What to know before buying a quartz countertops

1. Quartz Countertops StoneX USA

2. What to know before buying a quartz countertops • Whether in the bathroom or in the kitchen, quartz undeniably enhances the style of the room. Whether the decor is luxurious, modern or minimalist, this natural stone fits perfectly. However, it is not the only material available on the market and its slightly higher cost deserves some thought. Fortunately, quartz has many advantages that make the investment profitable. Here is a quick guide to important information to know before buying this type of counter.

3. The composition of quartz countertops • Quartz differs from other materials by its composition. Indeed, unlike marble and granite, quartz countertops are formed from an engineered stone: a mixture of different minerals and a resin or a polymer adhesive. The quality of the block and its price are affected by the percentage of quartz contained in the whole.On the other hand, the composition of the quartz gives it an undeniable advantage: the choice of colors, patterns and textures are increasing. Thanks to the combination of different elements, counters are sold in milky white, gray, black, blue, green and even fuchsia. The quartz motif can be plain, veined and with small or large grains. In addition, the finishes can be polished, suede or volcanos.

4. Characteristics of quartz countertops • Quartz, one of the strongest materials on Earth, has many beneficial characteristics for cooking. Indeed, the smooth and non-porous surface means great resistance to stains. In addition, this quality is reduced by the proliferation of bacteria on the counter.In addition, this material is easy to clean; A damp cloth and mild soap are sufficient. Abrasive and chemical products should be avoided to avoid damaging the stone. The mixture of resin and minerals creates a very solid surface that does not require a sealer, unlike granite. In addition, even if it is recommended not to cut food directly on the quartz, this material has a high resistance to impact and scratches.The only drawback of quartz is its weakness in the face of heat.Indeed, it is preferable to use trivet for pots and pans out of the oven to avoid damaging the surface and causing cracks.

5. Big names to know • Breton stone, an Italian company, created the quartz plate technique in the 1970s. After licensing the secrets of Silestone, Caesarstone and Cambria quickly distinguished themselves in the industry. They are all characterized by their unique styles and nuances, but these four companies are known for their better quality creation. More than 50 companies currently hold the license, but some produce plates with low-quality resins, which greatly reduced the resistance of the counters. In order not to invest unnecessarily, it is recommended to choose from the names mentioned in this article.

6. Good quality quartz is environmentally friendly • Indeed, some manufacturers offer quartz plates composed of waste solely from the extraction or manufacturing processes of various minerals. Thus, no stone is directly extracted to make the counters. In addition, resins and polymeric adhesives are becoming more and more natural. Manufacturers like Bretonstone use a combination of artificial and organic elements, largely derived from non-edible vegetable oil.Again, to ensure a small ecological footprint, the big names mentioned above are recommended. Some companies opt for very artificial resins that could have negative health impacts, while others ignore the ecological requirements of the industry.

7. The different quartz certifications • Like all composite materials, quartz is manufactured by many companies and standards to ensure the quality and wholesomeness of various plates. Here is a list of important certifications:Greenguard certification: This certificate ensures that the material will not degrade air quality and that it is safe to install it indoors.Bacteriostatic protection: This approval indicates that the surface is designed to curb the proliferation of bacteria.CE certification: CE certified products to meet industry standards requested by the European Union.The purchase of a quartz countertop should not be taken lightly. The information in this short guide allows you to make an informed choice to avoid unpleasant surprises.To ensure you get the quality that is worth the price, we recommend visiting several companies and asking lots of questions.