Quartz countertops have gained popularity within the last decade, and they have surpassed granite countertops' demand. So, if you plan to purchase a kitchen island with a quartz countertop, these are some of the questions you might be asking yourself. What is quartz? Is this material durable? How much does it cost? Is it high maintenance? We will tackle these questions and provide you with a general overview of the advantages and disadvantages of countertops made of quartz.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is a ubiquitous mineral found in large concentrations at the Earth's crust and surface. It is a molecular compound of silicon and oxygen known as silicon dioxide or silica. Quartz is present in all types of rock, and it is resistant to erosion, so when rocks erode, quartz builds up in the surrounding soil or sand of beaches. In addition, it possesses physical and chemical properties that make it useful for many applications such as manufacturing electronics (the ends from negative and positive charges in response to increased pressure known as piezoelectric), timepieces (vibrates at specific frequencies) and countertops.
Are Quartz Countertops Durable?
The short answer is yes. Quartz countertops are engineered at the factory to contain approximately 90% ground quartz that binds to a mixture of synthetic resins and polymers after exposure to extreme pressure and heat. The resulting product is a hard, granite-like material that is very durable. In addition, pigments are included in the resin-polymer and quartz mixture to give the countertop color.
Is it Expensive?
The price of quartz is comparable to that of natural stone and is considered one of the more costly countertop materials. Consumers will pay anywhere from $60 to $100 per square foot.
Let's Talk Maintenance
Since quartz does not require sealants, resins and polymers make it nonporous; its maintenance requirements are simple. The cleaning kit for a quartz countertop consists of a washcloth or paper towel, mild soap, and water. Then, wipe the surface with a damp, soapy washcloth. A gentle cleansing solution will remove stains. Avoid scouring pads and harsh chemicals to preserve the counter- these cleaners can disrupt the resin-quartz bonds responsible for this material's durability.
General Overview of the Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
No sealant required |
Expensive ($60-$100 per square foot on average) |
|
Stain and crack resistant (Properties due to resin binding to quartz) |
Do not tolerate heat well (Unlike natural stone) |
|
Large array of color availability (Addition of pigments to resin-quartz mix) |
Heavy material (Requires sturdy furniture to hold it up, multiple people required to carry) |
|
Very hard and durable (Properties due to resin binding to quartz) |
Large countertops usually have visible seams |
|
Cleaning is simple (wash cloth, mild soap, and water) |
Professional installation recommended |
Having a general idea of the benefits and drawbacks of quartz countertops is essential for anyone considering purchasing a kitchen island with a quartz top. Hopefully, this article has provided a foundation of knowledge that can help you make an informed purchase after doing more in-depth research.
