The right countertop can make or break your kitchen design, so it’s important to learn as much as you can about the choices you have available before making a decision. Quartz is one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials you can choose today, but not many homeowners know much about what makes it so great.
Today, our kitchen remodeling professionals at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this durable and versatile material.
What is quartz?
Quartz is the second most common mineral in the world. Its use stretches back as far as ancient Egyptians, who used the crystals as a form of jewelry. As a naturally occurring stone, quartz offers plenty of aesthetic benefits. Impurities in its formation can influence its final color, texture and graining, giving you a wide variety of options to choose from when looking for a countertop to match the rest of your kitchen.
Can quartz be seamless?
Seamless counters are increasing in popularity. However, if you want a quartz countertop that’s seamless, it will depend on the design of the counter itself as well as the orientation of the cabinets. Like all stone materials, quartz comes in slabs. These slabs often max out at 125 inches in length. If your cabinets extend beyond this measurement, your quartz countertop will have seams. Shorter spans can be made to be seamless.
Is quartz 100% natural stone?
Quartz is available in both natural and engineered varieties. Engineered varieties are more consistent in design but retain the same physical properties of natural stone — like durability, strength and impermeability. Some homeowners and kitchen remodelers prefer the consistency of patterns in engineered quartz, so the choice depends on your own preference.
Is quartz more expensive than marble?
The short answer is no, however, there are a lot of factors in manufacturing, shipping and quality that must be taken into account. Certain grades of marble are cheaper compared to higher-end quartz countertops. Generally, however, engineered quartz counters are a more affordable alternative to natural surfaces like granite and marble.
Is quartz high-maintenance?
Perhaps the biggest benefit to a quartz countertop is its care. Its nonporous surface is resistant to heat and stains, making it extremely easy to keep clean. You can use soap and water and a washcloth to wipe away any dirt on a quartz surface. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach to maintain its natural beauty.
Talk to Our Design Experts
Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of quartz countertops from the professionals at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington. Give us a call at (910) 212-5889 or fill out our contact form to start a conversation today! We serve homeowners in Port City, Forest Hills, Leland and other neighboring communities.
