Selecting the best material for your kitchen space is never an easy task. To make your kitchen look aesthetic and full of life, a durable countertop with a color scheme and pattern that matches your interior house design is a must.
When it comes to countertops, there are lots of options to choose from. Top materials for worktops are marble, concrete, granite, and quartz, but among these best-selling countertops, quartz is the most sought-after material on the market.
In this blog, let’s look at the features of engineered quartz countertop and why it’s the most suitable material for any countertop project.
What Is Engineered Quartz Countertop?
Quartz is a popular choice for countertops because of its strength, hardness, price, and scarcity. Ground quarts or quartzites are natural stones that are engineered with other materials such as slabs, ceramic tiles, glass, binders, and polymers. The mixed materials are heated and molded into sheets, cooled and hardened, then cut into various shapes for construction use. The finished product is now called “engineered quartz.”
Pros and Cons of Using Quartz Countertop
Other Applications of Engineered Quartz
Though quartz countertops are not advisable for outdoor use, quartz may be used in outdoor kitchens with full overhead coverage from the elements. You can also use these engineered stones in the following areas:
Advantages of Using Quartz Countertop
- Shower wall
- Wall cladding
- Backsplashes
- Fireplace surrounds
- Bathroom sink countertop
Cleaning Quartz Countertop
This surface is easy to clean. You can use a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water with mild soap for day-to-day cleaning. When dealing with dried spills and viscous liquid substances, spray the affected area with lukewarm water for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a moist towel. While stains on quartz countertops are unusual, wiping the surface with appropriate cleaning solutions and a moist cloth may suffice.
Precautions
Engineered quartz can develop burn markings when subjected to extensive heat. These blemishes are irreversible and cannot be removed. It is recommended to use heat pads or trivets when placing hot objects such as cookware and appliances on the worktops to protect the natural appearance of the slab for as long as possible.
To remove stains on the countertop, do not use abrasive cleaners and bleach. It’s worth noting that reflective tops show more fingerprints and other evidence of use than other surfaces. Therefore, frequent cleaning is necessary.
Most Popular Quartz Countertop Colors and Designs
These engineered stones are available in limitless color options and there is a wide range of designs to choose from. Quartz countertops usually lean toward natural shades but bright whites to dark shades are also available. To help you decide on what color to choose for your house, here are the most sought-after quartz countertop designs:
- Pure White. Nothing beats a plain white surface to brighten up your space. Go for pure white countertops if you have dark furniture and minimal lighting in your room. It will make your space look bigger because of the white countertops’ reflective properties.
- Cambria Black. Choose black countertops for a more sophisticated and modern look.
- Fossil Grey. If you want to create a traditional or contemporary style in your home, fossil grey will give you that ambiance. Grey quartz countertops are ideal for rooms with neutral wall colors.
- Calacatta Verona. This color combines the look of marble and quartz into one benchtop.
Engineered Quartz vs Marble Countertop
Although quartz can’t mimic the exact natural appearance of marble, countertops made of quartz are far more durable than those made of marble. Marble can be easily scratched and stained while quartz countertops are scratch and stain-resistant. Also, quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed frequently or polished regularly unlike marble and granite surfaces.
Engineered Quartz vs Granite Countertop
Many homeowners are having a hard time differentiating quartz and granite surfaces because most quartz worktops look almost the same as granite. Most homeowners chose quartz since granite is more expensive ($80 to $200 per square foot). Quartz countertops are also easier to clean and maintain than granite.
How Much Do Quartz Countertop Costs?
Quartz is an affordable substitute for other natural stones. An engineered stone countertop usually costs around $60 to $120 per square foot. The price will likely increase based on the brand, color, design pattern, slab thickness, and personal modifications.
Where to Buy Quartz Countertops?
Check out the following manufacturers for high-quality engineered quartz benchtops that are durable and aesthetic.
This ends our discussion about engineered quartz countertops. Note that purchasing this type of countertop is one of the best investments you’ll ever have to enhance daily productivity.
