrication process? What most people don&#;t realize is that before you get a final counter, there is an entire fabrication process involved. In this post, we are going to look at quartz fabrication process and what a quartz countertops fabricator does.

What does a quartz countertops fabricator do?

A quartz countertop fabricator will first help you to select the right color and thickness of quartz slab for your kitchen. The practical designing procedure involves the templating of the stone and measuring the installation area to determine the size of slab needed. After this step is completed, they get to select the type of quartz slab, shading, veining, and several color patterns for the customer to choose from among the available quartz slabs.

One of the factors to be considered during the selection of quartz slab is its density and structural integrity. Since this is an engineered stone, you would expect the quality of different slabs to vary. The quartz countertops fabricator solely determines the strength and durability of each slab. Unfortunately, testing each quartz slab would be very expensive. A lot of reputable quartz countertops fabricators, however, have structural information about every slab in their showroom. A quartz countertops fabricator is therefore a quality controller that ensures every customer gets what they pay for.

Quartz countertops fabrication

Every decision about the type of quartz slab you want should be made before the fabrication process starts. Luckily, with the help of a professional quartz countertops fabricator, most of these decisions should be pretty much straightforward. The fabrication process basically involves inspecting the slab for certain flaws such as blemishes, the seams, fissures, and scratches. The slab will be laid out to give you a clear view of its veining and color. The stone will be then cut into 1/16 inch of its original thickness.  The next step will be edging and adding any other details on the stone before the final polishing.

Drainboards and support rods will then be installed in case the slab requires any of them. What follows is a multi-step procedure that involves the ever-increasing grit polish, used to smoothen out the surface of the countertop. The counter to be installed is now ready, and the quartz countertops fabricator will ensure that your home is cleaned before the installation begins. The next step is to apply the sealer base coat. All of the above activities will take place away from the job or installation site so that by the end of it all, your countertop will be ready for installation.

Looking for a quartz countertops fabricator

This is the easiest part of the entire process. The best idea would be to go for a local stone fabricator in your area or ask for a recommendation from friends. You can do a little background check to make sure that the quartz countertops fabricator of your choice is indeed qualified for the job. Chances are you will get multiple matched for an Atlanta countertops fabricator. Make sure to talk to as many home improvement contractors in your area before settling for a single one. Look up the company profile for each Atlanta Quartz Countertop Fabricator you choose and ensure that you search their service information, ratings, and reviews.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Wholesale Quartzite Slabs. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.