Caesarstone (Quartz)

Multi-functional kitchen islands have become the centerpiece of modern kitchens. They provide additional space for working, dining, storage, and even entertainment. One of the best materials for these versatile islands is quartz. 

Known for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance, quartz countertops are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to enhance the functionality and style of their kitchens.

What Are Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made from a combination of natural quartz crystals and resin binders. This composition results in a highly durable and non-porous material that is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. 

Unlike natural stones such as granite or marble, quartz countertops are manufactured to be more consistent in pattern and color, giving homeowners a wide range of design options to choose from.

The versatility of quartz countertops stems from their composition and manufacturing process. Because they are engineered, quartz countertops can be produced in a vast array of colors, patterns, and finishes. 

This allows homeowners to find the perfect match for their kitchen design, whether they prefer a sleek, modern look or a more traditional style.

Additionally, the non-porous nature of quartz means it doesn’t require sealing, making it a low-maintenance option that is easy to clean and sanitize. This is particularly beneficial in a kitchen setting where food preparation and spills are common.

Enhancing Functionality with Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are an ideal choice for multi-functional kitchen islands due to their durability and ease of maintenance. 

There are several ways quartz countertops can enhance the functionality of your kitchen island.

Cooking and Food Preparation

A quartz countertop provides a large surface for cooking and food preparation. Its resistance to scratches and heat makes it suitable for handling hot pots and sharp knives, although using cutting boards and trivets is always recommended to maintain its pristine condition. 

The non-porous surface also means that quartz countertops do not harbor bacteria or germs, ensuring a hygienic area for meal prep.

Storage Solutions

Incorporating storage solutions into your kitchen island can greatly enhance its functionality. Quartz countertops can be integrated with custom cabinetry and shelving, providing ample storage for kitchen essentials, cookware, and even appliances. 

This integration keeps your kitchen organized and clutter-free while maximizing the use of available space.

Workspace for Various Activities

A multi-functional kitchen island with a quartz countertop can also serve as a versatile workspace for various activities beyond cooking. 

Whether you need an area for homework, crafting, or working from home, the durability and aesthetic appeal of quartz make it an ideal surface for a wide range of tasks. 

And quartz’s easy-to-clean nature ensures that any spills or messes can be quickly wiped away, keeping the space looking clean and inviting.

Design Flexibility

One of the key advantages of quartz countertops is the design flexibility they offer. Since quartz is engineered, it can be produced in virtually any color or pattern, including designs that mimic the look of natural stone like marble or granite. 

This means you can achieve the high-end appearance of these materials without their associated maintenance requirements.

Quartz countertops are also available in various finishes, from glossy to matte, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your kitchen island. This versatility in design ensures that your kitchen island can be a true reflection of your personal style.

A Smart Investment

Choosing quartz countertops for your multi-functional kitchen island is a long-term investment in both functionality and style. Quartz is known for its durability and longevity, meaning it will continue to look beautiful and perform well for many years. 

Its resistance to common kitchen issues such as staining, scratching, and heat damage makes it a practical choice that will stand the test of time. 

Potential buyers also often appreciate the quality and aesthetic appeal of quartz countertops, making them a desirable feature in any kitchen.

Upgrade Your Kitchen with KG Stevens

Incorporating quartz countertops into your multi-functional kitchen island can transform your kitchen into a more efficient, stylish, and inviting space. 

Their durability, low maintenance needs, and design versatility make them an excellent choice for any home.

If you are ready to upgrade your kitchen, KG Stevens offers a wide selection of high-quality quartz countertops and professional installation services. 

Contact us today for a free quote and start your journey toward a more beautiful and functional kitchen.

When planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel, selecting the right thickness for your quartz countertops is an important decision. The thickness of your countertops can affect the aesthetics, durability, cost, and installation process.

Today, let’s take a look at the different quartz thicknesses and the key considerations you need to help you make an informed choice for your quartz countertops.

Standard Thickness Options

Quartz countertops typically come in three standard thicknesses:

• Ultra-thin: 1.2 cm or ½ inch
• Thin: 2 cm or ¾ inch
• Thick: 3 cm or 1¼ inch

Each thickness offers distinct advantages and is suited to different applications and design preferences.

Ultra-Thin

The ½ inch thickness is the thinnest option available for quartz countertops. This thickness is often used in applications where weight and cost are primary concerns.

• Aesthetics: Thin countertops provide a sleek, minimalist look that can be ideal for contemporary and modern designs. They offer a subtle, understated appearance that doesn’t dominate the space.
• Cost: Thinner countertops are generally more affordable due to the reduced material cost.
• Durability: While ½ inch quartz countertops are durable, they require additional support, such as plywood backing, to prevent flexing and ensure stability.
• Best For: Vertical applications like backsplashes and wall cladding, or for use in areas where countertops will not experience heavy wear and tear.

Thin

The ¾ inch thickness is a mid-range option that balances cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

• Aesthetics: These countertops offer a more substantial look than the 1.2 cm option without appearing too heavy. They can complement both traditional and modern design styles.
• Cost: While more expensive than ultra-thin countertops, thin options are still relatively affordable and offer a good balance between price and performance.
• Durability: Thicker than the ½ inch quartz, ¾ inch quartz countertops are more robust and less likely to require additional support, though reinforcement may still be needed in some applications.
• Best For: Kitchen and bathroom countertops where moderate durability is needed, as well as islands and bar tops.

Thick

The 1¼ inch thickness is the most popular and provides the highest level of durability and luxury.

• Aesthetics: These countertops make a bold statement with their substantial, solid appearance. They are particularly suited to high-end, luxury designs and can become a focal point in the room.
• Cost: The 1¼ inch countertops are the most expensive due to the increased material usage. However, their long-term durability and visual impact can justify the higher cost.
• Durability: The 1¼ inch thickness provides exceptional strength and stability, making these countertops highly resistant to damage and suitable for heavy-use areas without the need for additional support.
• Best For: High-traffic kitchens and bathrooms, islands, and areas where durability and a premium look are paramount.

Consider Your Design Aesthetic

Your overall design aesthetic plays a crucial role in determining the right thickness for your quartz countertops. Ultra-thin countertops work well in minimalist and contemporary designs, where a sleek and streamlined look is desired.

Thin countertops offer versatility, fitting seamlessly into both modern and traditional designs. Thick countertops are ideal for creating a statement in luxury and high-end spaces.

Evaluate the Usage and Durability Needs

Consider how the countertops will be used and the level of durability required. Kitchens and bathrooms that see a lot of activity benefit from thicker, more durable countertops like the 1¼ inch option.

For less demanding areas, such as laundry rooms or guest bathrooms, the ¾ inch thickness may be sufficient. For decorative applications or vertical surfaces, the ultra-thin quartz slabs can provide a cost-effective and visually appealing solution.

Budget Considerations

Your budget will also influence your choice of countertop thickness. While thicker countertops offer greater durability and a more luxurious appearance, they come at a higher cost.

Balancing your design preferences with your budget will help you determine the best thickness for your quartz countertops.
Selecting the right thickness for your quartz countertops involves balancing aesthetics, durability, and cost.

Whether you prefer the sleek look of thin countertops, the versatility of mid-range options, or the durability and luxury of thicker slabs, KG Stevens has the expertise and selection to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation for your quartz countertop project!

One of the top trends in construction today is sustainability. Homeowners prefer sustainable materials and home designs, but that doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice luxury. Instead, it means thinking about making choices that are better for the environment but still meet their needs.

One way to combine sustainability with luxury is by opting for quartz countertops. Unlike natural stone, which is quarried in operations involving huge amounts of fossil fuel and water, quartz is an engineered stone with a smaller carbon footprint thanks to its manufacturing process. Let’s take a closer look at how quartz is a better choice for the environment than many comparable countertop options.

Quartz and Sustainability

The first place where we see quartz as a sustainable option is in its eco-friendly manufacturing process. Quartz countertops are engineered using a combination of natural quartz minerals (usually around 90-95%) and resins, pigments, and binders (usually around 5-10%).

The process of manufacturing quartz countertops typically involves recycling industrial waste and byproducts, such as leftover quartz from mining operations and recycled glass. By repurposing these materials, the production of quartz countertops helps reduce the environmental impact associated with mining and manufacturing virgin materials.

This manufacturing process has become increasingly energy-efficient over time. Many manufacturers have implemented technologies and practices to reduce energy consumption, such as using energy-efficient machinery, optimizing production processes, and sourcing renewable energy sources. By reducing energy consumption during manufacturing, the environmental impact of quartz countertop production is minimized.

Quartz countertops are known for their exceptional durability and longevity. They are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, which means they are less likely to require replacements or repairs over time.

By investing in durable countertops that last for many years, homeowners can reduce the need for frequent replacements, thereby minimizing waste and conserving resources. And of course, it will also help save money– you will likely never have to replace your quartz countertops… unless you want to, of course!

And if you do want to replace your countertops, some manufacturers have developed processes to recycle and repurpose old quartz countertops. These recycled materials can be used in various applications, such as road construction, concrete mixtures, and new countertop production.

By recycling old quartz countertops, manufacturers can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserve natural resources.

Quartz’s maintenance needs also contribute to quartz’s sustainability. Quartz countertops require minimal maintenance compared to some natural stone countertops, such as granite or marble. They do not need to be sealed, and they can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water.

This reduces the use of harsh chemicals and cleaners, promoting a healthier indoor environment and minimizing the environmental impact associated with their maintenance.

The Luxury of Quartz

Quartz really is the best of both worlds. It’s better for the environment, and it’s also beautiful! Because quartz is a manufactured stone, it comes in more colors and patterns than any other type of natural stone.

There’s bound to be a pattern that perfectly matches your dream for your home. It offers a vast array of stunning colors and patterns that mimic the look of natural stone, including marble and granite, but with a more uniform and consistent appearance.

The design process also means that quartz can be enhanced by additional pigments, like shimmering flecks, to give it extra appeal and depth of color.

And it doesn’t just look good; quartz countertops are renowned for their durability, surpassing many natural stones in resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. Unlike natural stone, they don’t need sealing and are impervious to water penetration.

You can use cleaners like bleach if you need to disinfect them, but they don’t require special cleaners. Mild dish soap and water are all you need.

This combination of beauty and resilience elevates quartz to a luxurious status, making it a sought-after choice for discerning homeowners and designers alike.

Whether adorning a modern kitchen or a lavish, spa-like bathroom, quartz countertops exude opulence and sophistication, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and value of any space. If you’re ready to install new quartz countertops or replace your old countertops with this fantastic material, contact us at KG Stevens today for a free consultation.

Whether you’re installing new countertops or replacing your old ones, you can’t go wrong with quartz. Quartz countertops are a popular design choice for their durability and appearance; they’re extremely tough and look beautiful for years.

However, picking out a new quartz countertop can be a complicated process because you have so many options. Here are some key tips for choosing the perfect quartz countertop.

1. Understand Quartz

Before you choose a quartz countertop, you should understand a few basic things about this wonderful engineered stone. Quartz countertops are made of man-made material that uses resins and polymers to bind powdered quartz. The resin seals off the quartz’s natural pores, which makes it highly resistant to bacteria and liquids. It also gives it built-in resiliency against cracking.

This means that a quartz countertop is extremely durable and hard to damage. However, the resins are susceptible to high heat, so don’t plan on putting hot pans and pots directly onto a quartz countertop!

2. Know Your Desired Edge Profile

A key consideration for your quartz countertop is the edge profile. The edge of your countertop contributes a lot to the overall appearance of the countertop.

There are a number of edge profiles to pick from—from the rounded bullnose to the ogee—as well as the ever-popular straight and beveled edges. All of them look great and don’t alter the strength or chip resistance of your countertop.

3. Choose Your Colors and Patterns

Because quartz is an engineered stone, it comes in many different colors and patterns. If you are a homeowner installing new countertops, your fabricator can help you find the perfect color and pattern to match your aesthetic. K.G. Stevens carries dozens of quartz countertop options, so you will have no trouble finding one that suits your needs.

The hard part is choosing which one looks best! Take time to look at several different options. It’s a good idea to schedule a showroom appointment because you’ll be able to see full and half slabs of material to really get a feel for how it will look in your space.

4. Consider Material Weight

A showroom appointment can also help you understand the different thickness options available. Quartz countertops are significantly lighter than granite, so weight is less of a consideration, even if you’re putting in countertops on an upper level.

This means that you may be able to have a thicker countertop when you choose quartz if you want.

5. Know Your Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements

Quartz is quite low maintenance! You don’t need to reseal it, unlike natural stone, and because it’s nonporous, you don’t need any special cleaners to keep it looking nice. A little dish soap and water is enough to get it sparkling.

You don’t need to use harsh cleansers or worry about bacterial buildup; a fifty-fifty mix of white vinegar and water is enough to disinfect it. However, you shouldn’t use bleach on quartz countertops because it can discolor some resins.

6. Keep Quartz Inside

Quartz countertops are extremely durable and perfect for kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, or wherever you need a countertop inside your home. Outside of your home? That’s another story. The resin that binds the quartz and makes it so durable sets clear but turns yellow in the sun.

After some time outside, a quartz countertop will always become discolored. So, if you’re setting up an outdoor kitchen, it’s better to go with a surface like granite.

Choosing a quartz countertop doesn’t have to be hard, and at K.G. Stevens, we make it easy. We help builders, fabricators, and homeowners find the perfect countertops for their needs. Contact us today for a free in-home or showroom consultation!