
What to Consider Before Installing Granite Countertops
Calvin Sung - Nov 14, 2024 - 9 min read
Quartz countertops are truly the darling of kitchen and bathroom remodels for very good reason. They boast an incredible array of color choices and patterns, but have the durability to endure any household, busy or not, and can maintain the look of being newly put in for years through effortless maintenance. With the current market options available, this can be quite a challenging decision to make when looking for the right quartz countertop for your home. In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect choice for your space.
Quartz countertops are made from engineered stone which consists of natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. This would result in a durable surface that is non-porous, resistant to stains and scratches, and heat tolerant. Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz does not have to be sealed and therefore is virtually maintenance-free.
The biggest advantage of quartz countertops is that they are very strong. As an engineered product, quartz countertops are not easily damaged by chipping or cracking. They are also non-porous, which means they do not harbor bacteria and absorb liquids. They are therefore clean and hygienic to use. Additionally, there are numerous colors and patterns of quartz countertops to suit the décor of your home.
Although quartz countertops have a number of advantages, it is not without its own disadvantages. One of the significant disadvantages is that the cost of quartz countertops could be more expensive than most other options such as laminate or tile. Further, although quartz countertops resist heat, they are not invincible to excessive heat; thus, trivets or hot pads must be used when placing hot objects on quartz countertops.
Quartz countertops budgets would require that the customer considers the price of material itself and the installation charges. The cost of a quartz countertop depends upon the brand, color, and thickness of the slab of the countertop. Cost of installation would depend upon the complexity of the job and location. It is always in order to request price quotations from a number of contractors and you can be sure you receive the best price quotation. Choose the Best Quartz Countertop
When you begin to choose a quartz countertop, you'll have to decide on color and pattern. Quartz countertops can have any color on the spectrum: white and gray neutrals to deep reds and blues. You can also get these countertops to mimic natural stone like marble or granite or for a more uniform pattern.
Beyond choosing color and pattern, you should also determine the edge profile of your quartz countertop. An edge profile simply refers to the shape at the edge of the countertop, and you'll have numerous options in which to select, such as square, beveled, or bullnose. The correct edge profile may just complete your countertop design to perfection while still reflecting the overall design intent.
Another factor in choosing a quartz countertop is the thickness of the slab. Quartz slabs come in half an inch to one quarter inch in thickness. The more substantial the slab is, the thicker it is and therefore looks and feels more massive. Thicker slabs are usually stronger and more resistant to chipping and cracking. For that reason, they make great selections for heavy traffic kitchens.
After finding that perfect quartz countertop to bring home, there are certain precautions needed in maintaining the same because of their high-quality maintenance over long years. To most of the relief of owners, these quartz countertops come very low on maintenance. This countertop merely needs some wiping down on a soap and water-based solution or any nonabrasive cleaner in case some spills and stains have made it through. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners since such may damage the surface.
While quartz countertops can be installed with DIY, almost every time it is better to hire professional installers in order to make sure that everything is done properly. It will be much easier for professionals to measure and cut a countertop for their space and to place it securely. They may also help you avoid making some costly mistakes and provide a great-looking countertop for the long run.
Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz countertops do not have to be sealed. However, it is very important to take proper care of your quartz countertop so that it will be beautiful for years to come. Apart from regular cleaning, it would be best if you did not place a hot pot or pan on the surface of the countertop since excessive heat will damage the countertop. Also, clean spills promptly to prevent staining.
Quartz countertops are highly resistant to many impacts, but sometimes an amount of force or heat will do the damage. You might need to get the damaged quartz countertop fixed because, if you keep leaving it that way, damage may be further accrued on it. Many installation service providers offer countertop repairing services, so leave that in their hands.
With proper care and maintenance, quartz countertops can last forever. Make sure to abide by the manufacturer's recommendation for cleaning and care of the countertop, so as not to damage it with abrasive cleaners or strong chemicals. With a bit of effort, your quartz countertop will remain just as beautiful as it looked on the day it was installed for years to come.