5 Interesting Things About Quartz Countertops

Some homes look great with natural stone countertops like granite or marble, while others achieve a more modern look with quartz. If you're considering switching to quartz countertops in your kitchen or bathroom, you should know a few things about this increasingly popular material.

1. Quartz Countertops Aren't 100% Natural Stone

Quartz countertops are made of ground quartz, which is a natural stone, but the countertops themselves are not 100% natural stone. It is a combination of resins and pigments to create the finished product.

But don't let that fool you. While it may not be pure natural stone, quartz countertops still have the durability and style most homeowners look for.

2. Quartz Countertops Are Super Easy to Clean

For most countertop materials, you must be careful about what cleaners you use and how you clean them. But you don’t have to worry so much about this with quartz countertops—they are one of the easiest materials to keep clean.

All you need is the right cleaner and a soft cloth on quartz, and you won't have to worry about damaging the surface. There's no sealing required, either, so you can save time and effort in the long run.

And because quartz is nonporous, it's resistant to stains and bacteria. So, if you're looking for a low-maintenance countertop that's easy to keep clean, quartz is a great option.

3. Quartz Countertops Are Scratch-resistant

In addition to being easy to clean, quartz countertops are also scratch-resistant. So, if you're worried about your counters getting scratched up from daily use, quartz is an excellent choice. Plus, even if you do happen to scratch your quartz countertop, the damage will be very minimal.

Quartz countertops can stand up to daily wear and tear, so you don't have to worry about being too careful with them.

4. Quartz Is an Environmentally Friendly Countertop Choice

Quartz is a sustainable material that doesn't need much energy to produce. And because it's so durable, it lasts a long time without needing replacement.

Plus, because quartz doesn't need sealing like other natural stone countertops, it doesn’t require toxic chemicals for maintenance. So, you can feel good about your countertop choice without sacrificing style or function.

5. You Have a Lot of Style Options With Quartz

Quartz comes in various colors and styles, so you can find an option that fits your home's design. Whether you want something classic or bold, a quartz countertop is perfect for your kitchen or bathroom.

These days, there are quartz countertops that resemble other materials, like marble or granite. So, if you love the look of natural stone but want quartz's durability and easy maintenance, quartz countertops are the way to go.

Quartz Countertops: Where Durability Meets Style

Quartz is an excellent countertop material that's beautiful, durable, and easy to care for. And here at Granite Au Sommet, we offer a wide selection of quartz countertops so that you can find the perfect pattern and style for your home. Contact us today to learn more about our quartz countertops or to schedule a consultation.

Quartz Or Granite For Your Kitchen Countertops?

Quartz Or Granite For Your Kitchen Countertops?

Designing your dream kitchen comes down to a lot of decisions but perhaps the biggest choice you’ll have to make is deciding between quartz or granite for your kitchen countertops. You want your kitchen to be warm, bright, and inviting. Which countertop material is going to be best when it some to design and functionality?

Here’s everything you need to know about quartz versus granite for your kitchen counters.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is man-made and engineered from stone by-products to be used in kitchen and bathroom countertops. Quartz is just as strong and durable as granite but it’s also a little more flexible, making it less prone to cracking or chipping.

When it comes to design and colors, there is no limit. Quartz is colored using pigments so it’s available not only in natural white and gray tones but also in bright blues and greens, rose and amber, and even with a natural look of marble. This means that you’ll be able to find a quartz countertop that matches the cabinets, tiles, and walls of your kitchen.

Another reason that quartz countertop is a good choice for the kitchen is that because the slabs are manufactured, they have an even and consistent pattern throughout, making seams much less noticeable than granite countertops. 

High-quality Quartz stone is also non-porous and highly resistant to scratches and stains, so it stands up well as a work surface in your kitchen. However, keep in mind that foods or liquids that are acidic or that have a heavy dye, such as red wine, may still stain the quartz surface if not quickly wiped. Stain can be cleaned by using the right cleaning recipe.

Granite Kitchen Counters

Granite countertops are made from natural stone found in stone quarries. The stone is cut and sized into thin slabs which are then polished to a smooth finish and fabricated to be used as countertops. Granite is more porous than quartz and will require sealing when it’s installed and then periodically every year or two after that to keep it resistant to stains.  

Aesthetically, granite has a much more natural appearance than quartz. The color palate for granite will range from the neutral tones of off-white to the deeper richness of greens and blacks. Granite is ideal as a work surface in the kitchen as it resists heat, cuts, and scratches from sharp knives.

When granite countertops are installed, the seams are more noticeable than with quartz counters. If you have a large countertop area, the imperfections in granite will be more noticeable. Some homeowners like the unique and interesting look this gives to their kitchen, with the granite countertop becoming a focal point in the room. 

Budgeting for Quartz or Granite

If you still can’t decide on quartz or granite based on design and functionality, consider your budget. In some case, Granite can be slightly cheaper than quartz. But in reality, both have cheap and expensive options. If you’re choosing unusual granite colors such as quartzite, it might cost you more.

Need help deciding whether quartz or granite is the right choice for your kitchen countertops? Get in touch with Granite au Sommet – they’ll be able to give you the pros and cons of both quartz and granite and talk to you about professional installation.