Quartz countertops are man-made surfaces combining the finest of natural stone with leading-edge manufacturing. Quartz countertops manufacturing process uses crushed quartz crystals, along with resin and pigments, designed to replicate a natural stone look and other popular countertop designs.
Quartz countertops are non-porous, so they repel scratches and stains, offering greater durability than most other countertop materials. Also, quartz comes in a variety of colors, such as solid white, gray, or black, and some even resemble the veining of marble.
Is quartz right for your countertop? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros of Quartz Countertop
· Durability
Quartz countertops offer extraordinary durability, and the material doesn’t require routine sealing like granite and marble. It does not stain or scratch easily because of how it is made. Also, by design it is scratch resistant and less susceptible to chipping and cracking than most natural stones.
Actually, it’s possible to buff out subtle scratches with polish or fix deep scratches with a filler. Durability is an essential factor when choosing countertops, especially for kitchens, bathrooms and commercial worktops.
· Variety of Design and Color
Quartz boasts a large variety of patterns and colors, from bright white to blue to black. It is a stylish and popular choice for countertops. Its universal appeal makes it the ideal choice for any design style.
Some quartz has veining that makes it similar to marble and some options contain mirror chips that reflect light, while others take on a distinctive modern look. Since it is man-made, quartz can come in many styles and colors and is not limited to what is found in nature. It has a modern, rich, and consistent appearance. Natural stone coloring and veining vary from slab to slab.
· Non-Porous
Quartz countertops provide the allure of natural stone without any crevices or pits, where mold and bacteria can hide. It is non-porous and doesn’t require waxes, sealants, or unique cleaning products, unlike marble and granite. It resists water damage, stains, mildew, and germs, making it an exceptional and hygienic choice for home or professional countertops.
· Low Maintenance
Quartz does not need to be sealed or resealed at installation because it’s polished during fabrication. Frequently using a mild soap or an all-purpose cleaner and a non-abrasive cleaning cloth will keep your quartz countertops in excellent condition. Quartz is easier to maintain than other natural stone surface materials that must be sealed and often require special cleaning products.
· Stain Resistance
Quartz resists staining because it is non-porous. For best results for splashes, spills and watermarks, wipe with a little dishwashing liquid and a sponge, and rinse with clear water. Then buff dry so the countertop looks its best. Most stains on quartz countertops can also be removed with glass cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge.
While quartz is stain-resistant, some stains are more challenging to remove than others. For dried spills, use a non-abrasive scrub pad. For materials such as paint, gum, or dried food, carefully use a razor blade to scrape away the residue prior to cleaning. The scraping may leave a gray metal mark on the surface which can be easily cleaned using a cleanser and non-abrasive pad. For stubborn spots or stains, apply a pad of soaked paper towels and cleanser to the area and allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping and buffing. Rinse thoroughly and hand-dry to remove cleaning residues.
· Warranty
At LX Hausys we offer a 15-year limited warranty that is among the best in the industry. Warranty registration is required.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
· Made for Indoor Use
Quartz countertops are recommended for indoor use only because long-term exposure to sunlight will cause damage and the material will dull, fade, or discolor. Other natural stone countertops, like slate or granite, are a better choice for outdoor areas.
· Installation Difficulty
Quartz comes in many colors and styles and offers large format slabs to accommodate larger installations with fewer seams. However, do-it-yourself installation is not advised. Installing quartz properly is very difficult. For best results, use a trained professional to install your quartz countertops and ensure the proper fit and best edging techniques.
· Price
The price of quartz countertops depends on the style, quality, and size of the installation. The slab size will also affect the overall cost of installation. The average price of quartz per square foot is usually between $40 to $85 per square foot, with premium quartz costing anywhere from $75 to $150 per square foot.
Are Quartz Countertops Worth It?
Whether you need a surface that endures the demands of daily life or withstands the wear of commercial applications, quartz is available in many colors and styles that allow you to create a space that fits your life.
When it comes to quartz for countertops, the pros outweigh the cons. Quartz offers design flexibility, material resilience, increased functionality, and superior hygienic performance — all the qualities that discerning designers and homeowners require.
The price of quartz countertops may be on the high end of similar materials, but low maintenance, variety of design styles, durability, and a long warranty make up for it.
Every countertop surface has pros and cons. Only you can choose the one that best suits your project. However, if you are looking for high-design and outstanding performance for your countertops, the best option is quartz.
VIATERA Quartz Collections
LX Hausys produces quartz countertops that meet the most challenging demands while providing the most luxurious look.
VIATERA by LX Hausys uses only the finest quartz for sturdy and elegant cafe countertops. Every slab is inspected to meet the highest standards and includes up to 93% natural quartz. VIATERA’s non-porous quartz surfaces are durable, hygienic, and simple to clean and maintain.
VIATERA quartz comes in five different collections, with differing colors and styles in each.
Calacatta is inspired by Calacatta Marble and offers bright, natural white backgrounds, intricate veining, and elegant patterns.
Masterpiece includes an inspiring palette of stylish hues and unique designs, with on-trend colors and both bold and subtle designs.
Musica draws inspiration from natural stone with the perfect symphony of light and dark hues with deep, rich complexity.
Urban boasts concrete-like designs lending edgy appeal with an industrial look softened by captivating marbling throughout.
Classic is made up of timeless colors drawing inspiration from the earthy and ethereal tones found in nature. From brightest to darkest, this collection offers something for everyone
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