Wilsonart (Quartz)

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!