Quartz worktops continue to grow in popularity as modern-day homeowners are preferring this material for its practicality and beauty. Below are some myths and facts about quartz that will test your understanding and keep you in the know when choosing the perfect worktop surface for your home.
Fact or Fiction: Know The Difference
1.Fiction: Quartz is the hardest and most abundant mineral on Earth's crust.
Feldspar is actually the most abounding mineral found in the Earth's continental crust, and quartz is only coming in second place. Also, diamonds are the hardest minerals found on Earth.
2. Fact: Quartz worktops are engineered stones, thus, they are man-made.
Unlike natural granite slabs, which can be mined naturally on Earth, quartz worktop is a combination of polymer resins and natural quartz.
3. Fact: Quartz is a non-porous material so it does not need any sealing, which reduces the risk of harmful bacterial growth on the surface.
A lot of manufacturers now offer a wide variety of quartz worktops that are permanently sealed and are virtually maintenance-free. Most of them are also backed by a warranty so you can rest assured that you're getting your money's worth.
4. Fact: Quartz worktops can be made to look like marble, granite, and other natural stone materials.
By modifying the process during production, the texture of quartz can be changed to be coarse or fine. By combining pigments to the mix, the material can take on varying patterns and colours which most homeowners like to have.
5. Fiction: Quartz cracks and chips easily.
Quartz worktops are naturally dense and sturdy, making it highly resistant to cracks and chips.
6. Fact: Quartz is a great option for large kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Since it is produced in long, thick slabs, this material is ideal for large surfaces (such as kitchen islands and worktops) and can be installed in one big piece.
7. Fact: Quartz is resistant to high temperatures and tough stains.
8. Fiction: Quartz worktops is well-suited for outdoor kitchens that are exposed to direct sunlight.
Quartz is not recommended for outdoor installation. Although it is resistant to heat, prolonged heat exposure and direct sunlight can eventually damage this material.
9. Fiction: Granite is heavier than quartz and it has a unique veined appearance.
Quartz actually weighs more than granite slabs and it has a similar appearance due to its unique process during its production.
10. Fiction: All manufacturers of quartz worktops are designed equal.
Although there are quite a lot of quartz companies to choose from and all of which probably utilize the same type of equipment, the chemical formulas and manufacturing processes differ from one company to another. These unique factors are what sets one quartz product apart from the others, which in turn result in cost variations and the company's particular look in terms of appearance, colours, and finish.
We hope this has answered some of your inquiries regarding quartz worktops. You may not have known these things in the past, but now you have the knowledge as a well-informed consumer to make the soundest choice the next time you're in the hunt for some new worktops.
The Marble Store specializes in designing and manufacturing the finest quality worktops for their UK consumers. Over 16 years of experience in responding to the unique needs of the stone industry made them one of the grand producers of granite worktops in the country. Now, with the trust of most consumers, they are now able to produce different edge details and finishes that will make most homeowners fall in love with their creations.
