Quartz countertops |
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Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on the earth. It grows in clusters and does not form huge blocks like other natural stones. This is the only obstacle quartz itself cannot be used for countertops, but needs to be converted into engineered stone to make it usable. Quartz countertops contain combination of natural quartz with resin binders and desired color pigments. Proportion is usually 93% quartz to 7% resin. During the fabrication process different sizes and shapes of natural crystals of quartz grounded into smaller and uniformed pieces. Sizes of particles may vary from as fine as sand to as coarse as gravel. Smaller particles will create more uniformed color of a slab in the result. After that these grounded pieces mixed with resin and color pigments. Then, heated mixture poured into the mold, under the pressure will form a slab. Slab can be made desire thickness and edge finish. In most cases slab will not need a polishing, because quartz itself naturally shiny, but the surface can be honed to desire matte finish. Quartz countertops are very durable and scratch resistant. It is non porous material and does not require sealing, but it is recommended to wipe any liquid from the surface. When it comes to the installation it is a very heavy product. Seams are impossible to make invisible, but professional installer will make them hard to find. The greatest benefit of quartz countertop it is maintenance free. There is huge variety of colors available to choose from. Colors from the samples will match exactly color of the whole slab and it will be no surprises like with natural stone where the same color of the sample might be slightly different from the color of a whole slab. Even thought quartz is very tough it can be damaged with hard impact of sharp materials or very high temperature. It is recommended to use boards for cutting food and do not put hot pans directly on the surface of countertop, but instead use trivets for protection. |
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