Amazon
30 Nov
Design trends

What is Quartz?

The countertop market is enormous, with yearly sales in the billions of dollars. Naturally, there is strong competition as many businesses compete for consumers’ attention and make outrageous claims. Manufacturers of quartz countertops are constantly working to attract the market, and they do so by making grand statements and claims. Like with most information, it’s crucial to step back and consider whether these claims are accurate so that we all can make wise decisions. This article will help you know about Quartz as a material you can use for your home remodeling. 

What is Quartz?

One of the most abundant minerals, Quartz is composed of silicon dioxide and has a hexagonal structure. It can be discovered in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Quartz resists weathering both chemically and physically. The resistant quartz grains are accumulated in the soil, rivers, and beaches when quartz-bearing rocks are weathered and eroded. The white sands commonly seen in riverbeds and on beaches are normally made up primarily of Quartz with a small amount of white or pink feldspar. 

Quartz crystal can be found worldwide and in a wide variety of geological settings. Brazil and the United States are the two major suppliers of natural quartz crystals. The only use for natural Quartz, as it is found in nature, is as a gemstone. The quartz products you see in the market are manufactured.

What is Manufactured Quartz?

Geologically speaking, a manufactured quartz countertop is not the same as pure natural Quartz. Only quartzite, which is genuinely pure natural Quartz, meets that standard. Although artificial quartz surfaces are not entirely made of Quartz, they contain some quartz. Artificial quartz surfaces are composed of 70% to 93% quartz dust, plastic resin, pigments, and other chemicals. The mineral particles are bonded together by polyester resin. Depending on the design, the resin may be distributed uniformly across the slab in some instances or may have visible patches. The same is valid with pigments; some designs feature highlights or ribbons that are a different color. This is done in an effort to mimic the patterns found naturally in natural stone.

The materials are blended, and the product is then poured into a mold to create manufactured quartz slabs. Although different producers adopt various techniques, the slabs are cured from sludge to a solid using some form of vibration, compression, heat, and a vacuum.

Characteristics of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are manufactured products with some significant advantages over their natural stone counterparts. It is gradually being regarded as a superior option that gives any refurbished kitchen or bathroom a sleek, modern appearance. It adds beauty and functionality to any residential or business interior design project thanks to its attractive appearance, robust structure, and low maintenance requirements.

  1. Versatility

The pigments and resins that are utilized to make quartz countertops accomplish a number of goals. One of which is the plethora of appearances quartz counters come in. You can get quartz countertops resembling natural stones’ colors and patterns, such as marble and granite. Quartz’s adaptability and aesthetic value are other advantages. There are several colors to choose from, including cream, black, white, and gray. Unlike minerals like granite, Quartz also comes with a consistent color scheme across the entire surface. Because of this, it is simple to select quartz countertops or tiles that exactly complement the aesthetics of other surfaces around your house. Additionally, it offers a neat, minimalist aesthetic that many homeowners adore.

  1. Durability

The remarkable durability of Quartz makes it a popular choice. In terms of mineral hardness, quartz scores a 7 on the Mohs scale. Compared to other natural stones, it is less likely to break and shatter and is scratch resistant. However, extreme heat and abrupt temperature changes can cause cracking, as the surface is moderately heat-resistant. Due to its remarkable durability, Quartz can be maintained in nearly flawless condition for several years to come with the right measures. It is advised to place trivets beneath hot pots and pans. Quartz is a great choice for your house if you desire a long-lasting substance.

  1. Easy Maintenance 

Quartz’s nonporous and nonabsorbent nature is one of its best qualities. As a result, it is perfect for countertops in bathrooms and kitchens because it doesn’t promote harmful bacteria and microbes like mold. Quartz is a very hygienic surface. They are very simple to clean because of their nonporous nature. To clean your countertop, give it a gentle wash with soap and water. No special cleaning supplies are needed. In contrast to granite and marble, Quartz never has to be resealed or polished, making them simple to maintain throughout time.

How Much Does Quartz Countertop Cost?

Quartz countertops’ average price is between $50 and $70 per square foot. Depending on the kind and quality of the surface, the cost may exceed $150. Considering the many advantages of Quartz and how little maintenance it needs, this is definitely worth it.

21 Nov
Design trends, Informational

Is Porcelain durable for Countertops?

Considering how standard porcelain sinks and toilets are in bathrooms and kitchens, we are all pretty familiar with porcelain furnishings. But thanks to advancements in porcelain, there is now an ever-growing list of uses for this gorgeous material, including countertops. You might be interested in discovering more about the colors and patterns offered if you’re considering choosing porcelain for your home’s countertops. Because of the modern manufacturing methods used to produce this material, you can choose from an endless number of patterns and colors for your porcelain. You can also choose designs that remarkably resemble natural stone. However, you also need a surface that will withstand the demands of your household’s lifestyle. In high-traffic kitchens, can porcelain handle the workload? How does it stack up against other stone surfaces? We’re here to find out.

Is Porcelain Durable for Countertops?

If this is your first time using a large porcelain slab, you might be unsure about the durability of this kind of surface. Porcelain is an excellent choice for you if you are concerned about the countertops’ lack of sturdiness and strength. The strength of porcelain countertops is more than that of other materials like granite, in addition to being incredibly durable and long-lasting. Since porcelain is not fragile, it is suitable for a variety of places, including countertops. The feldspars, mineral oxides, and silica found in kaolinite clay, which is used to make porcelain, give the surface extraordinary strength. However, the way the porcelain is treated is what really contributes to its astounding hardness. It is fired at temperatures of up to 2,500 degrees in a kiln. Porcelain slabs form a firm, solid structure resilient to all sorts of damage once they have cooled. Additionally, porcelain surfaces don’t need to be sealed, so you will never worry about resealing them once they are placed. Its strength has remained intact from the day it was installed. And due to its manufacturing process, it is very resistant to heat. 

Porcelain’s characteristics make it suitable for a wide variety of applications. Porcelain slab is applied in a range of applications because of their strength and flexibility. The most common areas to utilize porcelain slabs are in bathrooms and kitchens, though they can also be used on walls or fireplaces. As it is heat and UV-resistant, you can also use porcelain counters in your outdoor kitchen or dining area. 

Do Porcelain Countertops Chip and Crack?

According to the Mohs scale, marble scores around 3-5, granite is 6-7, and quartzite and manufactured quartz are around 7. Compared to these popular countertop materials, the hardness of porcelain can be up to 30% more than that of granite. As a result, porcelain is incredibly resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks.

However, you should consider the possibility of a porcelain kitchen countertop chipping or cracking. It is very sturdy but not totally immune to damage. Nonetheless, the porcelain slab is highly resilient and withstands normal wear and tear well. For anyone who enjoys cooking and wants a gorgeous surface that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, porcelain countertops are perfect. Porcelain is a truly magnificent option for kitchen countertops because it is not only resistant to chipping and scratches but also simple to clean and sanitize. However, it would help if you were careful not to drop anything heavy around its edges. The strength of this countertop material, like other materials, is lesser around the edges.

Is it reparable? 

As I’ve mentioned above, porcelain countertops are strong and can withstand a substantial amount of abuse, but accidents happen. In case of such accidents that lead to the porcelain countertop being damaged, how easy is it to repair? You can use a porcelain repair kit to fix a chip in your porcelain slab surface on your own. It’s best to change the porcelain surface if the damage is severe. It is uncommon for porcelain slabs to chip or break; therefore, this shouldn’t be a problem with normal use. You shouldn’t expect any cracking in the surface over time if the porcelain slab was put accurately by a certified professional.

Conclusion

As you can see, porcelain is a quality surface that offers a great degree of versatility, strength, and overall performance. It is also simple to maintain. They are sleek, elegant, UV-resistant, resistant to wear and tear and come in a variety of colors and designs. You can even alter the thickness and edge styles. The main drawbacks of porcelain countertops center on their superficial beauty. Even though it is unlikely you’ll damage your porcelain countertop, it’s almost certain that any cracks or faults will be visible in case of an accident. However, there are some manufacturers that have started making porcelain countertops with designs that aren’t just skin-deep. Even so, porcelain’s advantages ultimately exceed its disadvantages, placing it among the greatest countertop materials available. So, with the proper preparation and maintenance, porcelain countertops can undoubtedly be both a functional and stylish option for your modern kitchen.

Amazon
08 Nov
Design trends, Informational

Is Quartzite good for countertops?

All the designs, colors, and materials can be overwhelming when trying to work out which would suit your home. Quartzite is a naturally formed metamorphic rock made from sandstone. Quartzite has silently become one of the popular picks among the usual choices of marble and granite. With the beauty of marble and the strength of granite, most consider Quartzite a great investment. 

Is Quartzite a Good Choice for Countertops?

Just like marble, Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed under intense pressure. It is a mixture of quartz and sandstone that recrystallizes under extreme temperatures. This results in quartz grains getting interlocked to form a durable rock with immense strength. Let’s see why Quartzite would make an excellent countertop for your bathroom and kitchen. 

  1. Cost

While Quartzite can be a tad bit expensive compared to granite, it is still cheaper than high-quality marble. As Quartzite ranks higher on the Mohs scale, its shaping and installation require better equipment and diamond-tipped drills. So, the cost goes up. Quartzite is compared to marble rather than granite due to its similar design and patterns, so if you’re a fan of marble but find it a bit costly, the cost of Quartzite will seem reasonable. What is a little price tag when you get such elegance in your home, right?

2. Durability

Countertops see a lot of activity, especially the ones in the kitchen. A countertop must be able to withstand occasional utensil drops, heat from a pan, and other wear and tear. While proper care is required for all countertops to ensure their longevity, Quartzite is a naturally strong mineral so you don’t have to be too careful around it.  

3. Maintenance

Quartzite has high porosity in its natural state. Since all the quantize countertops are sealed before use, you don’t have to worry about stains and cleaning. However, you need to regularly clean it and at least annually reseal it to ensure its longevity. As for cleaning, you can use any soft wipe cloth with soap and water. Moreover, the sealant also provides resistance against bacteria or mold, making the kitchen and bathroom a hygienic space.  

4. UV Resistant 

The formation of Quartzite requires extreme heat and pressure, so it is obvious to say it is heat and UV-resistant. So, using it as a kitchen countertop where it is frequently around hot pans and stoves is a good choice. It is also suitable for outdoor cooking spaces where it is exposed to natural light. The heat and UV from natural light will not damage quartzite countertops preventing the color from fading over time. 

5. Looks

Quartzite may have fewer color selections compared to other natural stones, but the available colors can still be personalized to match your aesthetics. As for the color selection, you will find Quartzite in neutral colors such as black, brown, gray, and beige, and sometimes with contrasting colors such as purple, and blue due to the presence of other minerals and oxidization. Quartzite offers earthly looks with beautiful swirly veins. It resembles marble but is slightly cheaper; perfect for modern houses. 

How is Quartzite countertop compared to other natural stones?

Due to its name, you might think quartz and Quartzite are closely related – it’s not. Although there are all-natural quartz countertops, most of the quartz countertop available in the market is manufactured. It is manufactured using a little bit of natural quartz mineral mixed with resin and recycled waste. While Quartzite is a natural stone. 

Quartzite is often mistaken for marble due to these two minerals sharing similar looks. They are both metamorphic stones formed under extreme heat and pressure. However, Quartzite is much stronger than marble. Marble has a Mohs score of 3, whereas Quartzite is 7.

When compared to granite, Quartzite tends to be slightly harder. Both can withstand the abuse of drops, heat, acidic foods, and such. Both require low maintenance and occasional sealing. There isn’t much difference between them in case of characteristics, but the designs vary.

Warp Up

There is no hard and fast rule when choosing a mineral for a countertop when remodeling a house. There are many choices and even more design options. However, there are certain factors you need to consider based on your vision. You need to keep in mind the cost of materials, compatibility with other furniture, installation, and, most importantly, your personal preferences. Remodeling might not be that difficult; it is the choices that make it difficult. Hopefully, the catalogs at Tez Marble can make the remodeling journey easier.