As of 2024, quartz has overtaken granite as the most popular countertop material.
But how are quartz countertops made, exactly?
Read on to learn:
- What quartz countertops are
- Quartz countertop benefits
- The quartz surface production process
What Is a Quartz Countertop?
Quartz countertops are engineered stone slabs.
This means that they’re not made from a natural stone sourced from the earth. Instead, they’re man-made during the engineered quartz formation process.
The main material is tiny ground-up pieces of natural quartz, but they’re bound together with various resins.
Basically, they combine the benefits of beautiful natural stone with contemporary manufacturing machines and processes!
What Are the Benefits of Quartz Countertops?
“Natural” products are usually a positive thing. However, engineered quartz countertops offer a wide range of benefits that natural alternatives don’t.
The primary quartz countertop benefits involve durability. Quartz is already a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This makes it harder than glass.
However, it’s not stronger than a sharp chopping knife would be. That’s where its engineered structure comes in! Because the quartz is bound by chemicals and resins, it’s:
- Scratch-resistant
- Difficult to chip
- Resistant to scorch marks and heat damage
- Waterproof
- Unlikely to stain due to its non-porous surface
A non-porous surface has no near-invisible holes in it. This means that liquids you spill on the surface won’t settle into the stone and stain.
Non-porous countertops are extremely low-maintenance. All you need to do is wipe up spills. Plus, you don’t need to seal them regularly.
There are also tons of design options including:
- Marble-look quartz
- Various veining thicknesses
- Chipped stone designs
- Solid-color surfaces
- Both warm and cool color options
- Interesting hues like blue and red
You’re sure to find something that perfectly fits your space. They look crisp and contemporary with bold lines and rich hues.
How Are Quartz Countertops Manufactured?
At this point, you may be wondering: exactly how are quartz countertops made?
Quartz countertops are primarily made with Breton technology. Also known as Bretonstone technology, it:
- Blends the stone and polymer mix
- Removes the air in the blend with a vacuum
- Catalyzes the molded product development with vibration
- Applies pressure to the mixed-up materials
In the end, you have a molded, smooth slab. It’s perfectly shaped and has the precise design that you want in your kitchen.
The process of making quartz countertops is easy with this artificial stone production machine. It’s specifically designed to create high-end stone surfaces. This means a quality product that’s worth a higher price.
FAQ
Some common questions and answers about quartz countertops include:
- Can I DIY quartz countertop installation?
No, quartz countertops are dense and heavy. They require professional installation.
- What is the composition of quartz countertops?
They’re usually about 90% crushed-up natural quartz and 10% resins.
- What is the overhang for quartz countertops?
The maximum overhang for these countertops is 15 inches. However, most people prefer only two to five inches of overhang.
So, How Are Quartz Countertops Made?
If you’ve wondered, “how are quartz countertops made?”, you’re in luck. The answer is simple. They’re a combination of natural quartz and the resins that make them so durable!
LX Hausys offers a wide range of quartz countertops design so you can find the perfect option for your kitchen. Contact us to learn more about the best countertop materials!
