Due to their beauty and inherent richness, Quartz stone kitchen countertops have been prevalent for decades. However, with so many various varieties of stone countertops on the market, it can be difficult to find the appropriate one.
The process of selecting high-quality flooring and kitchen worktops is both intriguing and inspirational. It will considerably improve the appearance of your kitchen while also increasing its productivity.
The Perfect Kitchen Countertop Stone for your Kitchen
Photo Credits: The Spruce
‟ Quartz ”
― Also Known an Engineered Stone ―
The term “quartz” refers to an engineered stone product that incorporates up to 93 percent quartz particles and other minerals, formed into slabs and bonded with resins. These are not quarry-produced solid quartz slabs.
Quartz was developed as a more versatile and high-performing substitute for granite and marble. It comes in more hues than granite and has a nonporous surface that withstands scrapes and discoloration.
Some are exact replicas of actual marble, with identical veining. Engineered quartz, unlike real stone, does not require yearly sealing.
A similar technique is currently employed in so-called glass countertops, which are made of recycled glass particles mixed with resins and molded into countertop slabs. Consumers who wish to be cutting-edge may want to choose glass and quartz surfaces.
Additional Reliable Stones for your Kitchen Countertops
〓 Marble
Since time immemorial, marble has been a popular and in-demand material for kitchens. It has been utilized in the construction of various royal buildings across the world.
Marble is a metamorphic result of limestone exposed to intense igneous temperatures. As a consequence, it crystallizes and takes on a gorgeous, regal appearance.
Marble does have certain drawbacks. It is prone to stains and scratches and requires more upkeep than other natural stone surfaces.
〓 Granite
For a long time, granite has been a favorite of both homeowners and designers. Many people agree that it is the greatest natural stone for kitchen countertops. It comes in a wide assortment of colors and marks for you to pick from.
Aside from that, granite is extremely durable and vastly available all over the world. One of its major advantages is that it is quite inexpensive. As a result, even if you have a limited budget, you may choose granite.
However, one of the most prominent disadvantages of granite kitchen countertops is that they are porous. As a result, you must clean and reseal it regularly to avoid damage and stains.
〓 Limestone
Limestone is a great candidate for the finest natural stone for kitchen flooring due to its classic and rustic appearance. It is mined in Northern Africa or the Middle East, in particular, has a wonderfully magnificent aspect.
However, because this natural stone is particularly porous, you should choose floor tiles with a higher density. To avoid deterioration, you will need to reseal it regularly, much like granite.
〓 Slate
If you want an industrial or plain aesthetic for your kitchen, slate flooring is a good option. You should pay special attention to the dark-colored ones, which are less prone to stains.
Slate flooring with regular polishing appears stunningly natural, with only a little shine showing the nonslip texture. When slate is combined with kitchen cabinets that have a light and natural wood finish, it takes on a very crisp aspect.
As a result, it is an exciting competitor for the finest natural stone for kitchen flooring.
〓 Travertine
Travertine is a well-known natural stone used for the flooring of dining rooms and kitchens at various pizzerias in Naples and the Campania area of Italy. This is mostly due to its lovely beauty and long-lasting sturdiness.
You may keep it for several years if you correctly seal, fill, and hone it regularly. If you choose travertine for your kitchen floor, make sure it has a natural finish rather than a glossy one.
Furthermore, it works well with open floor plans with natural stone surrounds.
How to Clean a Quartz Countertop Properly
If you want to keep your Quartz kitchen counters looking their best, proper care and upkeep are necessary.
◆ Daily Maintenance of Quartz CountertopsQuartz
First Step
Dip a soft cloth or sponge in warm water and soap mixture. Begin by wiping the quartz tops down softly yet firmly with the sponge. Wipe them down as often as necessary.
Second Step
Scrape off any dirt or food using a putty knife, according to experts. When eliminating extra accumulation, use caution and just scrape softly.
Experts recommend putting a putty knife in a neighboring drawer for convenient access when you need to remove buildup off your surfaces. The maintenance of a countertop is pretty straightforward. It only takes a little bit of investigation and the correct knowledge.
Third Step
Spray your quartz countertops liberally with your preferred degreasing chemical. Make certain that the spray contains no bleach, since this may harm your quartz surfaces.
If you’re going to utilize disinfectant wipes, be sure they’re devoid of bleach. Following all of this, you should quickly rinse the area with a sponge or moist cloth.
◆ Getting Rid of Tough Stains on Quartz Countertops
First Step
To remove severe stains, you’ll need some adhesive remover. Use a cleanser and a moist rag or towel.
Pour the cleaner immediately on the stain and leave it for six to twelve minutes before wiping it away. After you’ve cleaned off the counter, you should re-wipe it with warm water.
Second Step
Take a wet rag and bathe it in isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Rub the stain with a wet towel or cloth. Then, using only warm water, wash off the counter again. This will assist with any stubborn stains that will not come off with only water and soap.
Third Step
Apply a safe glass cleaner to your quartz countertops. Allow the glass cleaning liquid to settle for a few minutes before wiping off the countertops with a damp towel. While some quartz firms claim it’s fine to use glass cleaners, others advise you to avoid them.
To be safe, experts recommend calling your quartz provider and asking if it is appropriate to deep clean your quartz with a glass cleaner.
◆ Preventing Damage on Quartz Countertops
First Step
Even though engineered stone, such as quartz, may resist stains for a limited time, you should not leave pigments on the surface for too long. You still risk ruining your countertops if you do this.
Quartz should be cleaned as quickly as possible once a spill occurs. To clean up the spill, use mild soap and a warm water solution. If the spill was coffee, wine, or tea, permanent stains may form.
Second Step
You may use mats or trivets to shield your quartz surfaces from very high temperatures. You should not lay a very hot object straight on your quartz countertop since it will damage it.
If you’re going to be sipping on citrus-flavored drinks, make sure to utilize coasters. Citrus juices do not mix well with quartz countertops.
Third Step
It may be tempting to cut and chop food straight on your quartz because it is robust and hard, but we do not advocate it. Experts recommend keeping a cutting board on hand and using it for chopping, cutting, and slicing food.
Although quartz is scratch-resistant, it is not scratch-proof. Another reason cutting boards are important is that your blades will become dull.
Fourth Step
The use of strong alkaline or acidic cleansers may damage your quartz countertops. If an overly acidic or alkaline solution falls on your surfaces, quickly wipe it up with a moist cloth soaked in water and mild detergent.
Benefits of Utilizing Quartz as a Kitchen Countertop Stone
Quartz is mostly made from ground-up rock particles that have been combined with old plastic resins. As a result, it lacks the inherent beauty of granite or marble.
However, there are some benefits to adopting quartz countertops.
✔Strength
Although it was previously stated that quartz is a man-made stone, the high concentration of quartz elements in the rock makes it extremely resistant.
Quartz countertops are mostly composed of 90% quartz and 10% polymer, as well as colorful pigments. So there is no doubt about the durability. You may go about your everyday activities without worrying about their durability.
Furthermore, quartz is well-known for its exceptional resistance to chipping, scratches, and stains. With a little maintenance, it may survive for several years after you put it in your kitchen.
✔Styles
Quartz countertops are obtainable in a variety of colors and configurations to fit your kitchen’s needs. In contrast to real stones, which only come in their native hue, quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
When it comes to stones that may fit the color and style of your kitchen, quartz is the greatest choice. Everything is conceivable with this manufactured stone, from dark brown to natural black, from a shining surface to a matte finish.
If you want to make a unique kitchen corner, quartz is the best material to choose.
✔Nonporous
Quartz has a highly polished nonporous surface, so there will be no holes or cracks, and you can enjoy the improved durability of the countertop.
And because quartz has a nonporous surface, it is easier to clean; as a consequence, there are fewer possibilities of dirt and debris collection, and as a result, you may live a healthier and more active life. You can also effortlessly clear off anything from your tables for the hard polishing.
✔Uniform
Since granite and marble originate straight from nature, there is a potential that the texture and pattern may not be uniform. While some individuals enjoy nature’s variety, others choose to embrace its harmony.
If you are searching for consistency in pattern and color, quartz will just astound you. Its handcrafted style and texture may add your touch to any space in your kitchen or bathroom.
✔Maintenance
In our hectic, fast-paced modern lives, we are constantly on the lookout for choices that will make our lives easier. While real stone is still a popular choice for many people, quartz has risen in popularity as a result of its ‘easy of care’ attribute.
While natural stones require wax or sealant covering, quartz does not require such protection. So, when compared to other stones, it is easy to see that quartz requires less upkeep than real stones.
Due to its nonporous structure, it does not absorb stains and can be cleaned with a wet cloth or a small amount of soap.
Drawbacks of Utilizing Quartz as a Kitchen Countertop Stone
！Cost
If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to look into alternatives to quartz. All of the advantages of quartz come at a cost. The price is also influenced by the number of slabs and finishes.
The more cuts you require for sinks, soap dispensers, and fittings, the more expensive it will be.
！Look
Quartz can be made into practically any pattern you can think of. The diversity of its appearance is a clear benefit; yet, if you’re seeking a distinctive look of natural stone, granite or marble may be better options.
Engineered quartz can be made to seem like natural stone thanks to advances in technology, but it cannot equal the flawless waves and veining of the genuine thing.
The design possibilities with quartz are nearly unlimited, but it’s tough to match the genuinely unusual and exotic patterns available with natural stone.
！Heat Damage
Although quartz is heat resistant, the resin and polymer fillers are not. Exposing quartz surfaces to hot cookware may cause the resins to melt, resulting in lasting discoloration and damage. Heat damage is evident by white spots and cloudiness.
The precise temperature threshold is determined by the quality and manufacturer. To be safe, always place a cushion or trivet between hot cookware and quartz counters.
The heat from warm dishes removed from the dishwasher and placed on top of its surfaces can burn the resin binders and cause lasting damage.
！Installation
Quartz countertop installation is not a do-it-yourself activity. Experts are needed to measure, level, and fasten the slaps to the cabinets or island.
It is more difficult to establish because it is so heavy, weighing between 20 and 25 pounds per square foot. Installers must guarantee that the foundation is physically sound and robust enough to support the weight of the quartz.
Installers must also carefully place each stab to limit steam visibility. This can be an easy or complex process varying on the design and colors.
！For Indoors
This countertop deteriorate when exposed to direct sunlight for a lengthy period, so if you’re installing an outdoor kitchen, go with a different material.
The UV radiation will degrade the pigments, resulting in an ugly yellow tone on your counters. Even direct UV radiation from a window can fade the hues over time, so choose quartz with caution in sun-drenched areas with large windows.
Are Quartz Countertops Worth the Investment?
Is it worthwhile to use Quartz now that you’ve studied the pros and cons? These countertops are a high-quality, low-maintenance countertop alternative that is undeniably popular with homebuyers as a top pick for kitchen counters.
Installing quartz or premium countertops elevates your makeover to the next level. It could be considered a countertop choice for a luxury kitchen or bathroom makeover.
It will be priced similarly to conventional stone countertops but will have specific advantages.
In the end, it will come down to personal preference, since the resale value will be comparable to other high-end alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best long-lasting stone for countertops?
A: In terms of durability, quartz is unrivaled. This artificially created stone countertop, made of crushed quartz stone combined with polymers and resin, is an extraordinarily durable surface that resembles genuine stone.
Q: Which stone countertop is the easiest to keep clean?
A: Quartz countertops are the simplest natural stone to maintain. Because they are made of pulverized stone and resin, they do not need to be sealed regularly, as most granite and marble worktops need.
Q: Quartz or granite: which is more expensive?
A: Depending on the availability of a hue and design, granite can be more expensive than quartz at times.
Q: Is it safe to place a hot pan on quartz?
A: Placing extremely hot items, such as a skillet, immediately out of the oven, may burn the countertop and create irreversible damage.
Q: What kind of stone does not stain?
A: Since it is made of ground-up natural stone and resin, quartz is the most stain-resistant substance. This results in a non-porous, stain-resistant substance.
Q: Is there gold in quartz?
A: Gold is frequently discovered alongside quartz because quartz, like gold, is a “mineral fluid” of the earth that solidifies.
Q: What is the most uncommon quartz color?
A: Natural citrine is the most uncommon of the quartz variants, along with amethyst, aventurine, and prasiolite.
Final Thoughts
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house and plays an important part in your everyday life. Using natural stone for your kitchen floors and worktops is a wise investment.
Choosing this stone for your kitchen countertops is the finest decision you will ever make when designing your kitchen. You will have a nice and fashionable kitchen space that will require considerably less work to clean and maintain.