Quartz countertops are made from beautiful, crystalline slabs that come in a variety of colors and patterns. But if you’ve ever seen an actual piece of quartz, you might realize that the patterns of quartz counters look nothing like the natural stone. Although quartz counters do contain quartz, they aren’t made from solid slabs like granite or marble. Learn why these man-made counters are the perfect addition to your kitchen design.
How Engineered Quartz Is Made
Quartz counters are actually made from something called engineered quartz. This material is created by mixing chipped or crushed quartz with a strong thermoplastic resin. Once the resin hardens, the result is a solid slab with the properties of natural stone.
Engineered quartz is typically made with a ratio of 90% stone to 10% resin. The appearance of the counter is determined by the type of quartz, the way it’s processed, and the color of the resin. Thermoplastics come in a wide variety of colors, which means the range of choices for engineered quartz counters is truly endless.
The stone used for engineered quartz comes from leftover pieces that can’t be used for other projects. Some pieces of engineered quartz are made from the same batch of stone, while other slabs are made using several different types of quartz. Doing this can create a beautiful rainbow effect suspended within the resin.
The Benefits of Choosing Engineered Quartz
Engineered quartz looks just like natural stone, but it’s significantly more functional and efficient. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective or low-maintenance solution, there are plenty of reasons to choose this material for your kitchen or bathroom.
Durable: Engineered quartz is as strong and heat-resistant as other types of natural stone. The hardened resin adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that your counters will never chip or crack.
Beautiful: Quartz counters are known for their colorful and crystalline appearance. Some counters feature rainbow designs, while others have been made to mimic the natural patterns of granite and marble.
Low-Maintenance: Because engineered quartz is 10% resin, it doesn’t need to be sealed like marble or granite. Engineered quartz never stains and is incredibly easy to keep clean; just remember to avoid vinegar, bleach, and other harsh cleaners.
Eco-Friendly: Engineered quartz gives fabricators a way to recycle the leftover bits and pieces from their other projects. Stone isn’t a renewable resource, so it’s important to use every piece that has been quarried. When you install quartz counters, you can feel great about your impact on the economy and the environment.
Affordable: Engineered quartz is often significantly more affordable than granite or other types of natural stone. if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to add stone counters to your house, quartz is one of the best solutions on the market.
The invention of engineered quartz has made stone counters widely available to customers across the world. Contact Washington Marble Works to add beautiful quartz counters to your home.
