If you’ve been thinking about adding a unique element to your countertops, you may want to consider quartz. There are many surprising things you may not know about this material, from its composition to its strength. Here are some of those surprising facts that may help you in making your decision.
Surprising Fact #1: Quartz is Not a Natural Stone Countertop
In actuality, quartz countertops are comprised of pieces of quartz bonded together with a non-porous resin. And because it’s a manufactured stone, it comes in many more colors and patterns than you would find with a natural stone such as granite or marble.
This versatility means quartz can be molded into curves and unique dimensions that you just can’t get with natural stones, so your countertops won’t come with a lot of awkward cuts or seams.
Surprising Fact #2: Quartz Countertops are Not 100% Quartz
While much of a quartz countertop’s body is made up of natural minerals, some is comprised of a resin that binds it all together, as well as pigments and polymers. You may even find some pre- and post-consumer recycled products in there as well, which augment the color palette. The result? You can get quartz countertops in colors that you won’t find in nature.
Surprising Fact #3: Quartz Takes Second Place For Most Abundant Mineral
Quartz is sustainable because it’s the second most abundant mineral found in the earth’s crust. This means there are infinite quantities, unlike marble and granite, which can only be mined in certain areas that will eventually run out.
Surprising Fact #4: Quartz in Harder Than Granite
Did you know that quartz is 5x harder than granite? This makes it extremely resistant to cracks, chips and breaks. Bonus: you never have to seal quartz because it’s non-porous, resulting in no possibility for staining or etching, Plus, it won’t harbor bacteria, grime or mildew build-up.
These are all reasons why quartz is the lowest maintenance option out there today, with no need to seal, repair or maintain the material throughout its lifespan.
Surprising Fact #5: Quartz is the Best Choice for High-Traffic Areas
If you’re going for elegance and style in a home that does not see a lot of use, marble would be a good choice. But if you have a busy household or business location, quartz is the better choice. This long-lasting material is perfect for home and workplace kitchens, children’s bathrooms, changing rooms, and common areas. These high-traffic locations require a durable manmade stone like quartz to withstand the abuse thrown at them each and every day.
Contact Granite Guy
If you have more questions about quartz and if it’s right for your home, don’t hesitate to contact us in Southborough MA at 508-460-7900. Here at Granite Guy, we are proud of our quartz countertop selection, available in more than 2,000 colors!