Engineered quartz has grown rapidly to become one of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops. Aesthetic, low-maintenance, and hygienic, engineered stone make eco-friendly countertop surfaces. Whether you are designing a new kitchen space or revamping the existing one, we can help you with a guide to using engineered quartz countertops for the best outcomes.
What is Engineered Quartz?
Engineered quartz is alternative to natural quartz that is cut out of the natural form. The factory-made material features crushed stone -mostly quartz crystals for countertops. These materials are then bound together with the help of resin or adhesive. As a matter of fact, due to the higher percentage of quartz crystals found kitchen countertops, the quartz material is known as engineered quartz for kitchen décor.
The given type of surface offers a wide range of benefits. Some of the notable benefits of artificial quartz are immense durability, aesthetics, lack of maintenance, and top performance. The presence of these qualities makes engineered stone countertops core materials for modern kitchen schemes.
Is Quartz Porous?
Like other materials for kitchen countertops, quartz tends to be naturally porous to some extent. However, when it comes to using artificial or composite quartz for countertops, most of these surfaces are sealed properly during installation. Therefore, this trait makes the surfaces non-porous and highly durable. Engineered quartz and sealed granite kitchen countertops will feature similar stain or scratch-resistant properties.
To expect the best outcomes, you can take help from a reliable fabricator and inquire about the specifications that are included in the warranty.
Cleaning Engineered Quartz Countertops
Composite or engineered quartz is a relatively low-maintenance material. You can think of cleaning most spills with plain water and a sponge. For stains that are tough, like grease or oil stains, you can consider using mild soap or detergent for surface cleaning. It is recommended to avoid using harsh cleaning materials like bleaches, acidic cleaners, and others.
Most leading composite quartz brands will recommend using specific cleaners for the respective products. Therefore, you can inquire about the best care and maintenance tips before making the purchase.
Do Quartz Kitchen Countertops Stain?
Engineered or composite quartz will not absorb stains as quickly as natural stones do. However, there can be specific substances that will end up staining quartz countertops.
The best way to prevent staining of quartz countertops is to clean the spill as soon as it takes place. For stains that might be relatively tougher to clean, you can contact your quartz dealer or manufacturer to get suggestions related to stain cleaning. In case you cannot come across the remedy for the stain, confirm whether or not the same is covered in your warranty before getting the countertop replaced or repaired.
Are Engineered Quartz Countertops Heat Resistant?
Engineered quartz countertops are heat-resistant to some extent. Quartz for countertops can be damaged under the impact of immense heat. Therefore, you should avoid placing hot pan or pot directly on the quartz countertop. Always make use of a trivet for protecting quartz countertops from direct heat.
What Color Options Do You Have with Engineered Quartz?
One of the most appealing characteristics of engineered quartz for countertops is that it offers access to a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns throughout. The range continues expanding. It only gets spurred by competition between leading fabricators and brands manufacturing and supplying top-quality engineered quartz material.
The colour and patterns of engineered quartz tend to be highly consistent in comparison to natural stone variants. To a greater extent, the overall uniformity is a compelling feature. The colour palette of engineered stone countertops usually leans towards natural shades. However, these can vary from bright white quartz to even black quartz and red quartz.
The overall surface of composite quartz will depend on how the material has been ground. For instance, surfaces that are coarsely ground will deliver a flecked appearance throughout. On the other hand, finely ground surfaces will ensure a smoother look. Leading manufacturers and fabricators have also created customized colors and patterns that easily mimic natural quartz. They even come up with cement look-alikes. It is a highly appealing option for modern homeowners as cement itself remains prone to cracking, staining, and chipping.
Finishes for Engineered Quartz Materials
The options for human-made quartz finishes are textured, honed, polished, and matte surfaces.
Applications of Engineered Quartz
Human-made artificial quartz is dense, non-porous, and hard. Moreover, it is also non-abrasive and non-reactive to acidic materials. These are some of the attributes that make it a perfect material for kitchen countertops in modern spaces. You can also think of using engineered quartz materials for flooring, backsplashes, and walls.
You should know that engineered quartz -like natural variant, is quite heavy. Moreover, human-made countertops are not recommended for outdoor applications. This is because the resins in the materials might not be UV-stable. As far as heat resistance is concerned, the material is not easily affected by temperatures lower than 300 Degree F. Moreover, the experts recommend that you should not think of using engineered quartz for flooring over radiant heat. It is because of potential damage due to longer exposure to heat.
Engineered Quartz and Eco-friendliness
Most natural stone materials are mined directly from the mountains. This implies that the environment is disturbed significantly. This is because raw materials are extracted from beneath the soil. On the other hand, 90% crushed quartz materials for the production of engineered quartz surfaces are waste or by-products. These are mostly recycled variants from a number of mining companies.
Moreover, the polymer resins that are mixed in the production process of engineered stone tend to be more natural than human-made. Therefore, you can be assured that it is not impacting the environment.
Conclusion
If you wish to achieve a modern look for your kitchen space, you can opt for engineered quartz countertops. You can look forward to designing an aesthetic kitchen space with ample durability and creativity. Make use of top-quality quartz countertops from reliable manufacturers or fabricators.
