A Quartz counter top may be the answer for people that love the appearance of granite but are concerned about by some of this stones short falls. Granite is a porous natural stone that can absorb liquids, it can soak up the stains of grease and cooking oils and can be etched by acids that are found in such ordinary household items as hairspray. Engineered quartz counter tops are not affected by any of these hazards.
Granite is also very unpredictable in its color or patterns between slabs, and this makes matching of portions of a counter top somewhat difficult at times. Engineered quartz kitchen counter tops are even in texture, color and pattern. The great benefit of quartz kitchen counter tops is that they provide almost all of the positive qualities of a natural stone like rich appearance and durability, but they are free from most of the drawbacks.
Quartz counter tops are man made. The manufacturing process to make quartz to a slab or counter top makes use of raw quartz crystals, one of the hardest substances available. After the quartz has been selected and ground, the crystals are then combined with resin, a bonding agent, and color. All of this is heated and vibro-compacted to create an impenetrable surface. The quartz counter tops have to be composed of at least 93% quartz or they can't claim the durability, impermeability or the hardness of a real quartz surface. The final product is non-porous, has great durability and is over two times stronger than granite.
Engineered Quartz counter top surfaces are available in a wide variety of colors that can't be found naturally because the crushed stone is usually combined with dye. You should take advantage of this versatility available for your kitchen design when you are considering quartz kitchen counter tops, so that they are able to dazzle the eye while still having the appearance of stone. The edge profiles on quartz kitchen counter tops can range from simple bevels to ogee and bullnose just as with natural stone.
The installation of engineered quartz counter tops is not a do-it-yourself project. You should have an experienced professional to do the job.
Because quartz is non-porous, its polished surfaces don't have to be sealed, like granite or other natural stones, in order to keep them from staining. Quartz surfacing is practically indestructible and pretty much maintenance free. It resists stains that are caused by fruit juices, wine, food coloring, fingernail polish and remover, tea and markers. The non-porous and non absorbing nature of a quartz counter top is very hygienic, it does not harbor bacteria, which makes it a safe choice for food handling in the kitchen. Cleaning your quartz kitchen counter tops is quite easy. It involves using a little soapy water or a mild cleaner.
These are not the cheapest kitchen countertop choice by any means, with a cost that rivals natural stone. The average cost of a quartz counter tops will be in the range of approximately $50 and up per square foot installed. Some of the common brand names you will look for include Silestone, Zodiaq and Cambria. You can find engineered quartz counter tops online if you have a problem locally.
If you are decorating your kitchen and want the rich look of natural stone without the maintenance requirements. You should take a serious look at the advantages available to you with quartz counter tops.
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