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!
